Inspiration

Inspired by A Short Animated Film by Southeastern Guide Dogs about a guide dog Pip who saves a blind woman.

Pip | A Short Animated Film by Southeastern Guide Dogs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07d2dXHYb94&ab_channel=SoutheasternGuideDogs

"He was always different from the other dogs. His small stature and unique appearance made him stand out, he was always stared at by classmates, and never quite fit in with the crowd. But being different also gave him an edge that the other dogs didn't have. It made him resourceful, creative, and determined to succeed.

But his journey was not without its challenges. When he failed to meet the standardized testing requirements, the tiny puppy in training was kicked out of school. It was a harsh reminder that the world didn't always appreciate his differences. Even in his daily life, he faced obstacles that the other dogs didn't have to deal with. He couldn't see the board during training sessions, so he had to stack books under him to get a better view. And when it came time to dispense dog food, he couldn't reach the button on the machine, so he had to jump to reach it.

Despite all of this, he never gave up. He kept pushing himself, finding new ways to overcome the challenges that he faced. And then, one day, he saw something that changed everything. As he walked down the hallway, he saw a picture of a dog simular to him on the school wall. It was a representation of his unique appearance and his triumphs, and it made him feel empowered like he belonged. For the first time, he realized that being different wasn't something to be ashamed of - it was something to celebrate.

And in the end, it was his heart that made him a hero. He did not need external validation from a random old man with a RECEDING_HAIRLINE judging him behind a desk. When his skills were put to the test outside the classroom, he stepped up to the plate, using his unique talents and abilities to save the day. He proved that being different was a strength, not a weakness. That anyone can be a hero, no matter how different they may seem."

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BEAUTY FOR ALL

Imagine a beauty industry that recognizes the beauty and potential of all women, including those with disabilities. Just as the physically smaller dog in the story was able to do what others could not, disabled women possess unique strengths and talents that are often overlooked in the beauty industry.

But with the power of technology, we can create a truly inclusive and accessible beauty experience. With virtual try-on tools, makeup tutorials, and interactive features that cater to women with diverse disabilities, we can redefine what it means to look and feel beautiful. By investing in this innovative technology, we not only have the opportunity to tap into a large and underserved market, but we can also empower disabled women to confidently express their individuality and creativity through makeup.

Just as the small dog in the story found his true strength and heroism through his differences, disabled women can embrace their unique abilities and make their mark on the beauty industry. Together, let's build a more accessible and inclusive beauty industry that celebrates the diversity and beauty of all women.

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Three pain points that "Beauty Beyond Barriers" aims to solve for blind women:

https://www.allure.com/story/molly-burke-universal-design-beauty-products-blind-accessibility

In-person shopping experiences: Blind women face several challenges when shopping for beauty products in physical stores, such as difficulty finding and reaching the products, lack of assistance from staff, and limited access to samples or testers. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, and may even discourage blind women from trying new products or experimenting with different looks. By offering an AI mobile beauty app, Beauty Beyond Barriers provides a more convenient and accessible alternative to in-person shopping, allowing users to browse and try on products from the comfort of their own home.

Accessibility in UX design: Many beauty apps and websites are designed with a visual-centric approach, which can make them difficult or impossible to use for blind or visually impaired users. This includes elements such as small text, low contrast, and unclear navigation. Beauty Beyond Barriers addresses this issue by incorporating accessibility features such as high-contrast color options, larger font sizes, text-to-speech capabilities, and audio descriptions of makeup products and application techniques. This makes the app more user-friendly and inclusive for blind women.

Equal access to beauty products: Blind women may face additional challenges in finding makeup products that work for them, such as difficulty matching shades, identifying ingredients that may cause skin irritation, or accessing products that are specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. Beauty Beyond Barriers addresses this issue by partnering with makeup brands that specialize in accessible makeup products or have a wide range of shades and textures. The app can also recommend products that work well for different skin types and disabilities, and provide tips on how to set and seal makeup to minimize smudging or transferring. By providing equal access to beauty products, Beauty Beyond Barriers promotes inclusivity and empowers blind women to express themselves through makeup.

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What it does

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P79CxnbAf4ajHRj2_SONj72ZJcYITHbi/view?usp=sharing

HOW THE APP SOLVES DISABLED WOMEN'S PAIN POINTS

Difficulty in holding and manipulating makeup brushes or applicators due to limited mobility or dexterity. The makeup application tool in the app can have settings for different levels of physical difficulty. The tool can also offer tutorials on adaptive techniques for applying makeup.

