Racism Untaught, Process Book

Contents 1- Context 3- The Promt 4- Why These?

5- Define 7-Why These?

8- Research Question 9-Literature Review 13- Annotated Bibliography 16- Research Proposal 17- Surveys 18-Needs Assessment 19- Ideate 21- Why These?

22-Quadrant map 23- Impact 25- Why These?

26- Mission Statement 27- Low Fidelity 28-Mid/High FIdelity 30- User Examples 31- Journey Map

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The Promt *Please note that the phtos are blurry due to the constant screenshots from multiple people over time. While conducting research I’ve noticed that the original ad has been taken down from multiple sites. Always remember that people can erase history, but that does not mean it did not happen.

Why These?

Impact Over Intent: Dove did feel that they were trying to help people and positively promote thier product. The issue lie where they chose darker pigmented skin to represent the negative aspects of skin.

Eurocentric Beauty Standards: Dove fed into this ideal that lighter is better and “cleaner” compared to other skin types. Therefore, making other skin types and representation not able to obtain societies beauty standards.

Cultural Erasure: The ad in itself is suggesting that anyone who has darker skin should push to lighten it at any means necesarry.

Color Blindness: This ad is disregarding one identifier of a Black persons’ identity which is their skin by devaluing it by saying it is not beautiful and representing it as dry and cracked in the ad as well.

White Gaze: The ad continued to support the idea “lighter is better” by displaying darker skin as dry and fallling apart.

Internalized Racism: The ad who are women of color who are willingly participating in making darker skin seem like it is a bad thing to have. They are also participating in the categorization of darker skin versus lighter skin in the photo taken where darker skin is depicted as dry cracked and unwanted.

Colonization: The ad is showing the result of this in the areas that this ad is being advertised in. They are changing the mindset of the locals to think that their skin is not beautiful through a product that is meant to be used everyday.

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Why These?

Survey: I chose this becuase we often assume that others have the same experience as us just becuause we live in the same area, or share the same culture. I have learned through this project that this may not always be the case; therefore, I rather hear from the source.

Needs Assessment: I chose this becuase my professor said I can conduct the assessment in any way I like. Therefore, I came up with the idea of conducting a zoom call with three of my peers and we had an in depth conversation about our difficulties or non difficulties when purchasing beauty products. This conversation enlightened evryone no matter their race or ethnicity and we also got to share a couple of laughs.

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Research Question How might design be used to dismantle Eurocentric beauty standards in order to create products that promote confidence in individuals ages 18-25?

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Literature Review Introduction Beauty brands have set the standard of beauty for decades, and before beauty brands existed, it was the wealthy who set the standard. Throughout history, we have adopted new trends to be a part of the majority of society. Let’s be honest; no one wants to be left out, especially when a trend is getting much attention, and no one pays attention to where it originated. As long as it’s innovative, and quite frankly, someone benefits from it, it is ok. However, how far is too far for beauty brands and their influence on society?

For example, Dove came to the U.S. in the mid’50s introducing their first beauty cleansing bar, thus, changing the way women think about their bodies (2022). Through time, Dove has undoubtedly impacted what women think and believe about their bodies. Some might even say they profit off a woman’s insecurities, but the real question is all women’s insecurities or some. In 2011 Dove released VisibleCare Body Wash to the public, but the main issue was the delivery. In their ad, Dove intentionally had both women of color and non-black women; however, the ad suggested in many ways that black skin was “bad” or the skin you do not want (04, 2014). Instead, they praised fair skin women and represented their skin as smooth and clean, thus, creating this narrative that lighter skin is better. In this literature review, we will talk about the history of skin lightening and how this, over time, impacts the black community. We will then examine how beauty companies use the idea 9

that “lighter skin is better” to their advantage.

History of skin bleaching Skin bleaching dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks; when they discovered that a honey and olive oil mixture served as a skin-lightening agent (Adamu & Said, 2019). In the 19th century, it was known that lighter skin was associated with wealth; therefore, skin lightening was prevalent in white women. During this time, it was not uncommon for arsenic wafers to be available for sale, which aided in providing women with pale skin; meanwhile, deaths due to this poison were frequent.

