Product Design
CurlyFam | Mobile App
Client
PUFFCUFF
Role
Visual and User Experience Designer
Technology
Figma | Adobe Creative Suite | Flatter
Connecting a Community Through Design | PuffCuff always been committed to empowering individuals with curly and textured hair. Their signature pain-free hair clamps have become a trusted alternative to traditional elastic bands and hair ties, offering comfort and innovation to curly hair community. To further this mission, we are working on CurlyFam, a mobile application currently in the design phase, created under the supervision of Ceata E. Lash—PuffCuff’s owner, inventor, and creative director.
My role | This project is a comprehensive exploration of app development, starting from research and wireframing to crafting a cohesive and engaging user interface and user experience. As the lead designer, I’m working various aspects of the app’s development, including UI design, component creation, prototyping, and building integration between Shopify store with dynamic Figma components. My focus extends to defining page transitions, ensuring seamless navigation, and tuning the visual language and imagery to align with PuffCuff’s vibrant brand identity.
Why CurlyFam? | The curly hair community faces unique challenges that are often overlooked by mainstream beauty industries. From finding suitable hair care products to understanding proper maintenance techniques, individuals with curly hair often struggle to access the right resources and support. Many existing platforms fail to provide tailored solutions or create a sense of belonging for this diverse group.
Additionally, connecting with others who share similar hair types and experiences can be difficult, leaving many feeling isolated in their journey to embrace and care for their natural curls. These unmet needs inspired the creation of CurlyFAM—a dedicated space designed to empower and unite the curly hair community while addressing their specific demands.
Solution | CurlyFAM addresses the unique challenges of the curly hair community by providing a personalized and seamless shopping experience. By offering tailored product recommendations based on hair type and porosity, the app ensures users can confidently find what works best for their curls. With clear and organized product categories—featuring PuffCuff Products, Laaayed Products, and other essential hair tools—users can navigate the shop effortlessly. Verified reviews and community insights foster trust and transparency, while the Blog section educates users with expert tips and hair care routines. The Community feature creates a supportive space for sharing advice and experiences, helping users make informed decisions. CurlyFAM combines these elements into a streamlined shopping journey, empowering the curly hair community with convenience, confidence, and connection.
Designing for Purpose | The design process for CurlyFAM centers on creating an intuitive, engaging, and functional platform tailored to the curly hair community's unique needs. From the initial research phase to prototyping and implementation, every step was guided by the mission to empower users with tools and knowledge to navigate their hair care journey. Special attention was given to designing a seamless shopping experience, fostering community interaction, and providing educational resources—all integrated into a visually appealing and user-friendly interface.
User Interface and Experience | The CurlyFam app’s UI combines warm chocolate tones with complementary gray shades to create a welcoming and sophisticated visual identity. Lato, a versatile sans-serif font, ensures clarity and hierarchy across the app. Curved rectangles for buttons and boxes, along with curvy, minimal icons, keep the interface clean and simple while enhancing its modern and approachable feel. Smooth animations like slide-in/out transitions and ease-in/out movements add a dynamic, polished touch that reflects the community-driven spirit of CurlyFam.
The UX prioritizes seamless navigation, with all three sections—Shop, Blog, and Community—accessible from anywhere in the app. Special emphasis is placed on the shopping section to ensure easy access to this key feature. Intuitive organization, fluid transitions between pages, and a thoughtfully crafted design system create an engaging experience that balances simplicity with functionality, fostering user satisfaction and connection.
Learning Insights | Developing the CurlyFam app has been a transformative journey, providing valuable insights into user-centered design and addressing the unique needs of the curly hair community. Collaborating with a diverse team allowed me to enhance my understanding of design strategies, user behavior analysis, and how to create intuitive, community-focused digital experiences.
Developed Skills | Throughout the process, my skills evolved significantly. My Figma expertise expanded as I explored advanced prototyping techniques and design systems to build a cohesive user interface. I also learned to integrate app features with Shopify’s backend, implement seamless e-commerce integrations, and translate Figma frames into functional code using tools like Flutter and Instant App. This project honed my ability to bridge the gap between design and development effectively.
Next Step | Looking ahead, our plan is to scale the app by collaborating with up to five additional retailers, expanding the product offerings and enhancing the shopping experience for users. This step will further strengthen the app’s position as a comprehensive platform for the curly hair community, while pushing the boundaries of innovation and growth.
Mobile App
