West Realm: An AI-powered tool that helps customers visualize furniture in their own space, turning uncertainty into confident decisions.
OVERVIEW
Furniture is one of the most high-stakes purchases people make, yet the online shopping experience often leaves customers feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. We identified an opportunity for West Elm to better support customers during this decision-making process. West Realm is an AI-powered tool that allows users to visualize furniture in their real space, helping them move from hesitation to confidence.
ROLE
Concept Development
UX/UI Design
TYPE & TIMELINE
Brand Experience
4 weeks (Fall 2025)
TOOLS
Figma
Canva
TEAM
Gabe Glassman (CBM)
Kacey Cooper (ST)
Sarah Flynn (AD)
Sandra Sanchez (CW)
Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, automotive and assistance.
OVERVIEW
Nightlife should be fun, exciting, and safe, but for many women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and newcomers, it often feels daunting. Navigating nightlife without reliable safety information can lead to anxiety and missed opportunities for connection. That’s where Vibe Check comes in — a Y2K-inspired safety app that provides real-time safety ratings, live alerts, and community-driven tools to empower nightlife enthusiasts to explore confidently and connect meaningfully. Vibe Check transforms nightlife into a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
ROLE
UX/UI Design
TYPE & TIMELINE
10 week Internship
Summer 2025
TOOLS
Figma
Photoshop
Illustrator
Canva
TEAM
Zofia Farley
Sandra Sanchez
Olivia Koerner
Alyssa Black
Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, automotive and assistance.
OVERVIEW
Nightlife should be fun, exciting, and safe, but for many women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and newcomers, it often feels daunting. Navigating nightlife without reliable safety information can lead to anxiety and missed opportunities for connection. That’s where Vibe Check comes in — a Y2K-inspired safety app that provides real-time safety ratings, live alerts, and community-driven tools to empower nightlife enthusiasts to explore confidently and connect meaningfully. Vibe Check transforms nightlife into a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
ROLE
UX/UI Design
TYPE & TIMELINE
10 week Internship
Summer 2025
TOOLS
Figma
Photoshop
Illustrator
Canva
TEAM
Zofia Farley
Sandra Sanchez
Olivia Koerner
Alyssa Black
BACKGROUND
This project began with a challenge to identify a problem within an existing brand and develop a solution that could be brought to life through both product and campaign. We were assigned West Elm, a brand known for modern design, but whose digital experience does not fully support the complexity of furniture decision-making. While the brand positions itself as a design leader, its current tools fall short in helping customers feel confident in their purchases.
STRATEGY
West Elm navigates you to your clear vision of home.
PROBLEM
West Elm says they value modernity, but their technology lives in the past.
TARGET
Young women (25-34) who are entering their “home-buying” stage of life.
OBJECTIVE
Launch a feature that would improve the browsing experience on the west elm website.
INSIGHT
People fear the idea that they will regret a big purchase.
West Realm: An AI-powered tool that helps customers visualize furniture in their own space, turning uncertainty into confident decisions.
OVERVIEW
Furniture is one of the most high-stakes purchases people make, yet the online shopping experience often leaves customers feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. We identified an opportunity for West Elm to better support customers during this decision-making process. West Realm is an AI-powered tool that allows users to visualize furniture in their real space, helping them move from hesitation to confidence.
ROLE
Concept Development
UX/UI Design
TEAM
Gabe Glassman (CBM)
Kacey Cooper (ST)
Sarah Flynn (AD)
Sandra Sanchez (CW)
TYPE & TIMELINE
Brand Experience
4 weeks (Fall 2025)
TOOLS
Figma
Canva
BACKGROUND
This project began with a challenge to identify a problem within an existing brand and develop a solution that could be brought to life through both product and campaign. We were assigned West Elm, a brand known for modern design, but whose digital experience does not fully support the complexity of furniture decision-making. While the brand positions itself as a design leader, its current tools fall short in helping customers feel confident in their purchases.