Colorism within slavery Enslavers also favored slaves with lighter skin.

They would move lighter skin slaves into the house and rape them, and produce children, not to mention they paid more for lighter skin slaves; however, slaves with darker skin were in the fields in worse conditions. This idea of lighter is better was instilled within the black community; with slavery as an example, people associated lighter skin with more opportunities.

Colorism and colonialism Some may ask well, how is this affecting black woman today? The response would be as follows: It is projected that the market for skin bleaching products will make around $31.2 billion in profits by 2024 (Thelwell & Vicki Colbert, 2020). Also, the World Health Organization found that 40% of African women use skin bleaching products, with 77% of them living in Nigeria, 59% in Togo, 27% in Senegal, and 25% in Mali (Thelwell & Vicki Colbert, 2020).

The following statistics do not include black women in the Caribbean, Europe, and the U.S., where skin bleaching is also available. Another question may be, how is this a form of colonialism? Albert Memmi said it best when he stated, “The first attempt of the colonized is to change his condition by changing his skin” (Memmi & Greenfeld, 2013, 1574). Therefore, it is not uncommon for the colonized to have low self-esteem, especially when they associate a skin tone lighter than theirs with success, wealth, and high status.

Examples within black culture An example of this today was brought by a Jamaican dancehall artist named Spice. She brought awareness of skin lightening to the U.S. through reality television and music with her song “Black Hypocrisy.” In this song, she talks about how colorism is prevalent within black communities everywhere. She states in her song, “I was told I would reach further if the color of my skin was lighter,” and also talks about how she received comments like she was “too black” (Spice, 2018, 0:52- 1:20) Artists like Spice and Amra la Negra are bringing awareness about the push for eurocentric beauty standards within the music industry, which results in people of color having to submit to the culture of White mediocrity. We can also date this back to the brown paper bag test that was practiced in the 20th century, where if a black person were as light or lighter than the bag, they would be deemed intelligent and awarded jobs and other opportunities. However, if they were darker than the paper bag, they were considered inferior and

could not have those same opportunities. Needless to say, colonialism inspired generations of colorists within the black community with one thing in common, low self-esteem.

How Eurocentric practices in the Beauty Industry Perpetuate Racism.

Eurocentrism is the favoring of western (Caucasian) cultures over the rest of the world. Thus, Eurocentric beauty standards are the idolization of the white, European women’s figure and appearance. (Akinro & Mbunyuza-Memani, 2019) Some Eurocentric beauty standards include favoring light skin, straight long hair, a small nose, and a tall and thin figure. The beauty industry in the US is founded on Eurocentrism and continues to preserve racist practices.

Favoring White Models The beauty industry favors a Caucasian look in many ways. To start, there is a lack of racially diverse representation in advertisements and the model industry. (Elan, 2016) A study in 2016 found that 78% of models in fashion advertisements were white. The same week that this statistic was released, Naomi Campbell reflected on the beginnings of her career as a Black model, saying that in order to make it she had to put in more effort than her white peers and be twice as good.

Whitewashing Black Models Most models are white, but even within the small percentage of Black models, the industry still uses them to promote white beauty standards. Magazines are notoriously known for photoshopping all models, and Black women are no exception to the practice. Many popular 10

magazines have gone as far as lightening Black models’ skin and editing their facial features to reflect those of a Caucasian woman. (Gordon, 2015) Lupita Nyong’o is well known for her advocacy for Black women empowerment, encouraging women with dark complexions to love and embrace their skin. Unfortunately, and ironically, her cover of Vanity Fair Magazine was edited so that her skin appeared considerably lighter, and her natural curls were smoothed out, making her hair look more Caucasian. Readers were also outraged when Kerry Washington’s cover of InStyle was photoshopped, as she too appeared to have drastically lighter skin, and some even pointed out that her nose and lips were smaller.

