PINTEREST
AI-POWERED VIRTUAL TRY ON
PINTEREST
AI-POWERED VIRTUAL TRY ON
THE IDEA
THE IDEA
EXPLORATION
INTRODUCTION
Pinterest has long been a place to dream, a platform for visual discovery and inspiration. But inspiration often stops at saving Pins.
Pinterest Virtual Stylist reimagines that journey. It’s an AI-powered ecosystem designed to turn saved outfits into real possibilities through three connected features:
INTRODUCTION
Pinterest has long been a place to dream, a platform for visual discovery and inspiration. But inspiration often stops at saving Pins.
Pinterest Virtual Stylist reimagines that journey. It’s an AI-powered ecosystem designed to turn saved outfits into real possibilities through three connected features:
AI Stylist Assistant
A conversational partner that curates complete outfits for real contexts, like a wedding, weekend trip, or interview.
AI Stylist Assistant
A conversational partner that curates complete outfits for real contexts, like a wedding, weekend trip, or interview.
AI Avatar Try On
A digital self that tries outfits for you, making it easier to see how clothes might fit your style and body.
AI Avatar Try On
A digital self that tries outfits for you, making it easier to see how clothes might fit your style and body.
Smart Virtual Closet
A living wardrobe sourced from the AI Stylist's generated looks, organized into style folders.
Smart Virtual Closet
A living wardrobe sourced from the AI Stylist's generated looks, organized into style folders.
THE GOAL
Expand Pinterest from a gallery of saved ideas into an immersive styling companion and bridge the gap between collecting dreams and bringing them into a user's personal life. The goal of building Virtual Stylist is twofold: empower users with the ability to intertwine their dream and real selves, and position Pinterest as a leading name in the fast growing future of fashion tech.
THE GOAL
Expand Pinterest from a gallery of saved ideas into an immersive styling companion and bridge the gap between collecting dreams and bringing them into a user's personal life. The goal of building Virtual Stylist is twofold: empower users with the ability to intertwine their dream and real selves, and position Pinterest as a leading name in the fast growing future of fashion tech.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Pinterest has been a long standing source of inspiration, but it's light in immersion. People save fashion ideas every day, but the platform doesn’t yet help them translate those ideals into their real lives.
Users ask: “How would this look on me? Where do I actually find these pieces?” Without a way to try on, combine pieces, or be styled for personal contexts, the platform remains a gallery of aspiration rather than a tool for transformation.
The challenge is larger than a single feature: how do we make Pinterest more immersive, and help people bring the ideal versions of themselves into their everyday lives? By doing so, Pinterest can close the gap between dreaming and dressing, and evolve from an inspiration platform into an immersive styling companion and credible fashion commerce player.
Pinterest has been a long standing source of inspiration, but it's light in immersion. People save fashion ideas every day, but the platform doesn’t yet help them translate those ideals into their real lives.
Users ask: “How would this look on me? Where do I actually find these pieces?” Without a way to try on, combine pieces, or be styled for personal contexts, the platform remains a gallery of aspiration rather than a tool for transformation.
The challenge is larger than a single feature: how do we make Pinterest more immersive, and help people bring the ideal versions of themselves into their everyday lives? By doing so, Pinterest can close the gap between dreaming and dressing, and evolve from an inspiration platform into an immersive styling companion and credible fashion commerce player.
BEHIND FASHION TECH
WHY THIS MATTERS
PINTEREST TODAY
Over 459M people visit Pinterest for outfit inspiration, but most journeys stop at saving. The leap from idea to reality is missing, leaving a gap between the platform’s role as a source of inspiration and its potential as a shopping destination. Solving this gap places Pinterest in a position to compete in fashion commerce.
PINTEREST TODAY
Over 459M people visit Pinterest for outfit inspiration, but most journeys stop at saving. The leap from idea to reality is missing, leaving a gap between the platform’s role as a source of inspiration and its potential as a shopping destination. Solving this gap places Pinterest in a position to compete in fashion commerce.
