SYN_01
Role: UX/UI Designer | Tools: Figma, Notion, Adobe Photoshop
Overview
SYN_01 is a conceptual mobile app that makes modern Hanfu-inspired fashion accessible and inspiring for contemporary shoppers. By blending cultural heritage with intuitive, minimal design, the app creates a curated platform where users can explore, discover, and purchase authentic pieces for everyday life.
Problem
The modern fashion market is saturated and overwhelming. Shoppers interested in modern Hanfu struggle to find pieces that are both authentic and wearable. Existing apps prioritize speed over cultural storytelling, leaving a gap for a curated, meaningful shopping experience.
Figma
for wireframes, prototypes, and UI design.
Photoshop/
illustrator
for branding, logo, and moodboards.
Notion/
Google Docs
for case study writing and user research notes
Canva
for presentation visuals.
Research & Inspiration
Cultural Respect: The app draws inspiration from the flowing silhouettes of Hanfu while maintaining a minimalist, modern aesthetic. The goal: highlight heritage without reducing it to a trend.
User Needs: Users value apps that are intuitive, inspirational, and trustworthy. They also want transparency and context about each piece why it’s meaningful, and how it fits into modern life.
Competitive Analysis: Most fashion apps focus on speed and convenience but neglect storytelling and cultural context. SYN_01 merges e-commerce efficiency with meaningful design, providing an experience that feels both authentic and seamless.
Visual Inspiration: Mood boards include traditional Hanfu textures, natural color palettes, flowing fabrics, and clean minimal layouts that evoke calmness and elegance.
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Navigating Cultural Authenticity: Ensuring the design respects Hanfu heritage without making it feel dated or inaccessible.
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Simplifying Discovery: Creating a seamless browsing experience in a niche market with limited, curated options.
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Balancing Storytelling & Commerce: Allowing users to connect with the cultural narrative while maintaining an efficient shopping journey.
Key Challenges
Design Approach
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Typography: Inria Sans (headers) + Inter (body) — modern, approachable, and readable.
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Color Palette: Neutral base tones with warm accents, evoking calmness and authenticity.
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User Flow: Browsing → Learning about garment → Customization → Purchase.
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Wireframes: Low-fidelity testing allowed early placement of key elements like navigation, product cards, and cultural context sections.
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Prototyping Tools: Figma & FigJam for wireframes and high-fidelity screens; Adobe Photoshop for textures and image editing.
Outcome
A curated, user-friendly platform for modern Hanfu enthusiasts.
Clear storytelling for each garment, enhancing user connection and trust.
Simplified browsing and checkout flow that reduces friction.
A visual style that balances tradition with contemporary minimalism, appealing to fashion-forward users seeking authenticity.