Virtu AI Urubuga rwo Kugura by Yue Hu, Xi Zhou and Minghao He

Virtu AI Urubuga rwo Kugura by Yue Hu, Xi Zhou and Minghao He is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma in Igicuruzwa cya Murandasi Competition Category.

IcyumaIgicuruzwa cya Murandasi· 2025

Virtu AI Urubuga rwo Kugura

by Yue Hu, Xi Zhou and Minghao He

Client: Virtu AI

Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma Winner in Igicuruzwa cya Murandasi Category

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Verified Award Winner
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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Virtu AI Urubuga rwo Kugura

Virtu AI ni urubuga rwa interineti rwo gushushanya inzara z'intoki (press-on nails) zihariye ku muntu ku giti cye. Abakoresha basobanura igitekerezo cyabo mu nteruro yoroshye, hanyuma ubwenge bw'ubukorikori bukabaha uruhererekane rw'inzara ruhuye n'icyo basabye. Ikoranabuhanga ryo gusesengura amashusho (computer vision segmentation) ritandukanya buri gice cy'urunwa, bigatuma uruhererekane rw'inzara icumi zishobora gushushanywa zikagenderwa ku mabara asanzwe. Ibishushanyo birangiye byoherezwa ku bakozi b'inzobere, bakabikora bakanabikohereza ku bakiliya. Uburyo bwo gukoresha urubuga ni bworoshye, bituma n'abatazi ikoranabuhanga bashobora gushushanya urunwa rwihariye no guhindura ibitekerezo byabo kuba ibintu bifatika bishobora kwambarwa.

The Recognition

About the Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma

Virtu AI Urubuga rwo Kugura ni uwegukanye Igihembo cya A' Design Award cy'icyuma, ishimwe ry'agaciro ritangwa ku bishushanyo byiza bihuza ibyo umwuga n'inganda bikeneye ku bihangano byashushanyijwe neza. Abegukanye icyuma bagaragaza ubuhanga bukomeye, ubumenyi bwihariye, imyumvire y'inzobere n'ubushobozi bwo guhanga bw'ababikoze. Virtu AI Urubuga rwo Kugura biteganyijwe ko izaba igihangano cyubahwa, gishimwa kandi gikundwa, gifatika kandi gifite udushya. Iki gishushanyo cyegukanye icyuma gihuza uburyo bwiza bukoreshwa mu nganda kandi gifite ibiranga bya tekiniki bifite ubushobozi, bifatanye n'ubumenyi n'impano. Virtu AI Urubuga rwo Kugura yubahwa kubera gukora neza, kandi yashushanyijwe kugira ngo inoze ubuzima, ifashe gutuma isi iba nziza.

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