While Pinterest has begun linking images to shoppable items as part of its expansion into commerce, this feature is often ignored or under‑used. Most people still don’t come to Pinterest primarily to shop, which means the existing shoppable links fail to drive strong behavior change.
A Closet feature reframes shopping from hypothetical browsing into something personal - encouraging users to see outfits on themselves, have them clearly organized and linked, making them more likely to move from saving to actually buying.
While Pinterest has begun linking images to shoppable items as part of its expansion into commerce, this feature is often ignored or under‑used. Most people still don’t come to Pinterest primarily to shop, which means the existing shoppable links fail to drive strong behavior change.
A Closet feature reframes shopping from hypothetical browsing into something personal - encouraging users to see outfits on themselves, have them clearly organized and linked, making them more likely to move from saving to actually buying.
Bridging this gap means helping people translate visual inspiration into practical, personal decisions.
Bridging this gap means helping people translate visual inspiration into practical, personal decisions.
INDUSTRY GROWTH
INDUSTRY GROWTH
Fashion Tech Growth
$240B in 2024 → ~$345B by 2030.
Fashion Tech Growth
$240B in 2024 → ~$345B by 2030.
AI in Fashion
$2.2B in 2024 → ~$60B by 2034.
AI in Fashion
$2.2B in 2024 → ~$60B by 2034.
These numbers highlight a massive and accelerating market shift toward immersive and AI‑driven styling experiences. The rise of AR fitting rooms, digital closets, and personalized recommendations shows that consumers increasingly expect technology to play an active role in self expression.
These numbers highlight a massive and accelerating market shift toward immersive and AI‑driven styling experiences. The rise of AR fitting rooms, digital closets, and personalized recommendations shows that consumers increasingly expect technology to play an active role in self expression.
THE OPPORTUNITY
While competitors like Amazon and Meta are experimenting with try‑on, they emphasize transactions and novelty. Pinterest can stand out by focusing on trust, creativity, and personal styling, aligning inspiration with action, building lasting user value, and creating new revenue streams through brand partnerships and conversion uplift. By offering a system that is immersive, personal, and integrated, Pinterest has the chance to move beyond being an inspiration platform to becoming a true fashion tech leader.
THE OPPORTUNITY
While competitors like Amazon and Meta are experimenting with try‑on, they emphasize transactions and novelty. Pinterest can stand out by focusing on trust, creativity, and personal styling, aligning inspiration with action, building lasting user value, and creating new revenue streams through brand partnerships and conversion uplift. By offering a system that is immersive, personal, and integrated, Pinterest has the chance to move beyond being an inspiration platform to becoming a true fashion tech leader.
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
WHY FASHION TECH, WHY NOW
Fashion and technology are converging quickly. Virtual try‑ons, AI stylists, and creator‑led shopping are shaping a new expectation: not just saving looks but seeing them on yourself and acting on them. Pinterest’s discovery graph - boards, creators, related Pins - makes it uniquely suited to deliver styling that feels both personal and trustworthy at scale.
WHY FASHION TECH, WHY NOW
Fashion and technology are converging quickly. Virtual try‑ons, AI stylists, and creator‑led shopping are shaping a new expectation: not just saving looks but seeing them on yourself and acting on them. Pinterest’s discovery graph - boards, creators, related Pins - makes it uniquely suited to deliver styling that feels both personal and trustworthy at scale.
ALIGNING WITH PINTEREST
ALIGNING WITH PINTEREST
Users want a playful, intuitive path from inspiration TO action.
Users want a playful, intuitive path from inspiration TO action.
Immersive tech must be inclusive, privacy‑first, and believable.
Immersive tech must be inclusive, privacy‑first, and believable.
An ecosystem (avatar + closet + stylist) creates daily utility, not just novelty.
An ecosystem (avatar + closet + stylist) creates daily utility, not just novelty.
THE NEAR FUTURE OF FASHION TECH
THE NEAR FUTURE OF FASHION TECH
Immersive
Try it on, don't just pin it.
Immersive
Try it on, don't just pin it.
Personal
Tailored to body, style, and context
Personal
Tailored to body, style, and context
Integrated
One flow from discovery → styling → shopping.
Integrated
One flow from discovery → styling → shopping.