OBJECTIVE
Launch a feature that would improve the browsing experience on the west elm website.
PROBLEM
West Elm says they value modernity, but their technology lives in the past.
TARGET
Young women (25-34) who are entering their “home-buying” stage of life.
INSIGHT
People fear the idea that they will regret a big purchase.
STRATEGY
West Elm navigates you to your clear vision of home.
West Realm: An AI-powered tool that helps customers visualize furniture in their own space, turning uncertainty into confident decisions.
OVERVIEW
Furniture is one of the most high-stakes purchases people make, yet the online shopping experience often leaves customers feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. We identified an opportunity for West Elm to better support customers during this decision-making process. West Realm is an AI-powered tool that allows users to visualize furniture in their real space, helping them move from hesitation to confidence.
TYPE & TIMELINE
Brand Experience
4 weeks (Fall 2025)
ROLE
Concept Development UX/UI Design
TEAM
Gabe Glassman (CBM)
Kacey Cooper (ST)
Sarah Flynn (AD)
Sandra Sanchez (CW)
TOOLS
Figma
Canva
BACKGROUND
This project began with a challenge to identify a problem within an existing brand and develop a solution that could be brought to life through both product and campaign. We were assigned West Elm, a brand known for modern design, but whose digital experience does not fully support the complexity of furniture decision-making. While the brand positions itself as a design leader, its current tools fall short in helping customers feel confident in their purchases.
OBJECTIVE
Launch a feature that would improve the browsing experience on the west elm website.
PROBLEM
West Elm says they value modernity, but their technology lives in the past.
TARGET
Young women (25-34) who are entering their “home-buying” stage of life.
INSIGHT
People fear the idea that they will regret a big purchase.
STRATEGY
West Elm navigates you to your clear vision of home.
SOLUTION
Introducing West Realm.
West Realm is an AI-powered home design assistant that allows customers to visualize furniture directly within their own space. Through a conversational interface, users can upload a photo of their room, describe what they are looking for, and receive photorealistic images of furniture seamlessly integrated into their environment.
Unlike traditional tools, West Realm does not rely on static previews. It understands context including lighting, layout, and existing decor, and generates a vision of how each piece will truly live in the space. Customers can ask follow-up questions, explore different styles, and compare options in real time, making the experience feel intuitive, personalized, and collaborative.
What was once an overwhelming decision becomes a guided, confidence-driven process.
THE WEST REALM CHAT EXPERIENCE
West Elm’s current room planner helps users understand how furniture fits within a space, but it does not show how it will truly look within their existing environment. The experience is primarily 2D and 3D, focusing on layout rather than aesthetic fit.
West Realm enhances this experience by introducing a conversational layer within the room planner. Instead of navigating the process alone, users are guided step by step through a personalized design journey.
In this example, a user designs a reading corner by uploading their space and chatting through preferences. The assistant interprets their needs, recommends pieces, and visualizes them in real time, helping users explore options and make decisions with confidence.
THE WEST REALM CHAT EXPERIENCE
West Elm’s current room planner helps users understand how furniture fits within a space, but it does not show how it will truly look within their existing environment. The experience is primarily 2D and 3D, focusing on layout rather than aesthetic fit.
West Realm enhances this experience by introducing a conversational layer within the room planner. Instead of navigating the process alone, users are guided step by step through a personalized design journey.
In this example, a user designs a reading corner by uploading their space and chatting through preferences. The assistant interprets their needs, recommends pieces, and visualizes them in real time, helping users explore options and make decisions with confidence.
THE WEST REALM CHAT EXPERIENCE
West Elm’s current room planner helps users understand how furniture fits within a space, but it does not show how it will truly look within their existing environment. The experience is primarily 2D and 3D, focusing on layout rather than aesthetic fit.
West Realm enhances this experience by introducing a conversational layer within the room planner. Instead of navigating the process alone, users are guided step by step through a personalized design journey.