Limited visibility, which can make it difficult to apply makeup precisely, match colors, or see whether makeup has been applied correctly. The app can have high-contrast color options, larger font sizes, and text-to-speech capabilities to make it easier for users with visual impairments to follow the application process. The app can also include audio descriptions of the steps for each makeup product.

Allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain ingredients in makeup, which can cause skin irritation or other health issues. Allergic reactions to certain products: The app can allow users to input their allergy information and filter out products that contain the allergens.

Difficulty in finding makeup shades that match their skin tone or hair color, particularly for women with darker skin tones. Limited availability of accessible makeup products: The app can partner with makeup brands that specialize in accessible makeup products or have a wide range of shades and textures. It can also offer recommendations for products that work well for different skin types and disabilities. The app can provide tips on how to set and seal makeup to minimize smudging or transferring. It can also recommend products that have longer-lasting wear or are transfer-resistant.

Difficulty in accessing makeup products or information about makeup, particularly for women with limited mobility who may not be able to visit physical stores or have difficulty navigating online stores. Lack of representation and inclusivity in the beauty industry, which can make it difficult for disabled women to find products and resources that meet their needs. The app can use AI technology to analyze the user's skin tone and recommend shades that match. Users can also upload a photo of themselves to the app and virtually try on different shades before purchasing.

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EXAMPLES OF ESTEE LAUDER PRODUCTS

Double Wear Foundation: This is a long-wear foundation that provides full coverage and a matte finish.
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex: This serum is designed to reduce the signs of aging and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Pure Color Envy Lipstick: This lipstick is available in a range of shades and provides long-lasting color and hydration.
Bronze Goddess Bronzer: This bronzer is available in multiple shades and provides a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow.
Sumptuous Extreme Mascara: This mascara provides volume and length to the lashes and is available in both black and brown shades.
Modern Muse Eau de Parfum: This fragrance is a blend of floral and woody notes and is designed to be long-lasting.

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PRODUCTS FOR DISABILITIES

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation: This foundation provides full coverage and is long-wearing, making it ideal for people who may have difficulty reapplying makeup throughout the day.
Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick: This lipstick has a creamy texture and is available in a range of shades, making it a versatile option for people with different skin tones and preferences.
Automatic Brow Pencil Duo: This brow pencil has a twist-up design and a built-in brush, making it easy to use for people who may have difficulty with fine motor skills.
Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara: This mascara has a large brush that helps to volumize and lengthen lashes, making it a great option for people who may have difficulty applying false lashes.

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VIRTUAL TRY-ON MAKEUP

High-contrast color options: The application could include high-contrast color options that make it easier for users with visual impairments to distinguish between different shades of makeup. For example, instead of displaying a light pink color on a white background, the application could display a dark pink color on a black background. """ // Set the background color to black document.body.style.backgroundColor = "#000000";

// Set the text color to white document.body.style.color = "#FFFFFF"; """

Text-to-speech capabilities: Users with visual impairments may have difficulty reading on-screen text. The application could include text-to-speech capabilities that allow the user to listen to the text instead. Google Speech-to-Text is a well known speech transcription API. Google gives users 60 minutes free transcription, with $300 in free credits for Google Cloud hosting. For example, the application could read out loud the names of the makeup products or the instructions for applying makeup.

""" // Use the Web Speech API to read out loud the text let synth = window.speechSynthesis; let utterance = new SpeechSynthesisUtterance('Applying lipstick'); synth.speak(utterance);

"""

Larger font sizes: The application could incorporate larger font sizes that make it easier for users with visual impairments to read on-screen text. For example, instead of using a small font size, the application could use a larger font size that is easier to read. """ /* Increase the font size for the product names */ .product-name { font-size: 24px; } """
Voice control: The application could incorporate voice control that allows users with mobility impairments to navigate the application using voice commands. For example, the user could say "select lipstick" to choose a lipstick product, instead of having to use touch-based controls.

""" // Use the Web Speech API to listen for voice commands let recognition = new webkitSpeechRecognition(); recognition.onresult = function(event) { let command = event.results[0][0].transcript; if (command === "select lipstick") { // Code to select the lipstick product } }; recognition.start();

"""

Haptic feedback: The application could incorporate haptic feedback that provides users with visual or hearing impairments with additional feedback on their actions. For example, the application could vibrate when a user selects a makeup product, providing tactile feedback to the user.

""" // Vibrate the device for 100ms when a product is selected navigator.vibrate(100);

"""

Assistive technology compatibility: The application could be made compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers or eye-tracking devices. For example, the application could include alt text descriptions of images that are read out loud by a screen reader, allowing users with visual impairments to understand what is being displayed on the screen.

