1. Introduction

Shopping for prescription or fashion glasses online often leads to decision fatigue, sizing issues, and uncertainty about how frames will look on one’s face. This case study explores designing an intuitive mobile app that helps users seamlessly find, try, and purchase glasses with confidence.

2. Problem Statements

• Uncertainty in fit: Users find it difficult to know whether frames will suit their face shape and size.

• Complex prescriptions: Uploading and interpreting prescription details is often confusing.

• Overwhelming catalog: A large number of frame options without personalization makes the selection process tiring.

• Lack of trust: Users hesitate to buy glasses online due to quality and return concerns.

3. Proposed Solutions

• AR Virtual Try-On: Enable users to preview how frames look on their face in real time.

• Smart Recommendations: Use AI to suggest frames based on face shape, preferences, and past purchases.

• Simple Prescription Upload: Scan or directly upload prescriptions with guided steps for accuracy.

• Clear Return Policies: Highlight hassle-free return/exchange options to build trust.

• Personalized Filters: Quick filters (face shape, style, price range, color) for faster decision-making.

4. Empathy Map

User: A busy professional who wears glasses daily and wants to order stylish, affordable, and well-fitting frames online.

• Says:

  • “I want glasses that fit my face perfectly.”

  • “I’m not sure if these frames will suit me.”

  • “I need this process to be quick and hassle-free.”

• Thinks:

  • “Will these look good in real life?”

  • “Is my prescription entered correctly?”

  • “What if I need to return them?”

• Feels:

  • Excited about new frames.

  • Anxious about making the wrong choice.

  • Frustrated with unclear options.

• Does:

  • Browses multiple sites.

  • Compares prices and styles.

  • Reads reviews before purchasing.

5. User Journey Map

6. Usability Testing

Method

• Conducted with 8 participants (4 existing glasses users, 4 new buyers).

• Tasks included: browsing catalog, using AR try-on, uploading prescription, completing checkout.

Key Findings

1. Users loved the AR try-on but requested better lighting guidance.

2. Some struggled with uploading prescriptions due to unclear image quality requirements.

3. Filtering options reduced browsing time significantly.

4. Return policy visibility improved trust during checkout.

7. Solutions Based on Findings

• Add AR try-on tips (e.g., good lighting, camera alignment).

• Improve prescription upload with step-by-step tutorial & sample image.

• Keep filters visible and customizable at the top of catalog pages.

• Show return policy & customer support at multiple touchpoints (product page, checkout).

8. User Personas

Persona 1 – “The Practical Buyer”

• Name: Sarah, 32

• Occupation: HR Manager

• Needs: Reliable glasses for daily office use, quick checkout.

• Pain Points: Confused by prescription input, doesn’t want to waste time browsing.

• Goals: Find frames quickly, ensure prescription accuracy.

Persona 2 – “The Fashion Enthusiast”

• Name: Jay, 24

• Occupation: Content Creator

• Needs: Stylish frames that complement outfits.

• Pain Points: Hard to visualize online, wants multiple styles.

• Goals: Try on different looks virtually, share for feedback.

Persona 3 – “The Budget-Conscious Parent”

• Name: Ravi, 40

• Occupation: Engineer & Father of Two

• Needs: Affordable glasses for himself and kids.

• Pain Points: Unsure about durability, doesn’t want return hassles.

• Goals: Affordable, trustworthy purchase with easy returns.

Project Overview

Visionary is a mobile-first e-commerce app designed to simplify the process of buying prescription and fashion glasses online. The goal is to create a seamless, personalized, and confidence-boosting experience for users who want to shop for eyewear without visiting a physical store.

🧩 Problem Statements

1. Lack of Confidence in Fit & Style Users struggle to visualize how glasses will look on their face, leading to hesitation and cart abandonment.

2. Complex Prescription Input Entering prescription details is confusing for many users, especially first-time buyers.

3. Overwhelming Product Choices Users feel overwhelmed by the number of options and filters, making decision-making difficult.

💡 Solutions

• Virtual Try-On Feature using AR to preview glasses on the user’s face.

• Prescription Helper Tool that guides users step-by-step with visual cues.

• Style Quiz & Smart Recommendations to narrow down choices based on face shape, lifestyle, and preferences.

• Simplified Checkout with saved prescriptions and easy reordering.

👥 Personas

👩 Persona 1: Emily – The Fashion-Forward Student

👨 Persona 2: Mark – The Practical Professional

🧠 Empathy Maps

Emily – The Fashion-Forward Student

Mark – The Practical Professional

🗺️ User Journey Maps

Emily’s Journey

Mark’s Journey

🧪 Usability Test

🎯 Test Goals

• Evaluate ease of navigation

• Test clarity of prescription input

• Assess effectiveness of virtual try-on

👥 Participants

• 5 users (3 new, 2 returning)

• Mix of age, tech comfort, and eyewear experience

🔍 Key Findings

• 80% found the AR try-on helpful but wanted better lighting guidance

• 60% struggled with entering prescription details

• 100% appreciated the style quiz and recommendations

🚀 Enhancements Based on Findings

• Add Lighting Tips to AR try-on for better accuracy

• Prescription Scanner using camera to auto-fill details

• Progressive Disclosure for filters to reduce overwhelm

• Live Chat Support during checkout for real-time help