The Shade Gap Along with a lack of representation, beauty brands have been under criticism lately for a lack of racially diverse products. Specifically, people are noticing the gap between the variety of foundation shades for fair skin compared to darker skin tones. (Shoaib, 2021) Black women are disappointed in the lack of products that are available for them, and some have said that they are uncomfortable even going into a beauty store because employees don’t know how to help them.

Effects of Eurocentric Power The beauty industry is dominated by white people and white ideals. This puts pressure on People of Color to fit into the mold of a white woman. Since white women are the majority of models, and when women of color are represented, they have a Caucasian appearance, consumers of color are influenced to imitate the features they see. (Holt, 2019) As found by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, between 2005 and 2013 there was a 125% increase of plastic surgery performed on Asian Americans, 85% increase for Hispanics, and 56% increase for African Americans compared to 35% of Caucasians. Ethnic plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery that alters features such as the eyes and nose to appear more aesthetically white, is becoming increasingly popular.

Colorism Problem in Marketing and how to Resolve it It is important to reflect on Eurocentric beauty standards in popular media and how it continues to perpetuate racism today. When analyzing particular brands and ads it is clear to see that marketing still has a colorism problem.

Many beauty companies have come under fire, such as Dove and Nivea, as well as others like Heineken for suggesting that lighter skin is superior. While companies are beginning to scramble to form more connections with Black and brown communities, they need to realize that colorism exists and is systemic. They must look past their own biases that decide who they feature in their ads as well as who’s stories get told. Some ways that this issue could be resolved are to educate and spread awareness about colorism, expand agency partnerships, stop only searching for racially ambiguous models and start being more intentional about their product shots.

How This Media Really Affects People of Color The media, especially social media, seriously affects people of color in ways that most might 11

not be able to understand. When white women in the media are being praised and idolized, it leads to the promotion of European beauty standards which then inevitably causes criticism of people of color, making them feel ashamed. The effects can also be subconscious. The pressure of wanting to fit in and be accepted increases so much that people tend to become “fake” and not their true authentic selves. They may start to dress a certain way to imitate the “ideal” beauty standards and could even alter their appearance with the use of filters on social media.

White Supremacy and Implicit Bias in the Media When really trying to unpack how the media influences our views on racism, it’s important to consider white supremacy and implicit bias.

Biases can affect newsrooms and communities they cover. Whether the bias is intentional or not, it can determine which stories are told and which voices are heard. This then plants seeds of discriminatory thoughts on consumers. It is claimed that the root of western media stems from white supremacy and that’s where implicit bias comes from. The white community perpetuates stereotypes about Black people by showing them in a particular light on television and repeating these stereotypes time and time again throughout the decades.

Blackfishing in Popular Culture and Why However, one idea that contradicts much that’s been mentioned is the concept of blackfishing.

We see so many celebrities being accused of blackfishing such as the Kardashians, Addison Rae, and Iggy Azalea for noticeably altering their skin to look darker or their hair and speech to reflect Black culture. It is believed that when celebrities appear to be mixed race or racially ambiguous, it can create more marketing opportunities for them because they are considered more stylish and exotic. Other individuals feel as if they are entitled to Black culture and take advantage of it for monetary gain. This can be a huge slap in the face for actual people of color who are not viewed the same way despite nat-

urally having these features. Celebrities might believe they are honoring Black culture but actually, blackfishing reduces people of a specific history to a series of objects or traits that can be appropriated.

Conclusion Beauty standards and the discrimination of people of color stems from white supremacy which creates biases whether they are unintentional or not. Many of the world’s leading beauty brands come from companies with a majority of white employees, many of whom are ignorant to the effects their marketing has on minority groups.

Today’s media has perpetuated the idea that darker skin is unacceptable unless it is used as a tool for personal gain or to help an individual or group gain monetary value. This form of segregation has been practiced for generations and still is an ongoing issue. Unless we acknowledge the effects of Eurocentric beauty standards, it will continue to have a lasting effect on the beauty standards of communities of color.

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Annotated Bibliography 04, fashionista. (2014, May 14). Media and Cultural Analysis, spring 2014. Media and Cultural Analysis Spring 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.karanovic.org/courses/ mca008/archives/1667 This source talks bout the release of the Dove VisibleCare Body Wash and the back lash it received. The source also talks about the product and ads impact on the black communtiy throught Dove’s representation of women of color.

