The Mask that Measures Skin Health
How is that $300 boutique serum different from the $15 bottle on the drugstore shelf? Currently, the skincare sector is flooded with noisy claims, yet despite overwhelming buzzwords and overpriced products, it occupies a $22.9 billion dollar market annually in the U.S. alone. For the end user, skincare is deeply personal. How we choose to look and feel is influenced by genetics, preferences, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits. The skin also has needs that evolve over time, making it even harder to understand and find what truly works. As a result, most skincare decisions today are made on subjective opinions and trial-and-error, rather than measurable data. Our hardware will transform this process by quantifying dermis hydration and barrier strength through the skin’s electrical properties. As skin impedance varies based on water content, by treating the skin as an electronic system, our device is capable of providing objective, data-driven insights similar to a health-monitoring wearable. This project will enable users to track and analyze their skin's health using a measurable baseline and identify actions to improve outcomes over time. Based on the data output from our hardware, which is covered under a provisional patent, students will develop a data processing pipeline with the rare opportunity to contribute as inventors on our utility patent.
A Mobile Smart Lens and Field Guide for Skincare
In the last 24 hours, Americans have spent another $62.74 million dollars on skincare. Yet for the consumer, finding the best product remains a challenge: skincare is personal, shaped by genetics and preferences, with ever-changing needs influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle habits. For many, it’s more of an art than a science, involving trial and error that leads to wasted time, money, and, in the worst cases, breakouts and rashes. Adding to the confusion is the overwhelming marketing noise. While ingredient lists are transparent, differences in concentrations, application methods, and combinations with other active ingredients lead to vastly different outcomes. The only way to cut through this complexity is to track and analyze one’s own use history, identifying the patterns that emerge from correlations of usage and results. Alongside our treat-and-track skincare wearable hardware, this project aims to develop a user-friendly, mobile skincare management tool by employing computer vision (for product recognition), cloud computing (for backend storage and analysis), machine learning (for pattern identification and personalized recommendations), and web scraping (to aggregate product ingredient data). With this tool, users can confidently find effective and safe solutions tailored to their unique skin needs.
Personalized Skincare App & Mask Device - User-centric Designs
Morphace makes electronic mask devices that track skin health to give users personalized skincare insights. Currently, we have both hardware and software prototypes developed: Hardware: the face is divided into 3 sites (forehead, right and left cheeks), at each site, 3 metrics are measured. Ideally, the mask is to be worn before AM/PM skincare routines for tracking and measuring Software: tracks data readout from the hardware, and tracks user-logged information (used products, habits, concerns & goals). We have the 1st iteration of a high-fidelity design (iOS App) Here are the current gaps when it comes to product development and design: Hardware design: (a) more comfortable material, (b) better method of fixation on the head (doesn't catch hair, easy to put on), and (c) aesthetically pleasing, not uncanny, jewellery-like design Software design: (a) conducting user testing and user interviews, (b) iterating the UI/UX based on user feedback, and (c) designing the strategy for social media outreach and executing to channel interest The goal of this project is to align our current prototypes with the interests of our target audience and better engage them for a more comprehensive understanding of their needs. We aim to find a brand identity in the iterative process. Students will choose their scope based on the gaps, identify opportunities for improvement, and execute while iteratively improving the strategy. This project allows students to apply their knowledge of user-centric design in the real-world context of wearable technology, iOS mobile App, or social media marketing, providing valuable insights into the role of design in business growth.
iOS Skin-Sensing App Prototype & Data Pipeline Implementation
Morphace is a startup selling consumer electronics for skincare. Aside from our hardware, we would like to explore designing an iOS App prototype to engage with, generate interest, and identify the problems of our potential customers. We have another software engineer leading the project and implementing the App features, such as wrinkle detection and skin hydration tracking. We need input from the UI / UX perspective to make the App easy to navigate, for capturing user activity. Tasks may include: Database Design and Schema Creation Implementing APIs for Data Storage and Retrieval Managing Relationships Between Tables Testing and Debugging Database Interactions Query Optimization and Indexing
Adaptive Wearable Technology Enhancement for Skincare
Morphace Inc. is focused on advancing its wearable technology, which promotes skin cell remodeling through non-invasive electrodes on facial skin. The current project aims to enhance the device by introducing adjustable output settings, allowing users to customize the intensity of the stimulation according to their needs. Additionally, the project will involve implementing a sequential activation mechanism for the electrodes, optimizing the therapeutic process by targeting specific areas in a controlled manner. Another key aspect of the project is transitioning the device to a portable power source, increasing its usability and convenience for users on the go. This project provides an opportunity for learners to apply their knowledge in electronics, programming, and biomedical engineering to create a more versatile and user-friendly product. - Enable adjustable device output for personalized user experience. - Implement sequential activation of electrodes for targeted therapy. - Transition to a portable power source for enhanced mobility.
Adaptive Wearable Technology Enhancement for Skincare
Morphace Inc. is focused on advancing its wearable technology, which promotes skin cell remodeling through non-invasive electrodes on facial skin. The current project aims to enhance the device by introducing adjustable output settings, allowing users to customize the intensity of the stimulation according to their needs. Additionally, the project will involve implementing a sequential activation mechanism for the electrodes, optimizing the therapeutic process by targeting specific areas in a controlled manner. Another key aspect of the project is transitioning the device to a portable power source, increasing its usability and convenience for users on the go. This project provides an opportunity for learners to apply their knowledge in electronics, programming, and biomedical engineering to create a more versatile and user-friendly product. This project has 3 key sub-tasks: Enable adjustable device output for personalized user experience. Implement sequential activation of electrodes for targeted therapy. Transition to a portable power source for enhanced mobility.
Product Design & Prototype
Morphace is a startup that produces data driven mask devices that treats wrinkles and tracks skin condition on a paired app. Morphace aims to refine the aesthetic design of our skincare mask devices to better align with customer preferences and branding. This project will focus on enhancing the mask's visual appeal and ergonomics to increase market competitiveness and customer satisfaction.
Mobile App UI / UX Design & Prototype
Morphace is a startup selling consumer electronics for skincare. Aside from our hardware, we would like to explore designing an iOS App prototype to engage with, generate interest, and identify the problems of our potential customers. We have another software engineer leading the project and implementing the App features, such as wrinkle detection and skin hydration tracking. We need input from the UI / UX perspective to make the App easy to navigate, for capturing user activity. Tasks may include: Conducting background research on similar skin-tracking applications on iOS Learning and using various software design tools. We strongly recommend students learn how to use Figma as this is the latest and greatest tool currently available. Creation of a screen-by-screen UX / UI prototype of an iOS application Conducting UX / UI testing with real potential users potentially involving paper prototypes or other software tools to support this