Sunday, September 11, 2011

Week 1- Project Idea


When tasked with finding an entrepreneurial idea I admit I was a little lost so I decided to explore a topic I know, fashion.  Recently I read a very interesting article about a new “Smart Mirror” designed at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute of Textiles and Clothing. This mirror is meant to be installed in dressing rooms of clothing stores where the mirror will recognize items brought into rooms and make suggestions to buyers acting as an inanimate shopping consultant. My idea stems from the idea of the Smart Mirror.  Knowing how inconvenient it is to try on several different things only to take them off again, isn’t it about time that we could stand in front of a mirror and see the image of what we want to try on projected in front of us without ever having to put it on?  In addition, the mirror should allow you to save a picture of the outfit which you can then message to a friend, share with your followers on Twitter, or post as a mobile upload to your Facebook profile. The world of shopping is in dire need of a new, smarter mirror.

The evolution of computers has made it possible for so much more than anyone imagined the descendants of the Mark I would be able to do.  Moore’s Law tells us that the power of computing will double every 24 months and this trend shows no sign of stopping. No longer are computers 5 tons. The portability of computers has enabled developers to reach to computerize just about anything from touch screen cell phones to review mirrors in which you can check the weather and read your email.   Because of this, I feel that it is not out of reach to develop a product such as the one I have proposed.

Just as the power of computers has increased tremendously in the years since their inception, the power and influence of social media is constantly growing.  Installing a social media feature in the Smart Mirror would make the product more engaging for the mass amounts of social media enthusiasts who would be using the product. In addition, using social media would be a fantastic way to advertise the new product and give clothing companies reason to invest in the product. 

7 comments:

  1. Interesting concept. That would dramatically change how people shop. I know that some companies out there are working on being able to take measurements of a person and then display the clothing online, i feel like if you were in a store working with something like this, you could implement technology like Microsoft Surface that would enhance the whole experience.

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  2. This idea really caught my attention because this smart mirror would be an easier way for everyone to shop and it saves so much time ! I think the shopping consultant is an amazing idea as well. I hope someday this product would come out to society.. i think it will change the fashion industry.

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  3. I really like your idea. I love to shop and I know I always have trouble deciding what to buy so i have to retry stuff on. It gets tiring. I think you could improve on your idea by giving people the choice of whether the mirror can just take a picture of you and project your image with the clothes you are thinking of buying or allow you to try it on and take pictures of you. This way, if you’re tired you can see what something would look on you. And if you’re one of those people like myself who enjoy trying stuff on but can’t decide what to buy, you can have the chance to see what you look like by reviewing the pictures the smart mirror took of you instead of having to retry them on to decide. The mirror can also be set to give an opinion based on what you tried on so if you’re shopping alone and can’t decide, you’ll still have someone’s opinion. Overall though, I think your idea would help to make shopping more fun, less tiring and save time. I know i would appreciate it if you idea was implemented.

    -Natasha Subryan

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  4. I am obsessed with this idea. I shop way more then the average person and that has always been my downfall when trying on clothes. Its always a process. I like the way you think.

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  5. Let me honest, this is genius. It is definitely a luxury, but it would honestly save me TONS of time. Perhaps this idea isn't even that far out. I wonder how this would change the layouts of stores though? would stores become like 90% mirrors? I wonder. Great I idea though.

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  6. I love your idea! it is kind of similar idea with mine, which allows customer to know their size when they walk into the store. However, i think your mirror is much more smarter than my machine without doubt.
    i really like that i could keep the image with the clothes on and all i have to do is bring the clothes and stand in front of mirror :)

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  7. This is an amazing idea. I am the type of person who absolutely hates trying on clothing. Along with that I like to be fashionable but at the same time don't have the creativity i wish i did have. This would satisfy both of my above issues. Hopefully this can really come about. Im sure many others would have the same excitement that I do.

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