Adamu, N., & Said, A. (2019, March 21). Colonialism and the origins of skin bleaching. Wellcome Collection. Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://wellcomecollection.org/articles/XIfdHRAAAKbQ_FWB This source talks about the history of skin bleaching and the ideas that were developed behind it. The source also breaks down how this affects other generations and the black community.

BEGEDOU, K. (2014). Decolonizing the Mind and Fostering Self-Esteem: Fanon and Morrison on Skin Lightening Practices in the African Diaspora. NAAAS & Affiliates Conference Monographs, 1–18.

This source talks about the effects of colonialism and colorism within the black community focusing specifically on Africa. It goes into depth about the effects that colorism has on the self-esteem of black women.

Dove logo. 1000 Logos The Famous Brands and Company Logos in the World Dove Logo Comments. (2022, August 10). Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://1000logos.net/dove-logo/ This source talks about the history of Dove when it first came to the United States. They talk about the change in logo and font over time.

Elan, Priya (2016) Survey finds that 78% of models in fashion adverts are white, The Guardian.

This source shares statistics on model demographics in fashion advertisements, which is a part of the beauty industry. This gives insight on the lack of representation for People of Color in the beauty industry and how it is changing.

Gordan, Taylor (2015) 8 Cases Where A Black Celebrity Was Whitewashed For A Magazine Cover or Ad Campaign, Atlanta Black Star.

This source is a collection of examples of whitewashing Black celebrities to fit Eurocentric beauty standards. It provides audience feedback and images.

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Holt, Brianna (2019) The beauty industry’s most entrenched diversity problem is ethnic plastic surgery, Yahoo.

This source defines ethnic plastic surgery and the reasons why patients have plastic surgery. It shares demographic statistics on who is getting plastic surgeries and shows comparisons.

Karimi, F. (2021, July 8). What ‘Blackfishing’ means and why people do it. CNN entertainment. Retrieved September 13, 2022. https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/08/entertainment/blackfishing-explainer-trnd/index.html This article discusses the topic of Blackfishing. It provides examples of individuals in popular media who have been accused of it. It also shares reasons for why people, particularly celebrities, might participate in Blackfishing and how that can differ from cultural appropriation

Leal, Y. (2021, November 2). The take over of Eurocentric beauty standards in social media. Best of SNO. Retrieved September 8, 2022. https://bestofsno.com/53517/opinions/the-take-over-of-eurocentric-beauty-standards-in-social-media/ This article is about Eurocentric standards of beauty and how they are seen as superior over people of color. It goes into depth about how social media promotes Eurocentric beauty standards and how that can negatively impact people of color and in minority groups.

Mallick, M. (2021, May 20). Marketing Still has a Colorism Problem. Harvard Business Review.

Retrieved September 9, 2022. https://hbr.org/2021/05/marketing-still-has-a-colorism-problem This article talks about how colorism is still a problem in marketing. It discusses the biases that are present when choosing models, voices, and stories when creating ads that represent a given company.

It goes on to explain that there is discrimination against people with darker skin and provides ways that companies can fix the issue of colorism. These include creating awareness of and education about colorism, broadening your ecosystem of agency partnerships, stop only casting “racially ambiguous” models, and being intentional about product shots.

Memmi, A. (2013). The colonizer and the colonized. (H. Greenfeld, Trans.). Plunkett Lake Press.

This source goes in depth about how racism and colonialism have and is interacting with each other.

Memmi explains the mindset of the colonizer and the colonized.

Ngozi Akinro & Lindani Mbunyuza-Memani (2019) Black is not beautiful: Persistent messages and the globalization of “white” beauty in African women’s magazines, Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, 12:4, 308-324, DOI: 10.1080/17513057.2019.1580380 This source provides definitions for Eurocentrism and gives insight on how Eurocentrism affects the beauty industry, specifically Black African women.

