At-a-Glance 👀

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The Why: Gen Z’s shift toward e-commerce threatens the relevance and profitability of physical retail.

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The Solve: Designed AIRA, a B2B2C iOS app for Modern Space NYC, to reimagine in-store shopping experiences for Gen Z audiences.

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The Impact: I delivered a full app design, a compelling presentation deck, and achieved 84% user confidence in enhancing Gen Z’s in-store shopping experience after the first iteration among Gen Z participants.

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Problem

Modern Space NYC is a leading enterprise specializing in the design, manufacture, and installation of retail environments for globally iconic brands. With expertise spanning luxury goods, fashion, beauty, and consumer electronics, the company is recognized for creating meticulously curated retail spaces that elevate the shopping experience.

<aside> <img src="/icons/bell-notification_red.svg" alt="/icons/bell-notification_red.svg" width="40px" /> However, Modern Space NYC faces a challenge: Gen Z's preference for e-commerce threatens the relevance and profitability of physical retail. To counter this, innovative strategies are needed to create engaging in-store experiences that attract Gen Z shoppers.

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The HMW Challenge

Solution

I worked in a team of five at Cornell Tech, advised by Bill Lee, Senior Vice President of Sales at Modern Space NYC, North America, to design an innovative solution to address the challenge.

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Our survey revealed that Gen Z is more open to going out than expected, but they find the current shopping experience unappealing. To address this, we aimed to enhance their in-store experience to attract them and boost their retention. This led us to develop an app with four key features tailored to Gen Z’s shopping preferences, integrating AI-powered functionalities, social sharing engagement, and etc.

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AIRA is a B2B2C app sold to businesses, while the end users are customers.

In this B2B2C model, the product serves as a bridge between retailers and consumers, delivering value to both stakeholders and fostering long-term retailer partnerships. By positioning the product as a tool that enhances retailers’ ability to understand and engage with their customers, it effectively aligns the interests of both the retailer (B2B) and the end consumer (B2C).

This dual benefit drives adoption due to:

• Retailer Advantages: Clear ROI through increased sales, improved operational efficiency, and stronger customer retention.
• Consumer Benefits: A personalized, seamless, and engaging shopping experience that builds loyalty to the retailer.

<aside> <img src="/icons/fireworks_pink.svg" alt="/icons/fireworks_pink.svg" width="40px" /> The app’s swipe-to-like-or-dislike feature receives 💯 positive feedback

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Benefits for Retailers