USER NEEDS (PERSONAS)
USER NEEDS (PERSONAS)
Sarah | 23 | Recent Grad
"I save outfits I like but never find where to buy them, or know how they would look on me. I also want to be able to plan where to wear them, right now they're just hypothetical."
Sarah | 23 | Recent Grad
"I save outfits I like but never find where to buy them, or know how they would look on me. I also want to be able to plan where to wear them, right now they're just hypothetical."
Needs:
The ability to see outfits styled on her body with realistic detail
Links to the clothes in her looks to directly shop them
Curated looks for specific events
Jasmine | 29 | Fashion Designer
"I want to see how my designs can be worn and styled on different people. Although I design it one way, seeing how my clients will style and look them let's me design better."
Jasmine | 29 | Fashion Designer
"I want to see how my designs can be worn and styled on different people. Although I design it one way, seeing how my clients will style and look them let's me design better."
Needs:
AI avatars that reflect the full range of real body types
A stylist assistant capable of generating diverse looks and taking direction
Prompting specific clothes to style
David | 26 | Industrial Engineer
"I have certain ideas but don’t know fit or combos or where I can wear them. Finding ways to style myself feels a little limited."
David | 26 | Industrial Engineer
"I have certain ideas but don’t know fit or combos or where I can wear them. Finding ways to style myself feels a little limited."
Needs:
AI avatars that reflect the full range of real body types
A stylist assistant capable of generating diverse looks and taking direction
Prompting specific clothes to style
Needs:
The ability to see outfits styled on her body with realistic detail
Links to the clothes in her looks to directly shop them
Curated looks for specific events
Needs:
AI avatars that reflect the full range of real body types
A stylist assistant capable of generating diverse looks and taking direction
Prompting specific clothes to style
Needs:
Inclusive male styling
Guidance on how to complete outfits he can wear in real life
Personal Stylist that can understand vague ideas and tailor to his personal style
DESIGN IMPLICATIONS
The system must deliver confidence (believable try‑ons), control (transparent AI with edit tools), and continuity (a closet that persists beyond one session).
DESIGN IMPLICATIONS
The system must deliver confidence (believable try‑ons), control (transparent AI with edit tools), and continuity (a closet that persists beyond one session).
PRODUCT GOALS
EXPERIENCE GOALS
EXPERIENCE GOALS
See yourself in your Pins: realistic AI avatar that reflects you.
Style for real moments: curated outfits for context (event, weather, style, vibe, budget).
Own your wardrobe: a persistent closet combining saved Pins and uploads and auto organizing them into curated folders.
See yourself in your Pins: realistic AI avatar that reflects you.
Style for real moments: curated outfits for context (event, weather, style, vibe, budget).
Own your wardrobe: a persistent closet combining saved Pins and uploads and auto organizing them into curated folders.
TRUST & RESPONSIBILITY GOALS
TRUST & RESPONSIBILITY GOALS
Be inclusive by default: diverse presets, body‑positive flows, gender‑neutral iconography.
Privacy‑first: explicit consent, local processing where possible, clear delete controls.
Be inclusive by default: diverse presets, body‑positive flows, gender‑neutral iconography.
Privacy‑first: explicit consent, local processing where possible, clear delete controls.
BUSINESS GOALS
BUSINESS GOALS
Move inspiration to action: increase Pin → Shop conversion and strengthen Pinterest’s identity as a fashion tech leader.
Move inspiration to action: increase Pin → Shop conversion and strengthen Pinterest’s identity as a fashion tech leader.
USER FLOW
BEHIND THE PRODUCT
PROFILE HUB
PURPOSE:
Introduce Virtual Stylist as a core feature and make it easily discoverable from the profile page, alongside existing actions like Creator Hub and Edit Profile.
PURPOSE:
Introduce Virtual Stylist as a core feature and make it easily discoverable from the profile page, alongside existing actions like Creator Hub and Edit Profile.
DESIGN DECISIONS
DESIGN DECISIONS
Button placement
Positioned at the same level as Creator Hub to signal equal importance and platform-level integration (not a hidden experimental feature).