Shoaib, Maliha (2021) Beauty weak spot: Inclusive luxury colour cosmetics, Vogue Business.

This source explains how major beauty companies lack diverse products and its effects on Black buyers.

Spice. (2018, October 23). Youtube.com . VEVO. Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=WXdl3mpCbz4.

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This source shed light on the first hand experience of a darker skin women within the music industry and the black community. The artists goes in depth in how she felt and the things said to her throughout her experiences.

Thelwell, K., & Vicki Colbert, V. (2020, September 11). Skin bleaching in Africa and public health.

The Borgen Project. Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://borgenproject.org/skin-bleaching-in-africa/ This source shows how skin lightening affects the black community by not only providing current statistics, but predicting the success of the industry. In provides insight on the effects of skin-lightening/ bleaching products on the black community.

Usufzy, P. (2020, October 26). Unpacking How Media Influences Our Views on Racism. UNLV. Retrieved September 8, 2022. https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/unpacking-how-media-influences-our-views-racism This article is about how white supremacy and implicit bias affects the news and media. It discusses how biases control what stories are shared and whose voices are heard. It also teaches about how these biases, even if they are unintentional, might have been formed.

Willen, C. (2021, October 14). 13 celebrities who have been accused of Blackfishing. Insider. Retrieved September 13, 2022. https://www.insider.com/celebrities-blackfishing-accusations-racially-ambiguous This article simply gives examples of various celebrities and individuals in popular culture who have been accused of Blackfishing. It also provides an explanation of why they were accused and how they responded to the accusations.

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Research Proposal I want to create an app for people of color who have a curl pattern within their natural hair. In this app people will be able to have a map to identify surrounding stores that have the product they are looking for. They will also be able to compare prices and look at reviews from other customers.

This will be an opportunity to create a space where they are represented and where a “beauty standard” does not matter or exist.

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Surveys

Needs Assessment

How close are beauty store s to where you live?

Do you feel there is a beauty standard?

Black/ Hispanic

White

Asian

The following are quotes from the participants of the needs assessment conversation that was had via zoom.

Do you feel that you are able to obtain that standard?

Black/ Hispanic

White

Asian

How often do you see yourself represented in beauty brands?

Black/ Hispanic

White

Asian

-Participant 1 (Black) “This is tea tree, argan oil, shampoo for straight hair…$8.99…. Mine is 20 fl oz…. This came together (holds shampoo and conditioner together).”

- Participant 3 (White)

How easy is it for you to find products that represent your needs?

Black/ Hispanic

Black/ Hispanic

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“... we have to go to the beauty supply store to get our products. That was something I was thinking about ‘cause like Participant 2 said there is such like a small selection at Walgreens, Target. So like it’s like I have to hope I find something that’s close to me, but um if its not there I have to drive all the way to the beauty supply store. Which can be kind of um, it can be damaging because what if I move to an area, what if someone with kinky coily hair moves to an area where there is not a beauty supply store for another hour. Then they can’t get their product you know what I mean? It’s kind of hard to find legit products online too for kinky, coily, curly hair… and sometimes the beauty supply stores are even, unfortunately, they’re not in the safest areas either.”

White

White

Asian

“This was a better one I think this was about 5 -10 dollars. This one I can’t remember but it was over $10 and this is 13 fl oz (points at shampoo). This is $10 10 fl oz, so the was $30.”

-Participant 1 (Black)

Asian

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Why These?

Quandrant Map opressive thought

Community Support: I feel my app will represent this becuase even though it is online you can still interact with other users through the review process. This helps other not waste time or money on products that have false advertisement and promises to the users.

Culture: This app supports those of color who have kinky, curly, or coily hair. Therefore, people who share this can share this unity with these products.

Social Media: Origin encourages user interactions.

Identity Marks / Brands: Origin will display different brands that represent different products as well as providing a link to acces the original website that hosts the brands.

Video: Origin allows for users to leave video reviews that can help other users see the product being used. This is important becuase sometimes consistancy matters when it comes to different products.

Digital Media: Origin is meant to be viewed on a mobile phone.

