Virtu AI Shopping-Website by Yue Hu, Xi Zhou and Minghao He

Virtu AI Shopping-Website by Yue Hu, Xi Zhou and Minghao He is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Eisen in Digitales Produktdesign Competition Category.

EisenDigitales Produkt· 2025

Virtu AI Shopping-Website

by Yue Hu, Xi Zhou and Minghao He

Client: Virtu AI

A' Design Award in Eisen Winner in Digitales Produkt Category

20,891

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #164673

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Virtu AI Shopping-Website

Virtu AI ist eine Webplattform zur Gestaltung personalisierter Press-on-Nails. Nutzer beschreiben ihre Idee in einem einfachen Satz, und künstliche Intelligenz erzeugt daraus ein passendes Nagelset. Durch Segmentierung mittels Computer Vision wird jede Nagelspitze einzeln erfasst, sodass ein Set aus zehn individuellen Nägeln gestaltet und mit bestehenden Farben abgestimmt werden kann. Die fertigen Entwürfe werden anschließend an erfahrene Kunsthandwerker übermittelt, die die Press-on-Nails anfertigen und versenden. Die Navigation ist bewusst einfach gehalten, damit auch Menschen ohne technisches Vorwissen individuelle Nail-Art gestalten und persönliche Ideen in tragbare Objekte verwandeln können.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Eisen

Virtu AI Shopping-Website ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Eisen, einer prestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für gute Designs, die die beruflichen und industriellen Anforderungen erfüllen, die an gut gestaltete Schöpfungen gestellt werden. Eisen-Gewinner zeigen großes Können, hohe Spezialisierung, fachkundiges Verständnis und die kreative Kapazität ihrer Schöpfer. Von Virtu AI Shopping-Website wird erwartet, dass es eine hochgeschätzte, bewunderte und geliebte Schöpfung ist, die praktisch und innovativ ist. Dieses mit dem A' Design Award in Eisen prämierte Design integriert bewährte Branchenverfahren und weist kompetente technische Merkmale in Verbindung mit Know-how und Talent auf. Virtu AI Shopping-Website wird für seine Gründlichkeit geschätzt und ist darauf ausgelegt, Verbesserungen der Lebensqualität zu liefern, die dazu beitragen, die Welt zu einem besseren Ort zu machen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Virtu AI is a web platform that empowers fashion enthusiasts to design personalized press on nails using AI, turning digital concepts into tangible objects for self expression. By blending AI models with artisanal craftsmanship, it redefines nail art through a creative and customized experience. The platform is designed to support users with intuitive navigation, fosters their creativity and ideation, and enables high-quality refinement, transforming their ideas into reality.
Dimensions & Packaging: The project is a web app that utilizes a pipeline of cutting-edge technology. Image generation interaction is powered by Matter.js, a 2D physics engine that provides real-time tactile feedback and playful interaction. The nail set designs are generated using the DALL·E API, creating personalized designs based on user specifications. For nail matching, the app leverages advanced computer vision segmentation technology, accurately segmenting each individual nail from the original image to ensure precise customization and a seamless user experience.
Tags: press-on nails, e-commerce, generative AI, nail art, online shopping, creative, fashion
Production Technology: Virtu AI's design process combined AI integration, UX/UI principles, and personalized fashion solutions. Figma was used for the design framework, while DALL·E powered the image generation. Matters.js was utilized to implement the interactive design interface. The nail matching system incorporated advanced segmentation algorithms in computer vision to ensure precise customization. A/B testing, user interviews, and data-driven insights were pivotal in shaping the final design, optimizing both usability and creativity for a superior user experience.
Design Challenge: The hardest part of the Virtu AI project was balancing cutting-edge AI with a user-friendly experience. A key challenge was making complex AI image generation feel intuitive for users without technical backgrounds. Overcoming this required multiple iterations, user feedback, and creative testing. We faced technological limitations in real-time segmentation and production feasibility while ensuring compliance with data privacy laws. Combining AI innovation with artisanal craftsmanship also added logistical complexities in aligning production timelines.
Research: The research behind Virtu AI focused on enhancing user experience and AI integration. The primary goal was to simplify AI-driven nail design while empowering user creativity. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining user interviews, A/B testing, and usability studies. Data was collected through surveys, website traffic analysis, and interaction analytics, with over 30 participants testing different iterations. Results showed a strong preference for intuitive design and personalized options, which led to better navigation, improved accessibility, and increased creativity. This research has enhanced inclusivity and revolutionized AI-based customization in fashion.
Inspiration: The inspiration for this project stemmed from a desire to merge AI with personal expression in a creative and meaningful way. By leveraging advanced image generation and segmentation technologies, we sought to transform the traditional, mass-produced press on nail industry into a highly personalized experience. Our aim was to empower users to showcase their individuality while offering skilled artisans a global platform. Transforming creativity into tangible wearables.
Project Duration: The project began in April 2024 in California, USA, with the development of the first iteration (v0). After first round of user feedbacks, V1 was implemented and launched in June 2024. The current version, designed in July 2024, builds on insights from the previous versions and incorporates findings from extensive user studies.
Operation Flow: Virtu AI's user experience begins with a clear and engaging landing page that builds trust and motivates users to design custom nail art. With a simple, structured sentence and interactive visuals, users can easily create their own nails without complex interfaces. The app then generates and segments each nail tip, allowing users to design a set of 10 single nails, with options to match their design with pre-existing colors. Once finalized, Virtu AI connects the design with skilled artisans who craft and ship the personalized press-on nails, ensuring a cohesive and unique style for each user.
Team Members: Yue Hu - UX/UI Designer
Xi Zhou - UX/UI Designer
Heidi Minghao He - Creative Technologist
Image Credits: All materials credit to Xi Zhou, Yue Hu and Heidi He