Button style exploration
Iterated through multiple button treatments (glowing orb, pill, standard Pinterest button).
Chose the Pinterest-red pill button to stay consistent with the platform’s design language while maintaining high visibility.
The glowing orb (early draft) communicated “AI magic” but felt less native to Pinterest’s UI. Final choice balances familiarity with prominence.
Button placement
Positioned at the same level as Creator Hub to signal equal importance and platform-level integration (not a hidden experimental feature).
Button style exploration
Iterated through multiple button treatments (glowing orb, pill, standard Pinterest button).
Chose the Pinterest-red pill button to stay consistent with the platform’s design language while maintaining high visibility.
The glowing orb (early draft) communicated “AI magic” but felt less native to Pinterest’s UI. Final choice balances familiarity with prominence.
Label
Explicit “Virtual Stylist” text avoids ambiguity. The AI element is introduced later in context, ensuring clarity without intimidating users at entry.
Label
Explicit “Virtual Stylist” text avoids ambiguity. The AI element is introduced later in context, ensuring clarity without intimidating users at entry.
WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES
WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES
For Users:
Clear, intuitive entry point that communicates styling is a first-class feature. Reduces friction - no guessing where to start.
For Users:
Clear, intuitive entry point that communicates styling is a first-class feature. Reduces friction - no guessing where to start.
For Pinterest:
Elevates Virtual Stylist to the same tier as creator tools, reinforcing Pinterest’s shift from passive inspiration → active styling and shopping.
For Pinterest:
Elevates Virtual Stylist to the same tier as creator tools, reinforcing Pinterest’s shift from passive inspiration → active styling and shopping.
BEHIND THE PRODUCT
VIRTUAL ASSITANT PROMPTING
PURPOSE:
Capture the user’s intent in a way that feels natural, whether through free text (“Style me for a coffee chat”), structured chips (occasion, vibe, budget), or by attaching a reference Pin or personal photo. This flexibility mirrors how people actually think about outfits - mixing words, inspiration images, and context.
PURPOSE:
Capture the user’s intent in a way that feels natural, whether through free text (“Style me for a coffee chat”), structured chips (occasion, vibe, budget), or by attaching a reference Pin or personal photo. This flexibility mirrors how people actually think about outfits - mixing words, inspiration images, and context.
AI-generated flat lays serve as a midpoint between Pins and try-on. Users can iterate, swap, or refine items before moving into the emotional payoff of seeing looks on their avatar.
DESIGN DECISIONS
DESIGN DECISIONS
Exploration of emphasis:
Early iteration (left) used a bold red header to highlight the AI assistant. It drew attention but felt heavy and less native to Pinterest.
Final iteration (right) leaned into Pinterest’s minimalism, keeping the header subtle so the focus stayed on the dialogue.
Personalization:
Greeting users by name (“Hi Mané”) creates a more approachable tone.
Input flexibility:
Users can type free text for natural requests.
Use chips for structured filters like occasion or budget (not pictured here).
Attach a reference Pin or photo - grounding the assistant in actual Pinterest behavior and ensuring AI output feels visually relevant.
Exploration of emphasis:
Early iteration (left) used a bold red header to highlight the AI assistant. It drew attention but felt heavy and less native to Pinterest.
Final iteration (right) leaned into Pinterest’s minimalism, keeping the header subtle so the focus stayed on the dialogue.
Personalization:
Greeting users by name (“Hi Mané”) creates a more approachable tone.
Input flexibility:
Users can type free text for natural requests.
Use chips for structured filters like occasion or budget (not pictured here).
Attach a reference Pin or photo - grounding the assistant in actual Pinterest behavior and ensuring AI output feels visually relevant.
WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES
WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES
For Users:
Lets them communicate however they’re most comfortable - with words, images, or both. This mirrors how people save and think about style on Pinterest, making the assistant feel like an extension of natural behavior.
For Users:
Lets them communicate however they’re most comfortable - with words, images, or both. This mirrors how people save and think about style on Pinterest, making the assistant feel like an extension of natural behavior.