Mobile Application: Origin is a mobile app due to the gps feature. This way users can go straight to the products that they need.

Website: Origin provides website information pertaining to where the products displayed are sold.

impact

intent Creating a social media platforms that allows people to join groups that they feel represent them. This allows them to filter out post that they feel do not apply or represent them. You can search groups like and filter hem like you would find pinterest inspiration. This app will also have pictures and videos similar to instagram.

anti-opressive action

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I want to create an app for people of color who have a curl pattern within their natural hair. In this app people will be able to have a map to identify surrounding stores that have the product they are looking for. They will also be able to compare prices and look at reviews from other customers.

There will also be links included from the product website so people can view more products from the brand.

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Why These?

Continuous Education: Not only can Origin educate the users about themselves, but it can also educate others about the needs of this particular group.

Mission Statement: It is important that Origin has morals and values in order to keep the app true to its purpose, which is to serve the community and not hurt them.

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Mission statement Origin was created not only for an assignment, but for a need. People of color have been told to hide their hair for centuries, first through head wraps when brought to the U.S., then through chemicals suc as perms and relaxers, then through product absence on the shelves. Origin was created to start the change that needs to happen concerning representation of the curly, kinky, coily haired communtiy, Therefore, we value the voice of the people and vow to never silence the call to change. We also strive to bring awareness of the avilibility of products to the communities of people who need them. Origin will also begin the conversation concerning prices of products when it comes to this community. Most importantly Origin will create a safe space where people can be honest about their journeys and get the help they need while also learning the proper terms that describe their journey and not be subjected to a chart or scale. We hope to make an impact, but the conversation does not have to stop on the app.

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Low Fidelity

Mid/High Fidelity Home Screen

Categories

Hair Test

Hair Test

Categories

Hair Test

Product Page

Categories

*you have the option to pick more than one, but remember the more specific you are with your answers the more specific the products will be.

Select up to five

GPS

Extra Info

Log In

Product Info

New here? Create an account

What hair type do you think relates to you the most? shampoo

Email

conditioner

Low porosity hair has tightly bound cuticles that make it hard for moisture to enter and exit the hair.

Do you have high porosity or low porosity

moisturizer

High porosity hair has gaps in the cuticles that makes it hair? easy for moisture to enter and exit the hair. straight

wavy

curly

Password

For more info on how to test your hair click this link. *info from naturallclub.com CLOSE

Forgot Password

hair oil

leave in conditioner

mousse kinky

coily

CONTINUE

edge control

curly

split ends

straight

coily

dandruff

wavy

What climate describes where you live best?

windy

hot

rainy

cold

humid

dry

kinky

heat damage

What type of hair styles do you wear the most?

wash n’ go

protective styles

up do’s

wash n’ go

CONTINUE

heated styles

Create an Account Full Name

protective

up do’s

wigs

This app is meant for users to learn from each other and through the app. Therefore, there will be places where you can be directed to learn more about a term or phrase.

Which option describes your hair best?

Email

Password

Show

Confirm Password

Show

By creating an account you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

CONTINUE

At the beginning of the project I only knew the three main pages I wanted fo the app the GPS page, product page, and produc info page.

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The Categories page allows the user to make quick filter decisions based on their current needs.

oily

dry

brittle

dandruff

split ends

heat damage

Do you have high porosity or low porosity hair?

low

high

CONTINUE

RETAKE QUIZ

The hair test was added later on in the process; however, the Hair Test section allows first time users or new users, who have decided to go natural, to find products that may help them start their journey.

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Mid/High Fidelity Product Page

Product Info

Account

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Moisturizing Repairing Sulfate Free Shampoo

lovely_princes

User Example

Compare Price / GPS

Moisturizing Shampoo

Pattern Hydrating Shampoo

Mielle Pomegranite & Honey Moisturizing and detangling shampoo

hair test answers

Infused with Monoi Oil and Coconut-derived cleansers, this sulfate free cream shampoo is gentle enough for the most fragile and distressed hair, leaving it stronger and healthier.

