Small-screen UI design for a revolutionary LED skincare mask

The Challenge

Most LED masks on the market provide minimal feedback during treatment sessions, making it difficult for users to:

– Confirm they’ve selected the correct treatment

– Change treatments mid-session

– Track their progress during use

– Maintain consistent usage habits

Additionally, the intense brightness of LED lights makes viewing and operating a smartphone difficult and potentially uncomfortable. By designing a dedicated remote control, we had the opportunity to provide real-time feedback about treatments, duration, and progress while keeping the interaction simple and accessible for users of all technical abilities.

Our Approach

Optimizing readability from the mask

We began by evaluating the device, and examining the unique context of use: operating an interface while wearing a bright LED mask that limits visibility. This insight drove our design decisions throughout the project and helped us create solutions tailored to the specific use case.

Visual Interface Design

Understanding the visibility challenges inherent to the product, we created a dark mode UI with high-contrast elements that would be gentle on the eyes even when surrounded by LED lights. We implemented large, simplified typography that could be read clearly from various angles and distances. Our color palette intuitively differentiated treatment types while maintaining optimal contrast for visibility in challenging lighting conditions.

Navigation System

The remote’s navigation system was designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. We incorporated a dial control mechanism to move between options and a horizontal carousel for browsing multiple treatments. Color-coding corresponds to different light therapies, while the minimalist information display shows only what users need to make decisions. We deliberately crafted an interface progression that shows essential information first, with deeper details available on demand. Treatments are grouped by skincare goals with clear, jargon-free naming conventions, and a “Quick Start” option returns users to their last used routine for seamless daily use.

Treatment Monitoring Experience

Once a treatment begins, the interface transforms to prioritize session monitoring. We included a prominent countdown timer showing remaining time, a clear display of the current treatment type, simple cooling level adjustments, and educational tips to maximize effectiveness.

Usage Tracking to Build Habits

Recognizing that consistent use is key to seeing results with light therapy, we integrated a simple but effective tracking system. After each completed session, users receive an encouraging message and see a running tally of the number of times they’ve used each treatment. Milestone achievements are celebrated with special recognition messages. This light-touch approach to habit formation helps users stay committed to their skincare regimen without feeling overwhelmed by complex statistics.

Results

The Shark Beauty LED Mask launched in the UK market in fall 2024 to enthusiastic reception. Professional reviews and user feedback specifically praised the remote’s intuitive design and helpful session guidance. Users particularly appreciated the ability to track treatment progress in real-time, the session counter that motivated consistent use, the educational content that enhanced their understanding of light therapy, and the ease of switching between treatment types.

The tracking feature has proven especially valuable, with user data showing higher retention and more consistent usage patterns compared to industry averages for similar devices. By making progress visible and celebrating continued use, the design helps users maintain the consistency needed to see meaningful results from their light therapy treatments.

The project demonstrates that sometimes the best solution isn’t adding more features or defaulting to a smartphone app, but rather creating a focused, dedicated interface that excels at its specific purpose. By deeply understanding the context of use and anticipating user needs, we created a control system that makes advanced skincare technology accessible, enjoyable, and habit-forming for everyday users.

Through this work, we helped Shark Beauty differentiate their product in a competitive market while establishing a design approach that prioritized user experience over technical complexity.