Weathrobe

Product Experience

‍Problem Space 

Problem Statement  

“How might we enhance the experience of selecting appropriate clothing for commuters during their daily journeys, ensuring comfort and adaptability in changing weather, to encourage consistent and practical decision-making without impeding their commuting experience?”

Problem Background  

Every day, billions of individuals worldwide rely on public transportation for their daily commutes -American Public Transportation Association. This daily routine is significantly influenced by the whims of the weather, and, quite often, commuters are caught unprepared for abrupt changes in weather conditions. Balancing comfort, style, and functionality during a daily commute while considering the unpredictability of weather is a formidable challenge.'

Our recent research has actively focused on understanding the daily experiences of commuters influenced by these unpredictable weather changes. Through user interviews and extensive surveys, we've gathered valuable insights from thirty participants, unveiling shared challenges faced by these commuters. An overwhelming majority, around 83%, expressed discomfort and inconvenience due to these unforeseen weather shifts during their daily commutes. The difficulties stem from the impractical nature of clothing choices (33.3% found it challenging to anticipate and dress appropriately for daily commute weather, and 46.7% struggled at times),the strain of managing extra clothing, and the concerns of misplacing or forgetting these items while in transit. The data obtained from this research effectively portrays the prevalence and gravity of this issue. 

Our interviews with three individuals provided insights into their daily preparation for commuting. The interviewees revealed that two primary factors influenced their clothing decisions: the specific occasion, such as work or social events, and the prevailing weather. The critical challenge they face is balancing these factors to avoid appearing underdressed for the occasion or inappropriately dressed for the prevailing weather. All three interviewees stated that they rarely reflect on their clothing choices to improve future decisions because their overall experience with making clothing decisions for their daily commute is largely good. However, in the 48 hours leading up to the interview, each of them encountered situations that made them reflect on their clothing choices. Their experiences revealed a pivotal insight; while the overall experience might be acceptable, unforeseen weather changes can disrupt this balance.

In conclusion, the problem is robustly substantiated by data and personal narratives. The practical inconveniences encountered during daily commuting due to impractical clothing choices are manifest and urgent, necessitating a thoughtful, technology-driven solution. This problem is not just about comfort; it is about enhancing the quality of commute.

Research Insights

User Pain Points

Based on  the research carried out among 33 adults (23 Women, 10 Men) across Canada in surveys & user interviews, I identified the below as the pain points of commuters when it comes to weather-related clothing decision;

• Uncertainty of weather forecasts leading to impractical clothing choices.
• Stress and inconvenience of managing extra clothing throughout the day

Supporting Data

Almost all the survey participants (83%) have encountered discomfort or inconvenience due to unexpected weather changes during their commute

Feedback

The insights gathered from the survey and interviews underscore the need for a solution that addresses the inconvenience and discomfort associated with carrying extra clothing during daily commutes, particularly when faced with unpredictable weather changes. Their dependence on weather apps indicate an opportunity to enhance the overall commuting experience by providing practical and adaptable solutions for clothing decisions.

Landing on the Solution

From the user interviews we learned that commuters depend on weather apps for their commute. Most weather apps offer a range of forecasts and meteorological data, providing users with daily, hourly, or weekly weather predictions. These applications generally offer insights into temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and occasionally, air quality. However, while these apps are highly informative, they lack the personal touch necessary for tailored clothing advice. They inform users of the weather conditions but fall short in guiding them on what clothing might be ideal for those conditions, especially during transitions in weather throughout the day.

Explanation of Solution 

The proposed solution will go beyond conventional weather apps by integrating innovative technology to not only predict the weather but also provide clothing recommendations based on individual preferences and the specific weather conditions. It aims to bridge the gap between knowing the weather and making the right clothing choices for the day. By soliciting immediate feedback from users about their comfort level and experiences throughout the day, the app would refine its clothing recommendations. This feature is absent in current weather apps, which offer static, one-time forecasts without the ability to adjust recommendations according to changing conditions and personal comfort.

Future Steps

Design the user flow of the app and develop a functional prototype to showcase the app's features and potential

Refine my pitch with the functional prototype to clearly articulate the problem weathrobe solves and how it stands out in the market.

Actively seek sponsors who align with the vision of Weathrobe. Or(and) assemble a team of agile professionals to develop the app and ensure technical excellence and user-centric design.

Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that focuses on the app's unique features, and tailor the strategies for different phases of the app launch.

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