For Pinterest:
Builds a bridge between the existing “save Pins for inspiration” behavior and the new “use them to style yourself” behavior - reinforcing Pinterest’s value in fashion commerce.
For Pinterest:
Builds a bridge between the existing “save Pins for inspiration” behavior and the new “use them to style yourself” behavior - reinforcing Pinterest’s value in fashion commerce.
CURATED OUTFIT SCREENS
PURPOSE:
Provide users with multiple AI-generated outfit options (flat lays) before committing to a try-on. This stage gives choice, context, and editability - a safe space to explore.
PURPOSE:
Provide users with multiple AI-generated outfit options (flat lays) before committing to a try-on. This stage gives choice, context, and editability - a safe space to explore.
DESIGN DECISIONS
DESIGN DECISIONS
Flat Lay Presentation:
Outfits are presented in a familiar, shoppable format before styling on the avatar. This balances clarity (seeing all pieces together) with speed (faster to generate than full try-on).
Contextual Detail:
Each look is tagged with its styling context (“Business Casual”) and environmental cues (location, temperature, weather). This grounds the experience in real-life scenarios.
Interactive Iteration:
Users can refine outfits via text feedback (“I’d prefer more statement earrings”), regenerate looks, or swap specific items.
Flat Lay Presentation:
Outfits are presented in a familiar, shoppable format before styling on the avatar. This balances clarity (seeing all pieces together) with speed (faster to generate than full try-on).
Contextual Detail:
Each look is tagged with its styling context (“Business Casual”) and environmental cues (location, temperature, weather). This grounds the experience in real-life scenarios.
CTA Hierarchy:
The red “Style on Me” button guides users to the try-on experience while still allowing iteration first.
Avatar Customization Button (bottom):
First iteration: gendered female avatar with pencil (clear, but exclusive).
Second iteration: neutral avatar silhouette (inclusive, but lacked clarity).
Final decision: neutral person + pencil icon, which clearly communicates “edit avatar” while avoiding gender bias.
Positioned subtly at the bottom so it’s always accessible without competing with primary CTAs.
Flat Lay Presentation:
Outfits are presented in a familiar, shoppable format before styling on the avatar. This balances clarity (seeing all pieces together) with speed (faster to generate than full try-on).
Contextual Detail:
Each look is tagged with its styling context (“Business Casual”) and environmental cues (location, temperature, weather). This grounds the experience in real-life scenarios.
Interactive Iteration:
Users can refine outfits via text feedback (“I’d prefer more statement earrings”), regenerate looks, or swap specific items.
Flat Lay Presentation:
Outfits are presented in a familiar, shoppable format before styling on the avatar. This balances clarity (seeing all pieces together) with speed (faster to generate than full try-on).
Contextual Detail:
Each look is tagged with its styling context (“Business Casual”) and environmental cues (location, temperature, weather). This grounds the experience in real-life scenarios.
CTA Hierarchy:
The red “Style on Me” button guides users to the try-on experience while still allowing iteration first.
Avatar Customization Button (bottom):
First iteration: gendered female avatar with pencil (clear, but exclusive).
Second iteration: neutral avatar silhouette (inclusive, but lacked clarity).
Final decision: neutral person + pencil icon, which clearly communicates “edit avatar” while avoiding gender bias.
Positioned subtly at the bottom so it’s always accessible without competing with primary CTAs.
WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES
WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES
For Users:
Gives transparency and control - they can personalize their looks and their avatar, ensuring the try-on experience feels authentic.
For Users:
Gives transparency and control - they can personalize their looks and their avatar, ensuring the try-on experience feels authentic.
For Pinterest:
Strengthens inclusivity and accessibility as part of the brand identity, showing a thoughtful approach to microinteractions and user trust.
For Pinterest:
Strengthens inclusivity and accessibility as part of the brand identity, showing a thoughtful approach to microinteractions and user trust.
Iterated on avatar customization button - final version leaned into inclusivity and neutrality without sacrificing clarity.
TRY-ON SCREENS
PURPOSE:
Allow users to see outfits styled directly on their avatar, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality. This is the moment when saved Pins and generated looks stop being hypothetical and become personal.
