Bella Vista Salon and Spa
Bella Vista Salon and Spa
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The intention of this project was to explore building an app for a salon, approaching it as if I were designing for a real client.
The intention of this project was to explore building an app for a salon, approaching it as if I were designing for a real client.
While I don’t personally visit salons or have direct experience with that environment, I saw this as an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself.
While I don’t personally visit salons or have direct experience with that environment, I saw this as an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself.
After gaining some practice with Firebase Studio, I wanted to apply what I had learned in a completely different context.
After gaining some practice with Firebase Studio, I wanted to apply what I had learned in a completely different context.
This project gave me the chance to experiment with new design considerations, like showcasing services, appointment booking, and customer-friendly navigation.
This project gave me the chance to experiment with new design considerations, like showcasing services, appointment booking, and customer-friendly navigation.
For this project, I wanted to imagine how a small local business could use an app to enhance the client experience. My concept focused on creating something lightweight and useful rather than overly complex.
The idea was that when clients walk into the salon, they could scan a QR code to instantly:
Calculate the cost of their visit (based on the services they select).
Browse interesting articles or content while waiting for their appointment.
While this was primarily a design exercise, it allowed me to think about how technology can make everyday experiences more engaging and efficient for small businesses and their clients.
I'm just starting small with this project for now and I am excited to see what you as my initial testers will say and make it the best I can for as many people as possible.
Waiting is no fun and sometimes it's nice to know prices without inquiry.
Waiting is no fun and sometimes it's nice to know prices without inquiry.
The Idea
The Idea
Create a lightweight mobile app for clients.
Features included:
Service Cost Calculator: Clients could scan a QR code to estimate the cost of their visit.
Engagement Content: Short articles to read while waiting, turning downtime into a pleasant experience.
Built using Firebase Studio to keep it lean and functional.
Process
Process
Conceptualization
Sketched initial wireframes in Figma.
Focused on speed of use (quick QR scan, simple totals).
Added content to make waiting more enjoyable.
Prototype Development
Implemented functional features in Firebase Studio.
Tested flow myself to confirm usability.
Real-World Outreach
Approached a local salon (Bella Vista Salon & Spa).
Explained the idea as a free prototype for them to try.
This was my first attempt putting one of my projects “into the wild.”
Outcome
Outcome
The salon declined the opportunity to test the app. Their reason was that they were under new ownership and struggling with business, making them hesitant to experiment with new technology.
What I Learned
What I Learned
Timing matters. Even a strong idea can be declined if a business isn’t in a position to try something new.
Pitch framing is key. Instead of leading with my learning goals, I need to emphasize the direct value for the business first.
Rejection is not failure. This attempt gave me valuable insights about how small businesses evaluate new tools.
Next Steps
Next Steps
Refine my approach to highlight client benefits upfront (e.g., “This tool could help reduce wait frustration and increase customer satisfaction”).
Approach other small salons or service businesses with a more polished pitch.
Use this project as a learning milestone in building real-world applications and testing them with real people.
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