Loop
Loop was a concept mobile application designed for Found Surface, an eco-friendly manufacturing company based in Cleveland, Ohio. The goal of the project was to explore how a digital platform could connect the public to the factory ecosystem through transparency, product drops, garment rentals, and behind the scenes access to the manufacturing process.
Problem
Found Surface operates as more than just a product brand. The company also manufactures garments, develops supply chains, and focuses heavily on sustainable production practices.
However, there was no clear way for people to understand the full ecosystem of the company or interact with it directly. Customers could see finished products, but they could not easily see what was happening inside the factory, what capabilities the company had, or how they could engage with the brand beyond purchasing garments.
The opportunity was to create a digital platform that made the factory ecosystem visible while also allowing people to participate in it.
Users
The primary users for Loop were people interested in sustainable fashion as well as members of the local Cleveland community who wanted a closer connection to how garments are produced.
These users care about transparency, ethical production, and supporting local manufacturing. The platform aimed to give them a way to follow the production process, interact with new product drops, and participate in a garment rental ecosystem.
Product Experience
After login, users enter a dashboard that acts as the central hub of the platform. The dashboard is organized into four primary sections.
My Closet allows users to manage garments they currently own or are renting from the factory.
Transit shows garments currently being shipped, returned, or processed within the rental system.
New Arrivals highlights the latest product drops and newly available garments.
Favorites allows users to save garments they want to rent or purchase later.
From the dashboard, users can swipe horizontally to move between additional sections of the app.
The Shop section allows users to browse new drops and available garments.
The Feed section features images and updates from inside the factory, giving users a behind the scenes look at production and company highlights.
The Styling section allows Found Surface to share styling ideas and inspiration so users can see different ways garments can be worn.
Together these sections create a digital window into the factory while allowing users to shop, rent, and follow what is happening inside the company.
Design Approach
The main design goal for Loop was simplicity. Because the platform combined several features including shopping, garment rental, factory updates, and styling inspiration, the interface needed to remain clear and easy to navigate.
The dashboard structure was designed to give users immediate access to their most important actions without overwhelming them with information. Horizontal navigation between sections allows the platform to feel fluid while avoiding complex menus.
The experience was designed to feel approachable for users between the ages of 21 and 45 who are interested in sustainable fashion but expect a straightforward digital experience.
Outcome
Loop remained a concept and prototype rather than a launched product. After reviewing the project, the client determined that developing a full mobile application was still too early for the stage of the company.
However, the prototype helped explore how the Found Surface ecosystem could eventually translate into a digital platform. The project demonstrated how transparency, sustainability, and community engagement could be integrated into a single mobile experience.