Virtual Fitting Room (backup)

Designed an immersive XR shopping experience to reduce returns and improve customer confidence in online clothing purchases

The Problem Space

Fast fashion is harming our planet and our businesses, particularly due to generous free returns policies. Online shopping lacks the confidence provided by physical fitting rooms, leaving customers unsure of fit and comfort, and resulting in a far higher rate of returns. This project sought to bridge that gap by creating a Virtual Fitting Room, combining the trust of a physical fitting room with the convenience of online shopping.

Responsibilities

I led the development of one of Publicis Sapient’s first Extended Reality (XR) proof-of-concepts. My role involved managing the project’s 3-month delivery timeline on top of regular client work, shaping the vision for a digital fitting experience, and getting hands-on with the design team to explore how our problem space might be addressed by XR technologies.

Design Process

1. Inspiration:
• A viral video showing a miniature digital twin overlay on garments sparked the idea for a more immersive, customer-centric online shopping solution.
2. Research & Ideation:
• Investigated customer pain points around fit confidence and environmental impact.
• Explored how XR technologies could address these issues while creating a delightful user experience.

1. Development:
• Designed a personalisable mannequin tailored to user measurements using Unity 3D and React.
• Our team collaborated with Snapchat’s Lens team to create an AR lens using their SDK to complete the virtual fitting room experience on mobile.
• Integrated specification data from fashion retailers to construct accurate 3D garment models.
• Built a comfort map feature to visually indicate garment fit against body measurements.

4. Prototyping & Testing:
• Partnered with Snapchat to develop an AR lens, enabling customers to “try on” garments virtually through mobile-friendly XR technology.
• Conducted iterative testing to refine rigging, rendering, and user experience.

Outcomes

• Innovative Customer Experience:
• Delivered a Virtual Fitting Room proof-of-concept that enhances customer confidence by visualising garment fit and comfort through XR.
• Opportunity for participants of Publicis Sapient’s Metaverse course to gain practical experience with XR technology and create sales material for their web3 practice.

• Recognition:
• Helped Publicis Sapient secure XR-related client projects and earn recognition as a market leader in Metaverse Services by HFS Research.

• Sustainability Impact:
• Highlighted how XR technology could reduce environmental strain by decreasing the volume of returns caused by fit issues.

Evolution

• Digitising Inventory: Developing a scalable 3D modeling service for manufacturers to quickly digitise their inventory would expand the feasibility of this shopping experience.
• Improved Realism: Advancements in garment rigging and rendering could provide customers with an even more realistic preview, further improving trust and satisfaction.
• Dynamic Garments: Making use of advancements in haptic feedback materials could enable online shoppers to “feel the fit” of a garment before it’s shipped to them, for example with a garment whose fibres tighten or loosen in key areas.