An Anti-Counterfeit Solution for Streetwear Brands
- 2020
- UX Research
- Product Design
- Conceptual
The Context
Streetwear brands need a way to verify authenticity. (This is a conceptual idea)
When the pandemic started, I supported local businesses including streetwear brands from here and abroad. I noticed some products didn’t look or feel right. Some had missing details or different material quality. That made me question if they were real. Buyers couldn’t tell either.
Brands had a hard time proving which products were authentic. This made it difficult to build trust and protect value. That led me to explore a simple way to check if a product is real without changing the clothing.
The Problem
Streetwear can be easily copied and sold as fakes.
Buyers want proof of authenticity to increase resale value and trust.
Brands can’t track items after they’re sold.
The Solution
A concept using an NFC HANG TAG CARD and a WEB APP to verify product legitimacy easily.
The Exploration
| Criteria |
QR Code Printed / Woven Label |
Concert Wristband / Embedded NFC Chip |
Separate Authentication Card (Final Choice) |
| Durable (Washing/Heat) |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
| Tamper Resistant |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
| Counterfeit Protection |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
| Cost & Scalability |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
| Perceived Value |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
Woven tags can be removed and reattached to fakes.
Printed QR codes may fade or distort after washing.
Embedded NFC in Garment can melt during laundry
The Process
PRODUCT DISCOVERY PROCESS
A product discovery process was used to explore the problem, assess possible solutions,
and define a concept that delivers real user and business value before execution.
User flow made using Whimsical
Wireflow of Verification Portal & Admin Panel
The Potential Impact
Up to 40% reduction in counterfeit-related issues in resale transactions
Up to 25% increase in buyer trust and purchase confidence
Stronger brand credibility in limited-edition releases and secondary markets
Higher perceived product value, supporting premium pricing and resale value