Vega
Role
Team
The vision
Vega is a portable skincare device paired with a companion app that analyzes your skin in real-time and predicts how skincare products will interact with your skin—before you even apply them.
With its AI-driven skin scanner and reaction mirror, Vega empowers users to make smarter, more sustainable skincare choices—minimizing waste, preventing irritation, and taking the guesswork out of skincare.
Why it works?
Uses real-time skin analysis to detect unique skin needs.
Provides personalized product recommendations before purchase.
Reduces wasted products and overconsumption by helping users buy only what works.
Seamlessly integrates into daily routines through a sleek, user-friendly app.
Timeline
Project date
When choices overwhelm, confidence fades
Today’s skincare market is overflowing with options. Millions of individuals, struggle to navigate the noise, often relying on social media trends that lead to waste, adverse reactions, and frustration. Despite advancements in skincare technology, there remains a lack of accessible, affordable tools that provide personalized insights into real-time skin conditions.
The struggle for clear skin
Too Many Choices: Thousands of products, endless trends, conflicting advice.
Wasted Money: 70% of users have purchased skincare that didn’t work.
Harmful Reactions: Over 50% of users have experienced breakouts or irritation from new products.
Lack of Personalized Data: Most consumers rely on trial and error, not science-backed insights.
Opportunity
What if you could scan your skin, test a product’s reaction, and get instant insights—before you even apply it? That’s where Vega comes in.
Turning challenges into solutions
For individuals, skincare has always been a journey filled with frustration - confusion over products, adverse reactions, and a lack of accessible tools to analyze skin needs. Despite advancements in skincare technology, many consumers face an overwhelming market without clear guidance tailored to their unique skin conditions.
How might we's
How might we empower people to confidently navigate their skincare journey without being swayed by unreliable trends?
How might we create a sustainable, informed approach to beauty?
The research process
To create a truly user-centered skincare device, we conducted extensive research into consumer skincare habits, frustrations, and needs.
8 in-depth user interviews with skincare enthusiasts and beginners.
14 usability tests on Vega’s device and app experience.
Survey data from 100+ users about their skincare struggles.
Key findings
88% of users struggle to find products that work for their skin.
78% waste money on products they never finish.
100% of participants wanted a way to predict skin reactions before buying a product.
Our goal
To create a seamless, science-backed skincare experience that makes informed choices effortless.
Understanding the struggle
Through research, we discovered key pain points faced by individuals aged 18-24 who cannot afford regular dermatological care. Their challenges include product overconsumption, adverse skin reactions, and lack of personalized solutions. These insights shaped Vega into a tool for real-time skin analysis, empowering users to embrace effective and sustainable skincare practices.
How it works
Scan Your Skin: The device analyzes real-time skin conditions.
Test a Product: See how your skin would react before applying it.
Get Personalized Insights: Tailored recommendations based on your skin’s needs.
Make Smarter Choices: Avoid wasting money and reduce skincare overconsumption.
Key features
Portable Skin Scanner: Easily integrates into your daily routine.
AI-Powered Reaction Mirror: Previews skin reactions before product use.
Companion App: Tracks your skin’s needs over time and recommends tailored routines.
Sustainability-Focused: Reduces product waste by preventing unnecessary purchases.
Why existing solutions are falling short
We examined existing skincare apps, dermatology tools, and beauty tech devices. While some offered product recommendations, none provided real-time skin reaction analysis—leaving consumers stuck in a cycle of trial and error.
AI Skincare Apps: Offer general advice, but lack real-time skin diagnostics.
Smart Mirrors: Focus on visual analysis, but don’t track skin reactions to products.
Dermatology Tests: Expensive, inaccessible, and require multiple appointments.
Vega fills this gap by offering an affordable, on-the-go solution for real-time skincare analysis.
Bringing ideas to life
From brainstorming to prototyping, the journey to Vega’s final form involved user-centered design. We developed low-fidelity sketches, iterated through 3D models, and tested extensively with real users to ensure functionality and ease of use. The result? A device that seamlessly integrates into daily life.
User testing: Real users, real feedback, real growth
We didn’t just design; we listened. Three rounds of prototyping and testing helped refine Vega's interface and device functionality. Feedback from users highlighted accessibility needs, usability concerns, and areas for improvement, ensuring every interaction felt intuitive and effective. Prototyping was a collaborative process with 14 participants who helped refine Vega’s usability.
What users loved
90% found Vega easy to use and integrate into their routine.
80% said it helped them make better skincare purchases.
100% felt more confident in their skincare choices after using Vega.
Key design iterations
Improved LED Signal Positioning: For clearer scanning feedback.
Automated Test Reservoir: Starts analyzing instantly when a product is applied.
Simplified Scanner Design: More intuitive for first-time users.
Skincare reimagined for clarity and confidence
Vega offers a seamless blend of technology and design. It scans and analyzes your skin in real time, using a reaction mirror to predict product effects. Through its companion app, users gain personalized recommendations that minimize waste and maximize results. Vega isn’t just a device - it’s a partner in mindful beauty.
The Vega Device
Advanced Skin Scanner: Detects hydration levels, irritation risks, and product compatibility.
LED Indicator System: Signals safe vs. harmful reactions in real time.
Sustainable Design: Encourages mindful product use and reduces waste.
The Vega App
Real-Time Skin Analysis: Tracks changes and recommends adjustments.
Smart Shopping Assistant: Suggests only products that match your skin’s needs.
Product History & Routine Builder: Helps users track what works (and what doesn’t).