Carol’s Daughter Monoi Moisturizing Repairing Sulfate Free Shampoo

This is an example of the route that an experienced user might take who choses to order their products online. As you can see they did not need to add many filters since they knew what they wanted to view ahead of time.

favorite products history

Carol’s Daughter Moisturizing Repairing Supersize Sulfate Free Shampoo

settin s Reviews

personal info

write a review view more TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo

Camille Rose Black Castor OIl & Che e Clense

Jasminenice123 I love this product! I use it on my daughter hair since she swims and it eeps it moisturized. I highly recommend to those who play sports in water or those who stay in the sun a lot. lovely_princess You get a good amount of product; however, it did not solve my moisture issue. Maybe I need to use the whole set of products I’m not really sure, but you get a good lather. view more

Moisturizing Shampoo

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Filters

Pattern Hydrating Shampoo

Users can compare prices and be redirected to other websites for online ordering.

However, if the product is near they can selct for GPS navigation.

organic

Mielle Pomegranite & Honey Moisturizing and detangling shampoo

sulfate-free parabin-free cruelty-free price low-high price high-low $0-$5 $5-$10 $10-$15

Carol’s Daughter Moisturizing Repairing Sulfate Free Shampoo

$15+ *prices are average and can be compared later APPLY

TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo

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Users are encouraged to leave comments and reviews to help others. You can also favorite a product for later.

Meanwhile, this new user will create a new account and take the hair test. They would also utilize all the availible filters and look at reviews. They may also see what their account page consists of and upload a photo.

Camille Rose Black Castor OIl & Che e Clense

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Journey I’m so excited for this project and I have concreate evidence now that I am the peace maker! I have also learned through the personality test that I am the supportive team member; which is also true!

Map

Through my research for the define stage I have learned that Eurocentric beauty standards affect everyone. There was even a time during the 19th century when white women would eat poison to bleach their skin to become more pale.

Fast forward to today we have people all over the world including actors/ actresses, singers, performers, and everyday people are bleaching their skin and changing their hair texture in order to be a part of this “standard” that no one can really obtain or has naturally.

The context stage helped me to understand that businesses that produce any beauty products have the biggest responsibility.

Not only do they have to make sure they are using good ingredients, but they have to make sure they are not devaluing a group of people. Advertisements are especially important becuse you are making it known who the product is for, what it doe, and what they as a company represent. Through the dove commercial I learned that colorism is very much still a thing in today’s society even when black skin has been here since the beginning of time. You would think it would be normalized and even appreciated for the wonderful things that darker skin can do for the human body.

During the ideate stage I came up with two ideas. One is to have a social media app where people can join groups with people they relate to. This way the algorith filters different post based off of your like and the groups you belong to. Thenext app idea is a hair app where people with kinky / coily hair can find the products they need and compare prices.

I am leaning more towards the hair app because it is more relatable to me and I can create the app based on my experience on transitioning from heat damaged hair to going all natural.

Through the survey and the needs assesment I have learned that not only is representation inacurate for all races and ethnicities, but most people like today’s beauty standarts are unobtainable. I have also learn that as an African American I am forced to buy products at a higher price for less product. This struggle is so common that it took a conversation with other people to realize the major issues and price differences.

Making an app prototype is way harder than I thought it would be. Creating something so that the user has all of their questions anser through an easy app to navigate take a lot of work. I also found that making apps or any other system that informs people and helps people do things like find products for their hair is way easier when you actually go through it.

So I have come up with the main things I want my app to accomplish which are comparing prices, GPS navigation to the products, and a filtering page. From my personal experience this is helpful, but after speaking with my peers they suggested I add a page for those who may not know much about their hair or where to start. I am contemplating adding this because kinky / coily hair has so many combinations that I know I will not be able to cover them all.

Meanwhile, I do think it would be helpful to give someone some type of startign point.

The end is finally here; however, I strangly do not want this experience to end. I have learned so much about myself and others; especially when it comes to buying simple items to feel beautiful. Everyone should have equal opportunities when it comes to buying products and the represnetation of different kinds of people should be shown in these products.

Meanwhile, everyone deserves to have their own space to feel their needs are met.

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