LUMI
Goal
Develop a native mobile application that enables users—particularly skincare beginners—to create safe and effective routines by providing clear, science-based guidance on ingredient compatibility alongside intuitive tracking tools.
My Role
Wireframing, UI, Prototyping, User Flow, User Testing, Typography, Style Guides, Mobile App Design
Industry
Skincare
Client
Career Foundry Project
Type
UI Case Study
Date
2023
Overview
Context
Skincare can be overwhelming—especially for beginners trying to navigate a world full of products and advice influenced more by trends than science. While many skincare apps help users track routines, they rarely explain which ingredients shouldn’t be mixed—something that can lead to irritation or long-term damage. For those just starting out, this lack of education creates an overwhelming and risky experience where the goal of self-care becomes a source of frustration.
Problem
Without proper guidance, users may combine incompatible products, blame the wrong items for bad results, or give up on skincare entirely. Most apps don't offer insight into why routines fail—they only show that they do. This leaves users guessing, potentially damaging their skin and losing trust in the process.
Solution
I designed a native mobile app for iOS and Android that combines intuitive routine tracking with ingredient education, helping users build safer, more effective skincare habits. By translating scientific information into approachable guidance, the app supports users in making informed decisions. The app empowers users to care for their skin with clarity and confidence.
Research
The skincare market is growing rapidly, but many users—especially beginners—struggle with current apps due to key issues. A clear opportunity to develop a skincare app that combines simple, intuitive design with science-based education—empowering users to make informed choices and safely build effective routines tailored to their skin.
Lack of Ingredient Interaction Warnings:
Most skincare apps fail to educate users about which ingredients should not be mixed. This gap leads to adverse skin reactions, confusion, and mistrust, as users often blame products rather than harmful combinations.Overcomplicated User Interfaces:
Many apps prioritize extensive features over usability, resulting in cluttered, confusing layouts that overwhelm users. This complexity discourages sustained engagement, particularly for those new to skincare.Limited Product Databases:
Incomplete or outdated product catalogs force users to manually input product details, reducing the app’s convenience and discouraging consistent use.
Process
I began by mapping a clear user flow—from onboarding and skincare assessment to routine building and product compatibility checks. With usability and clarity top of mind, I designed intuitive wireframes and created a flexible component system supported by a cohesive style guide. To ensure cross-platform usability, I aligned all designs with iOS Human Interface and Material Design guidelines.
After building a functional prototype, I conducted user testing to validate the flow and uncover pain points. Feedback led to key refinements, especially in how ingredient compatibility and routine suggestions were communicated—making the experience not just functional, but truly supportive.
Key Takeaways
One of the biggest challenges was designing within the constraints of both iOS Human Interface Guidelines and Material Design. It pushed me to make thoughtful decisions—adhering to usability standards while still crafting a distinct, trustworthy brand aesthetic.
User testing revealed how even small shifts in language or layout could build trust and confidence. It reminded me that good design listens, evolves, and puts people first.
Creating a design system and reusable components helped me stay organized and scalable, ensuring consistency while speeding up iterations.
