The idea for our Digital Transformation Project was to make an application for a hairdresser. This application would show the customers how they would look like with their new haircut by applying a filter such as on Snapchat. This would be extremely useful for example when you are considering a different hairstyle and you are unsure whether it will suit you.

For our project we opted for the hair salon ‘Hair Design by Lydia’ as it is situated on campus. However, after conducting an interview with Lydia, the hairdresser and owner of the hair salon, we realised there was no need for such an application. Lydia has been running her hair salon on her own for 22 years. She runs it very traditionally. With just an agenda and an arsenal of skills, she cuts her way through the week. She’s very busy, and is never short on customers, which makes sure she is never short on income. Her revenue mainly comes from styling and cutting customers’ hair and selling accommodating hair products to them.

The SWOT analysis and the Porter’s five forces model analysis showed that the industry is competitive, but because it is located on campus and is regulated by the University Support Centre, the threat of new entrants is still low. However, it would be crucial to stay up to date on IT advancements in order to keep up with competitors as a new hair salon business could be started anytime in the neighbourhood.

The main problem with Hair Design by Lydia is that the workload is too high. The hair salon is doing so great that people would just walk in for a hair service, but usually she already has an appointment so that the customer can’t be scheduled straight away. As Lydia runs the store alone, it would be a good idea to introduce a digital alternative to analog planning. We recommend a web app called Salonized. This will save time on both sides, as customers could plan their own appointments without coming to the store or calling Lydia. Most importantly, it will reduce Lydia’s workload. Moreover, as it also more convenient for customers to book an appointment, the customer satisfaction will probably increase. Also, the data of the web app will enable Lydia to keep data on the customers instead of relying on her memory. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to Lydia.

However, there are certain risks to using Salonized as Lydia cannot control the hardware and software and the company that runs the application. And they have to be trusted with the data of the clients. Also, there is the possibility that clients still prefer to call or drop by to make an appointment.

Furthermore, there are a several future opportunities. Salonized offers a way to collect information in a personal profile if the customer allows it. Lydia could use this information to her advantage. Data collection and analysis could enable her to many more functionalities and capabilities. 

See our video for more explanation!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBRw3bhCDQY&feature=youtu.be%20

Group 2

Google just released their new smartphones: the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL.

The phone will be the first one that comes directly from Google and the first phone that has only a Google brand (without Nexus or Motorla M brand on it too). Google actually has the advantage of being able to develop both hardware and software, just like Apple. While other smartphone manufacturers, including the world’s largest, Samsung, use Android but rely on Google for primary development. Also, Google is spending a lot on advertising which indicates that Google wants to show the world these Pixel phones are a big deal. They are supposedly meant to compete with the iPhone.

The phones comes in two sizes: 5-inch and 5.5 inches and three colours: very silver, quite black and really blue (US only). It offers unlimited storage for all your photos and videos. No more ‘storage is full’ notifications anymore! Also, the phone comes with Google Duo and Allo pre-installed so you can video call and text with all your friends, whether they’re on Android or iOS. What’s more the camera is claimed to be the best you’ll ever find on a smartphone with its 12.3-megapixel camera and its 8-megapixel front camera. The phone is also the first phone to have Google Assistant built in. And the battery will last all day and charges quickly. Moreover, it uses the latest version of Android: Android 7.1 Nougat. Moreover, it has a headphone jack unlike the iphone! For those that are used to it and prefer to have one.

Furthermore, the next generation of Pixel phones will come with Google’s Daydream Virtual Reality platform implemented in the phones already. This is a big step for Virtual Reality to become mainstream. Google also announced its first VR headset the Daydream View.

Seems like there is a lot to be excited about! The phone is definitely worth considering for the ones that are looking for a new phone. It is bound to be good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rykmwn0SMWU