"""

A picture of a red lipstick product

"""

Adjustable speed settings: The application could include adjustable speed settings that allow users to control the speed at which the application moves. For example, users with certain disabilities may need more time to navigate the application, so the application could include a setting that slows down the speed of the animations and transitions. Additionally, the application could include a feature that allows the user to pause or rewind instructional videos for applying makeup, so they can take more time to follow along at their own pace.

""" // Slow down the animation speed by half let animationSpeed = 0.5;

// Set the duration of the animation to 1 second let duration = 1000 * animationSpeed;

// Use the duration variable in the animation code document.getElementById("lipstick").animate([ { transform: 'translateX(0px)' }, { transform: 'translateX(50px)' } ], { duration: duration, iterations: Infinity });

"""

How we built it

Familarity and the makeup templates available in Lens Studio. This will involve reading through the documentation and understanding how to use the templates to create makeup effects.
Choose the specific makeup effects that will be available in the application. This could include lipstick, eyeshadow, blush, and other makeup products. Consider which effects will be most useful and enjoyable for the target audience of disabled women.

To apply a lipstick effect using the "Lipstick" template in Lens Studio, you could use the following code. To adjust the color of the lipstick effect based on user input, you could use the following code:

""" // Find the Lipstick template var lipstickTemplate = FaceTemplate.fromId("Lipstick");

// Apply the Lipstick effect to the face lipstickTemplate.applyEffect();

// Find the Lipstick template var lipstickTemplate = FaceTemplate.fromId("Lipstick");

// Get the current color values from user input var r = document.getElementById("red-slider").value; var g = document.getElementById("green-slider").value; var b = document.getElementById("blue-slider").value;

// Set the color of the Lipstick effect to the user's selected values lipstickTemplate.effect.color = new vec4(r, g, b, 1);

"""

Create a user-friendly interface that allows the user to select and apply the desired makeup effects. This interface should be designed with inclusive design principles in mind, incorporating features such as high-contrast colors, larger font sizes, and text-to-speech capabilities.
Implement accessibility features such as voice control, haptic feedback, and assistive technology compatibility. These features should be integrated into the user interface in a way that makes them easy to access and use. To implement voice control for the application, you could use the Web Speech API to convert spoken commands into actions. Here's an example:

""" // Set up voice recognition var recognition = new webkitSpeechRecognition(); recognition.continuous = true; recognition.interimResults = true;

// Start listening for voice commands recognition.start();

// When a command is recognized, perform the corresponding action recognition.onresult = function(event) { var command = event.results[event.results.length - 1][0].transcript;

if (command === "apply lipstick") { lipstickTemplate.applyEffect(); } else if (command === "change lipstick color") { // Prompt the user for new color values and update the effect accordingly } else if (command === "increase brightness") { // Adjust the brightness of the makeup effects } else { // Handle unrecognized commands } }

"""

Test the application with disabled women to ensure that it is accessible and user-friendly. This testing should involve collecting feedback on the application's usability, accessibility, and overall effectiveness.
Once the application has been tested and refined, launch it on the App Store or Google Play Store, and continue to gather feedback and make improvements as needed.

Challenges we ran into

Performance issues: Adding accessibility features and incorporating inclusive design principles could potentially increase the complexity and workload of the application, leading to performance issues. To mitigate this, it may be necessary to optimize the code and use hardware-accelerated graphics.
Compatibility issues: Ensuring that the application is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, as well as assistive technologies, can be challenging. It may require extensive testing and development of compatibility libraries.
User testing: It's important to conduct user testing with individuals who have disabilities to ensure that the application is truly accessible and user-friendly. This may require additional resources and time.
Integration with other platforms: If the application is designed to work with other platforms or third-party APIs, it may be challenging to ensure that all systems are fully integrated and working together seamlessly.
Security concerns: Any application that collects and stores personal data, such as images of users' faces, must be developed with security in mind. It's important to ensure that the application is secure and that user data is protected.
Google's $300 Text-to-Voice only supports transcribing files already in a Google Cloud Bucket, the free credits were limited
Variations in Naming Conventions Across Different Products for Foundation colors
Guide to Cosmetic Ingredient Labelling where the label should include manufacturer details, manufacturer license number, the product's manufacturing date, and the manufacturing batch number.

What's next for Beauty Beyond Barriers

Overall, it's important to note that makeup products can be used by people with disabilities in a variety of ways, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It's important for people to experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for them.