New cross-platform diagnostic app provides insights into users’ skin health
Overview
A renowned cosmetics company sought to develop a cross-platform diagnostic application for iOS and Android that would provide end users with comprehensive insights into their skin health. The company partnered with HCLTech, which developed the app. The client demonstrated the app at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, garnering significant media coverage.
The Challenge
Augmented inhouse expertise in computer vision and data analysis
To maintain their position as a leading competitor and expand their customer base, a renowned cosmetics company sought to develop a cutting-edge diagnostic application that augmented their current app’s capabilities.
The app needed to provide consumers with actionable insights into current and future skin health via face analysis, definition of skin characteristics, heart rate measurement and stress assessment. In addition, consumers needed to be able to access the app on iOS and Android devices.
However, the company had limited inhouse expertise in advanced computer vision and data analysis technologies.
The Objective
Increase user engagement with industry-leading functionalities
The client's objectives were to add skin analysis and prediction, stratum corneum analysis and nutrition/blood flow analysis to their existing app to provide more comprehensive and meaningful insights into skin health along with personalized recommendations.
The ultimate goal was to increase user engagement and satisfaction by surpassing the offerings of competing cosmetics companies.
The Solution
Advanced computer vision algorithms that provide personalized recommendations
HCLTech approached the project with a strategic focus on developing advanced computer vision algorithms and models tailored for skin analysis and nutritional assessment.
The team created functionalities that guide users through a simple process of capturing high-quality images. The app then analyzes the images to determine skin health, nutrition and blood flow analysis.
The user simply positions their face in front of the app, which grabs an image of the user’s face. When the user completes the movements as directed by the app, the system evaluates the user’s skin by analyzing nasal bone structure, which the client has discovered reveals meaningful clues as to skin health.
The app even predicts issues that will occur in the future — not just the current condition of the skin. This allows users to treat current problems and prevent future problems.
In addition to recommending appropriate cosmetics and skin care products, the app provides personalized advice on nutrition, exercise and sleep.
In partnership with HCLTech, the client developed an image processing technology that makes the precise calculation possible.
Overcoming technical challenges to seamlessly integrate these capabilities reflects the client’s dedication to staying at the forefront of skincare technology.
It also reflects HCLTech’s dedication to helping the client integrate complex features like AWS server communication with skin analysis algorithms to provide users with unparalleled insights into their skin health and overall wellbeing.
The Impact
Our client can now provide personalized, actionable insights into skin health and nutrition
The innovative app goes beyond traditional skincare assessments offered by competitors by delivering accurate, personalized insights based on 16 unique facial types.
The impact on users' daily lives is profound, providing personalized, actionable insights into skin health and nutrition, ultimately leading to better skincare decisions. The project met client objectives by delivering accurate diagnostics, improving customer engagement and enhancing brand credibility.
The client considers the project a success, so much so that the company debuted the app at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, a prestigious global tech event. The company is thrilled that the app gained the attention of more than 40 media channels, generating significant interest from consumers and the market in general.
Demonstrating the client’s agility and responsiveness to customer demands, they have asked HCLTech to augment the app by introducing features such as analysis of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin), blood flow (using tongue analysis) and nutrition. These additions will enable users to gain even more valuable information about the condition of their skin and nutritional status through advanced computer vision technology. The app will also see a global rollout to 10+ countries in 2025.
