Inspiration
Impulse buying is a common challenge in today’s fast-paced online shopping environment. We noticed how easy it is to make unnecessary purchases with just a few clicks, often leading to regret and wasted money. Inspired by the need for mindful spending, we wanted to create a tool that encourages users to pause and reflect before making a purchase.
What it does
CartWatch is a browser extension that intervenes when a user is about to make an impulse purchase. When triggered, it displays a thoughtfully designed popup that asks the user reflective questions about their intended purchase. The extension encourages users to consider whether they truly need the item, if it will bring lasting value, and if waiting before buying might be a better choice.
How we built it
We built CartWatch as a browser extension using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The popup interface is designed to be visually engaging and easy to read, with prompts that guide the user through a moment of reflection. The extension is lightweight and integrates seamlessly with the browser, activating at key moments in the shopping process.
Challenges we ran into
One of the main challenges was determining the best way to prompt users without being intrusive or annoying. We also had to ensure that the popup was both informative and concise, so users would actually read and consider the questions. Designing a user interface that is both effective and visually appealing required several iterations.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud of creating a simple yet impactful tool that can help users make more mindful purchasing decisions. The extension’s design strikes a balance between being persuasive and respectful of the user’s autonomy. We’re also pleased with how smoothly the extension integrates into the browsing experience.
What we learned
Through this project, we learned about the psychology of impulse buying and the importance of user experience in behavior-change tools. We also gained valuable experience in browser extension development and UI/UX design.
What's next for CartWatch
Looking ahead, we plan to add more customization options, such as allowing users to set their own reflection questions or spending limits. We also hope to gather user feedback to further refine the extension and explore integrations with budgeting tools for a more comprehensive approach to mindful spending.
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