In this example, a user designs a reading corner by uploading their space and chatting through preferences. The assistant interprets their needs, recommends pieces, and visualizes them in real time, helping users explore options and make decisions with confidence.
INTEGRATED ENTRY POINTS
After the initial homepage promotion, West Realm transitions into a more integrated part of the experience. Rather than relying on a single entry point, it becomes accessible through existing navigation and discovery surfaces. Users can access West Realm through “Free Design Services” within the main navigation, where it lives inside the Room Planner, or by selecting “Introducing West Realm” as a featured entry point.
INTEGRATED ENTRY POINTS
After the initial homepage promotion, West Realm transitions into a more integrated part of the experience. Rather than relying on a single entry point, it becomes accessible through existing navigation and discovery surfaces. Users can access West Realm through “Free Design Services” within the main navigation, where it lives inside the Room Planner, or by selecting “Introducing West Realm” as a featured entry point.
PRODUCT PAGE
West Realm is introduced directly within the browsing experience. During launch, select product pages feature a West Realm icon and supporting prompts that encourage users to visualize items within their own space. Placing the feature within browsing allows users to move naturally from inspiration to interaction. As familiarity grows, visual indicators shift to newly released items, creating a more subtle and intentional discovery experience.
PRODUCT PAGE
West Realm is introduced directly within the browsing experience. During launch, select product pages feature a West Realm icon and supporting prompts that encourage users to visualize items within their own space. Placing the feature within browsing allows users to move naturally from inspiration to interaction. As familiarity grows, visual indicators shift to newly released items, creating a more subtle and intentional discovery experience.
PRODUCT DETAIL PAGE
West Realm is embedded within the product detail page, appearing in the “Still deciding?” section where customers are actively evaluating their purchase. A clear “See in Your Space” action allows users to visualize the product within their own environment without leaving the page. Positioned at this moment of consideration, the feature helps users validate their choice and move forward with clarity.
PRODUCT DETAIL PAGE
West Realm is embedded within the product detail page, appearing in the “Still deciding?” section where customers are actively evaluating their purchase. A clear “See in Your Space” action allows users to visualize the product within their own environment without leaving the page. Positioned at this moment of consideration, the feature helps users validate their choice and move forward with clarity.
CHECKOUT PAGE
West Realm extends into the checkout experience through a subtle prompt on the shopping cart page. A reminder such as “Can’t see the vision? See it in your space” encourages users to visualize items before completing their purchase. Placed at the final stage of the journey, this moment allows users to validate their decision, reducing hesitation and helping prevent potential returns.
CHECKOUT PAGE
West Realm extends into the checkout experience through a subtle prompt on the shopping cart page. A reminder such as “Can’t see the vision? See it in your space” encourages users to visualize items before completing their purchase. Placed at the final stage of the journey, this moment allows users to validate their decision, reducing hesitation and helping prevent potential returns.
DESIGN PROCESS
INSIGHTS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
USER PERSONA
USER JOURNEY
UI KIT
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
RESEARCH
INSIGHTS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
USER PERSONA
USER JOURNEY
WEBSITE AUDIT
DESIGN
MOODBOARD
VISUAL CONCEPT
BRAND KIT
UI KIT
PROTOTYPING
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
FUNCTIONAL PROTOTYPE
TESTING
USER TESTING
FEEDBACK
DESIGN PROCESS
INSIGHTS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
USER PERSONA
USER JOURNEY
UI KIT
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
DESIGN PROCESS
INSIGHTS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
USER PERSONA
USER JOURNEY
UI KIT
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
COMPETITORS RESEARCHED: IKEA, Anthropologie Home, Crate&Barrel, and Pottery Barn
COMPETITORS RESEARCHED: IKEA, Anthropologie Home, Crate&Barrel, and Pottery Barn
COMPETITORS RESEARCHED: IKEA, Anthropologie Home, Crate&Barrel, and Pottery Barn
DESIGN PROCESS
INSIGHTS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
USER PERSONA
USER JOURNEY
UI KIT
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
DESIGN PROCESS
INSIGHTS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
USER PERSONA
USER JOURNEY
UI KIT
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
DESIGN PROCESS
INSIGHTS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
USER PERSONA
USER JOURNEY
UI KIT
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
DESIGN PROCESS
INSIGHTS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
USER PERSONA
USER JOURNEY
UI KIT
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
DESIGN PROCESS
INSIGHTS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
USER PERSONA
USER JOURNEY
UI KIT
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
REFLECTION
This project pushed me to think beyond traditional e-commerce flows and explore how conversational design could support high-stakes purchasing decisions. One of the biggest challenges was prototyping the AI-assisted room planner in Figma. Simulating a chatbot experience required learning more advanced interaction patterns and animation techniques, which took significant time and iteration to refine.