PURPOSE:
Allow users to see outfits styled directly on their avatar, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality. This is the moment when saved Pins and generated looks stop being hypothetical and become personal.
Front and back views provide realistic fit evaluation, similar to the experience of a physical fitting room.
DESIGN DECISIONS
DESIGN DECISIONS
Realistic Rendering:
The avatar showcases how the outfit drapes and fits, providing confidence beyond flat lays.
Multiple Perspectives:
Supporting front and back views helps users evaluate the outfit more realistically, similar to a real fitting room.
Context Retained:
The top bar keeps contextual tags (“Business Casual”, “Los Angeles • 83° • Sunny”) to remind users this outfit is styled for their specific scenario. They're also able to control and change these contexts or in the prompt.
Save/Shop Interaction:
The “Save to Closet” button makes this outfit part of the user’s persistent wardrobe.
Shoppable links for individual items remain visible below.
Editing Flexibility:
Users can tap “Edit Look” or continue prompting to swap, refine, or regenerate outfits - reinforcing iteration as part of the experience.
They can also edit by typing in the prompt field.
Realistic Rendering:
The avatar showcases how the outfit drapes and fits, providing confidence beyond flat lays.
Multiple Perspectives:
Supporting front and back views helps users evaluate the outfit more realistically, similar to a real fitting room.
Context Retained:
The top bar keeps contextual tags (“Business Casual”, “Los Angeles • 83° • Sunny”) to remind users this outfit is styled for their specific scenario. They're also able to control and change these contexts or in the prompt.
Save/Shop Interaction:
The “Save to Closet” button makes this outfit part of the user’s persistent wardrobe.
Shoppable links for individual items remain visible below.
Editing Flexibility:
Users can tap “Edit Look” or continue prompting to swap, refine, or regenerate outfits - reinforcing iteration as part of the experience.
They can also edit by typing in the prompt field.
WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES
WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES
For Users:
Delivers the emotional reward of seeing yourself in your inspiration. This makes outfits feel more attainable and helps users make confident style and purchase decisions.
For Users:
Delivers the emotional reward of seeing yourself in your inspiration. This makes outfits feel more attainable and helps users make confident style and purchase decisions.
For Pinterest:
Turns passive inspiration into active styling and shopping behavior. By linking try-on directly to the closet and shop flows, Pinterest strengthens its value as both a creative platform and a commerce engine.
For Pinterest:
Turns passive inspiration into active styling and shopping behavior. By linking try-on directly to the closet and shop flows, Pinterest strengthens its value as both a creative platform and a commerce engine.
VIRTUAL CLOSET
PURPOSE:
The Closet transforms inspiration into a living wardrobe. Instead of Pins staying hypothetical, the Closet reframes them as pieces the user can actually style, try on, and shop from.
DESIGN DECISIONS
DESIGN DECISIONS
Closet Hub (Folders Overview)
Purpose: Introduces style folders (e.g., Work Fits, Wedding Guest Inspo, Summer in Bali) so users can organize their wardrobe around real contexts.
Flow: From profile, the user taps the Closet tab → sees folders of looks they’ve saved or generated.
What it accomplishes: Turns scattered Pins into a persistent, evolving wardrobe that reflects both aspiration and reality.
Folder View (Curated Looks)
Purpose: Provide users with complete, curated outfits instead of single Pins.
Flow: Opening a folder reveals styled looks the user can scroll through like a digital clothing rack.
What it accomplishes: Makes styling decisions lightweight and natural, offering daily utility and context-driven organization.
Look Detail (Shop the Look)
Purpose: Turn inspiration into actionable styling and shopping.
Flow: Within a look, each item links directly to shopping options. Users can save the outfit, edit it, or shop it as a complete look.
What it accomplishes: Bridges Pinterest’s current gap by reframing linked items as something personal — not just “a Pin with a shop tag,” but an outfit they can imagine themselves wearing. This increases the likelihood of purchase and drives Pinterest’s commerce goals forward.
