Our smart closet control panel provides our users with the ability to do the following:
In the initial brainstorming phase, the concept for the smart closet system considered integrating hardware elements such as a smart mirror or a wall-mounted touchscreen that would be connected to the internet. These interactive displays would serve as the primary interfaces for users to interact with the system, providing a visual representation of their wardrobe and enabling seamless control. To enhance the scanning process, potential hardware options included using devices like an iPhone or a sensor mounted at the top of the closet door. This strategic placement aimed to optimize the scanning of items within the closet, ensuring a convenient and efficient user experience. Moreover, the incorporation of RFID or NFC tags inside garments emerged as a key component of the proposed system. This RFID/NFC technology played a pivotal role in tracking and managing the inventory within the smart closet. Alternatively, the system could also integrate with hangtags that accompany clothing items. These hangtags presented an opportunity to automate data entry, particularly when provided by clothing manufacturers or companies in partnership with the hardware device selling the smart closet system. This collaboration between clothing manufacturers and the smart closet system could streamline the tagging process, ensuring that garments are automatically recognized and cataloged within the system, enhancing the overall efficiency and accuracy of the wardrobe management process. This early exploration of hardware options and RFID/NFC hang tag integration aimed to create a comprehensive and user-friendly smart closet solution.
Early ideas were to use hardware like a smart mirror or wall mounted touch screen that’s connected to the internet, combined with scanning devices like a iPhone or a sensor mounted into top of closet door along with an RFID/NFC tag inside the garment. Or it can work with hang tags that come with the clothing. These hangtags could also help automate alot of the data if the tag is from a company or clothing manufacturer who has a partnership with the hardware device that sells the system.
During an in-person review of our smart closet prototype sketches, two users provided valuable feedback that highlighted key considerations for the system's functionality. One user emphasized the importance of a "Check in / Check out" master button, appreciating its potential to streamline the user experience by allowing them to indicate the system's activity status and scan multiple items consecutively. The discussion then shifted to the organizational aspect within the closet, with another user expressing curiosity about the role organization could play in the system's functionality.
The users also raised intriguing ideas, such as incorporating an EZ-Pass-like feature to track movements in and out of doorways, enhancing the system's convenience. Additionally, there was a shared interest in receiving outfit suggestions based on weather forecasting and refining the shopping experience through personalized recommendations, including items for specific occasions, coordination with most-worn items, and suggestions similar to the user's existing wardrobe. The role of hangers intrigued the users, with a suggestion that placing a hanger back on the rail could potentially signal that the associated clothing item had been cleaned, adding an innovative dimension to the closet's functionality. Questions were raised about handling users who store dirty clothes in a hamper within the closet, the compatibility of the system with shoe tracking, and the inclusion of a search feature in the shopping experience, particularly one that enables users to search based on a budget. These thoughtful comments shed light on diverse perspectives and considerations, helping the ongoing development of our smart closet prototype.
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The physical prototype of the smart closet, utilizing RFID tags to track clothes, is designed with the user's convenience and seamless interaction in mind. The integration of RFID technology ensures a quick and efficient method for adding and managing items within the closet. This choice aligns with the objective of simplifying the user's experience, as RFID tags can be easily scanned, allowing for swift updates to the inventory. The utilization of a smartwatch as the primary interface enhances portability and accessibility, empowering users to interact with their closet effortlessly from anywhere in their home.
The decision to incorporate a tablet/monitor within the closet provides a visual representation of the inventory updates in real-time, enhancing user engagement and making the process more intuitive. The smartwatch serves as a versatile control hub, facilitating actions such as adding new items, retrieving outfit suggestions, checking wear history, tagging items for sharing, receiving event-specific outfit suggestions, shopping for complementary items, and accessing a friend's closet inventory. This comprehensive approach ensures that the smart closet becomes an integral part of the user's daily routine, offering a holistic solution for wardrobe management.
The design process for the smart closet prototype follows a user-centric approach, addressing key scenarios in a typical wardrobe management routine. The initial step involves seamless integration with the user's purchase of new clothing items, leveraging RFID technology for a hassle-free addition to the closet. The smartwatch serves as the primary input device, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly interaction across various functionalities.
The incorporation of features such as outfit suggestions, wear history tracking, and event-specific recommendations reflects a deep understanding of the user's needs and preferences. The iterative design process involves user feedback loops, refining the interface and functionality to align with the user's evolving requirements. The tagging system for sharing items extends the functionality beyond personal use, fostering a sense of community and social interaction.
Moreover, the smart closet's ability to sync with a friend's closet system demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, enabling a collaborative and shared wardrobe experience. The user's ability to browse, comment, and borrow items from a friend's closet expands the scope of the smart closet beyond individual use, enhancing its versatility.
In summary, the design process is driven by a user-centric philosophy, prioritizing simplicity, accessibility, and collaboration. The integration of RFID technology, smartwatch interface, and collaborative features ensures a holistic and innovative solution for effective wardrobe management.