I also focused on balancing two visual directions: the existing West Elm design system and the “West Realm” design elements I was given. My goal was to maintain brand consistency while introducing a more guided, assistive experience. This required making intentional decisions around color, layout, and tone to ensure the feature felt cohesive and integrated rather than separate from the core product.
This project reinforced how much hesitation and uncertainty influence furniture purchases, and how design can play a role in building user confidence during high-stakes decisions.
REFLECTION
This project pushed me to think beyond traditional e-commerce flows and explore how conversational design could support high-stakes purchasing decisions. One of the biggest challenges was prototyping the AI-assisted room planner in Figma. Simulating a chatbot experience required learning more advanced interaction patterns and animation techniques, which took significant time and iteration to refine.
I also focused on balancing two visual directions: the existing West Elm design system and the “West Realm” design elements I was given. My goal was to maintain brand consistency while introducing a more guided, assistive experience. This required making intentional decisions around color, layout, and tone to ensure the feature felt cohesive and integrated rather than separate from the core product.
This project reinforced how much hesitation and uncertainty influence furniture purchases, and how design can play a role in building user confidence during high-stakes decisions.
Other projects
Allianz Partners
Redesigning embedded travel insurance offers across airline and lodging booking flows to improve clarity, trust, and conversion.
RALI
A protein coffee designed for sustained, functional energy.
Tamagotchi
The LoveLock Edition reimagines the iconic digital pet as a shared ritual designed to strengthen relationships through play.
Study Abroad Scrapbook
Capturing my semester in Florence through photography, memories, and thoughtful layout design.
Other projects
Allianz Partners
Redesigning embedded travel insurance offers across airline and lodging booking flows to improve clarity, trust, and conversion.
RALI
A protein coffee designed for sustained, functional energy.
Tamagotchi
The LoveLock Edition reimagines the iconic digital pet as a shared ritual designed to strengthen relationships through play.
Study Abroad Scrapbook
Capturing my semester in Florence through photography, memories, and thoughtful layout design.
REFLECTION
This project pushed me to think beyond traditional e-commerce flows and explore how conversational design could support high-stakes purchasing decisions. One of the biggest challenges was prototyping the AI-assisted room planner in Figma. Simulating a chatbot experience required learning more advanced interaction patterns and animation techniques, which took significant time and iteration to refine.
I also focused on balancing two visual directions: the existing West Elm design system and the “West Realm” design elements I was given. My goal was to maintain brand consistency while introducing a more guided, assistive experience. This required making intentional decisions around color, layout, and tone to ensure the feature felt cohesive and integrated rather than separate from the core product.
This project reinforced how much hesitation and uncertainty influence furniture purchases, and how design can play a role in building user confidence during high-stakes decisions.
Other projects
Allianz Partners
Redesigning embedded travel insurance offers across airline and lodging booking flows to improve clarity, trust, and conversion.
RALI
A protein coffee designed for sustained, functional energy.
Tamagotchi
The LoveLock Edition reimagines the iconic digital pet as a shared ritual designed to strengthen relationships through play.
Study Abroad Scrapbook
Capturing my semester in Florence through photography, memories, and thoughtful layout design.