Closet Hub (Folders Overview)
Purpose: Introduces style folders (e.g., Work Fits, Wedding Guest Inspo, Summer in Bali) so users can organize their wardrobe around real contexts.
Flow: From profile, the user taps the Closet tab → sees folders of looks they’ve saved or generated.
What it accomplishes: Turns scattered Pins into a persistent, evolving wardrobe that reflects both aspiration and reality.
Folder View (Curated Looks)
Purpose: Provide users with complete, curated outfits instead of single Pins.
Flow: Opening a folder reveals styled looks the user can scroll through like a digital clothing rack.
What it accomplishes: Makes styling decisions lightweight and natural, offering daily utility and context-driven organization.
Look Detail (Shop the Look)
Purpose: Turn inspiration into actionable styling and shopping.
Flow: Within a look, each item links directly to shopping options. Users can save the outfit, edit it, or shop it as a complete look.
What it accomplishes: Bridges Pinterest’s current gap by reframing linked items as something personal — not just “a Pin with a shop tag,” but an outfit they can imagine themselves wearing. This increases the likelihood of purchase and drives Pinterest’s commerce goals forward.
Iterated on avatar customization button - final version leaned into inclusivity and neutrality without sacrificing clarity.
PIN TRY-ON FEATURE
PURPOSE:
Extend the life of Pins by making them actionable. The hanger button gives users a seamless way to take a saved or discovered Pin directly into the Virtual Stylist, turning static inspiration into a personalized styling experience.
Extend the life of Pins by making them actionable. The hanger button gives users a seamless way to take a saved or discovered Pin directly into the Virtual Stylist, turning static inspiration into a personalized styling experience.
PURPOSE
DESIGN DECISIONS
DESIGN DECISIONS
Placement on every Pin:
By surfacing the hanger icon on each fashion Pin, Virtual Stylist becomes a front-and-center capability rather than a hidden tool. Users don’t have to search for styling features - they discover them in the exact moment they feel inspired.
Flow:
When tapped, the garment is extracted into Virtual Stylist as a reference photo and the user can add to their Closet and have available for avatar try-on later.
When tapped, the item is:
Auto-extracted into the Virtual Closet.
Immediately available for avatar try-on.
Contextualized within the Virtual Stylist for outfit generation.
Universal metaphor:
A hanger clearly signals clothing, wardrobes, and try-ons across cultures, making it an intuitive icon choice.
Neutral & inclusive:
Unlike person icons, a hanger avoids gender bias and represents fashion in a broad, accessible way.
Exploration:
Other icons (plus sign, magic wand) were considered but felt abstract. The hanger grounds the experience in the real-world act of pulling clothes from a rack to try on.
Universal metaphor:
A hanger clearly signals clothing, wardrobes, and try-ons across cultures, making it an intuitive icon choice.
Neutral + inclusive:
Unlike person icons, a hanger avoids gender bias and represents fashion in a broad, accessible way.
Placement on every Pin:
By surfacing the hanger icon on each fashion Pin, Virtual Stylist becomes a front-and-center capability rather than a hidden tool. Users don’t have to search for styling features — they discover them in the exact moment they feel inspired.
Flow:
When tapped, the garment is extracted into the user’s Closet and made available for avatar try-on or as part of generated outfits.
Exploration:
Other icons (plus sign, magic wand) were considered but felt abstract. The hanger grounds the experience in the real-world act of pulling clothes from a rack to try on.
Pin Detail with Hanger Button
Purpose: Give users a seamless way to move from browsing to styling without leaving the Pin experience.
Flow:
User opens a fashion Pin.
A hanger icon appears next to “Save” and “Shop.”
When tapped, the item is:
Auto-extracted into the Virtual Closet.
Immediately available for avatar try-on.
Contextualized within the Virtual Stylist for outfit generation.
Why a Hanger Icon?
Universal metaphor: A hanger instantly communicates “clothing,” “wardrobe,” and “try-on” across cultures and languages.
Neutral + inclusive: Unlike a person icon, it doesn’t imply a specific gender or body type. It’s a neutral symbol for fashion that resonates broadly.
