Simplifying Product Discovery in large retail stores with an AR-Powered Mobile App
Domain
E-Commerce
Platform
Web and Mobile
Services
Research
UX Strategy
Business Analysis
UX Design
UI Design
Our client envisioned an AR-based mobile app that simplifies the way customers find products inside large retail stores. We collaborated closely with them to define the experience from scratch. From the initial vision to a fully designed, developer-ready product,
we delivered end-to-end UX/UI.
This project aimed to enhance customer satisfaction, reduce in-store confusion, and use technology to guide shopping journeys. What followed was a deep, research-driven design process powered by strategy and innovation.
The
Challenge
Large retail stores often leave shoppers feeling lost, especially when they’re looking for multiple items. The lack of a digital solution for real-time, indoor navigation was a huge gap. Our client wanted to create
a seamless, intuitive AR experience that helped users locate products effortlessly.
The solution had to be accurate, lightweight, and easy for any user to understand. We had to think beyond traditional UI to integrate real-world spaces with digital overlays.
- No in-store navigation solutions available
- Long product search times frustrated shoppers
- Store staff overwhelmed with location queries
- Needed easy onboarding for tech-averse users
- AR navigation had to feel natural and engaging
Discovery & UX Strategy
We started by building detailed personas from interviews and observations. Mapped out end-to-end journeys to capture user emotions and pain points. Defined key needs like faster product discovery and ease of use. This phase aligned design direction with both user and business goals. It laid the strategic foundation for everything that followed.
Ideate
With personas in hand, we explored possible design directions rapidly. From camera-first AR to map-based views, we tested many flows. Collaborated with the client on what felt most natural for users. Kept simplicity and familiarity at the center of every idea. The outcome was a strong concept ready for prototyping.
Wireframes
We created mid-fidelity wireframes to outline app interactions and layout. Focused on intuitive navigation, quick access, and list creation flows. Each screen had a clear purpose with minimal learning curve. It helped stakeholders visualize the product before investing in design. These wireframes became the backbone of our UX.
Design
The UI was crafted to be clean, modern, and accessible. AR overlays were designed to stand out in real environments. Colors and typography followed brand tones with strong contrast. Micro-interactions were added for engagement and delight. Final screens balanced usability, aesthetics, and business impact.
Outcome & Impact
The pilot launch showed impressive results across all KPIs. Shoppers were able to find products faster and rated the experience highly. Store staff reported fewer interruptions, and the app became a talking point among regular customers. Our client saw the ROI in user satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- 70% reduction in average search time per customer
- 35% drop in staff queries about product location
- Over 80% users preferred AR navigation over manual search
- Positive feedback from both users and store partners
Key Takeaways
This project validated the power of human-centered design in AR interfaces. By combining empathy with innovation, we made technology feel magical and useful. Strategic UX not only enhanced user experience but also boosted store productivity. This was a great example of turning friction into flow through good design. We learned, adapted, and delivered with impact.
- AR must serve real needs, not just add novelty
- Empathy-driven design leads to adoption and delight
- Iteration is essential—test early, test often
- Collaborating with devs ensures design fidelity
- Great UX turns tech into business value