Action-oriented: Unlike the heart (favoriting) or the cart (shopping), a hanger suggests preparation and styling. It implies that this item is moving into a closet for future use.
WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES
WHAT IT ACCOMPLISHES
For Users:
Makes Virtual Stylist accessible exactly where they’re already saving and browsing inspiration. Reduces friction and ensures the styling experience is discovered naturally as part of using Pinterest.
For Users:
Makes Virtual Stylist accessible exactly where they’re already saving and browsing inspiration. Reduces friction and ensures the styling experience is discovered naturally as part of using Pinterest.
For Pinterest:
Elevates Virtual Stylist to a core Pinterest action, alongside Save and Shop. This strategic placement builds awareness of the feature, drives adoption, and reinforces Pinterest’s identity as more than an inspiration platform - it’s now a styling and shopping companion.
For Pinterest:
Elevates Virtual Stylist to a core Pinterest action, alongside Save and Shop. This strategic placement builds awareness of the feature, drives adoption, and reinforces Pinterest’s identity as more than an inspiration platform - it’s now a styling and shopping companion.
IMPACT
FOR USERS
Delivers confidence by letting them see themselves in the outfits they save.
Makes styling lightweight and playful - blending inspiration with real-world contexts.
Turns fashion discovery into personal expression, not just passive collecting.
FOR USERS
Delivers confidence by letting them see themselves in the outfits they save.
Makes styling lightweight and playful - blending inspiration with real-world contexts.
Turns fashion discovery into personal expression, not just passive collecting.
FOR PINTEREST
Elevates Pins from static images to actionable wardrobe pieces.
Introduces a new behavior loop: Discover → Save → Style → Try-On → Shop.
Unlocks underutilized commerce potential by reframing shopping as a natural extension of inspiration.
Positions Pinterest as a leader in fashion tech and immersive AI - bridging dreaming and reality in a way competitors don’t.
FOR PINTEREST
Elevates Pins from static images to actionable wardrobe pieces.
Introduces a new behavior loop: Discover → Save → Style → Try-On → Shop.
Unlocks underutilized commerce potential by reframing shopping as a natural extension of inspiration.
Positions Pinterest as a leader in fashion tech and immersive AI - bridging dreaming and reality in a way competitors don’t.
REFLECTION
Designing Virtual Stylist started as an exploration of try-on, but revealed a deeper challenge: How might Pinterest evolve into an immersive tech platform while staying true to its DNA of inspiration?
The solution became an ecosystem: Closet, Avatar, Stylist, and Pin integration. Together, they reimagine Pinterest as more than a gallery of dreams - as a companion that helps people live their inspiration.
FOR PINTEREST
Designing Virtual Stylist started as an exploration of try-on, but revealed a deeper challenge: How might Pinterest evolve into an immersive tech platform while staying true to its DNA of inspiration?
The solution became an ecosystem: Closet, Avatar, Stylist, and Pin integration. Together, they reimagine Pinterest as more than a gallery of dreams - as a companion that helps people live their inspiration.
KEY LEARNING
Accessibility matters: by placing the hanger button on every Pin, styling became a front-and-center behavior.
Inclusivity builds trust: thoughtful choices like the avatar edit icon make the experience feel welcoming.
Iteration is essential: flat lays before try-on, or prompt chips alongside free text, proved the value of blending exploration with guidance.
KEY LEARNING
Accessibility matters: by placing the hanger button on every Pin, styling became a front-and-center behavior.
Inclusivity builds trust: thoughtful choices like the avatar edit icon make the experience feel welcoming.
Iteration is essential: flat lays before try-on, or prompt chips alongside free text, proved the value of blending exploration with guidance.
NEXT STEPS
Test avatar realism and comfort in user studies.
Partner with brands to power closet inventory and shoppable links.
Expand into accessories, beauty, and lifestyle categories.
KEY LEARNING
Accessibility matters: by placing the hanger button on every Pin, styling became a front-and-center behavior.
Inclusivity builds trust: thoughtful choices like the avatar edit icon make the experience feel welcoming.
Iteration is essential: flat lays before try-on, or prompt chips alongside free text, proved the value of blending exploration with guidance.