Project Case Study: Development of an AI-Powered Image Generation System
Overview
Project: Development of an AI-Powered Image Generation System
Role: Lead UX/UI Product Designer
Duration: 8 Months
Challenge
When I joined the team, our company was spending a fortune on frequent photo shoots for marketing materials, UI elements, and in-app banners. Not only was this costly and time-consuming, but it also led to inconsistencies in style and brand representation. We needed a smarter, more efficient way to create high-quality, brand-consistent images that could represent realistic Uzbek facial features—all while keeping data secure within our local environment.
Objectives
- Cost Reduction: Eliminate the need for expensive photo sessions.
- Brand Consistency: Ensure all images adhere to our brand guidelines regarding poses, emotions, compositions, and colors.
- Cultural Representation: Produce images with realistic and recognizable Uzbek facial features.
- Security Compliance: Develop a solution that runs locally to safeguard data.
- User Accessibility: Create an intuitive interface for team members with varying technical backgrounds.
Process
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Research and Model Selection
- Explored various AI models and tools, ultimately selecting Flux 1.0 for its superior image quality.
- Chose ComfyUI as the interface to build our custom workflow.
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Prototype Development
- Developed a test workflow using the SDXL RealiVis 5.0 model due to initial hardware limitations.
- Integrated nested ControlNets (depth, pose, and canny) for precise control over image generation.
- Implemented face detailing and swapping techniques using IPAdapter to maintain facial consistency.
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Securing Resources
- Generated sample images and presented them to the executive team.
- Secured budget for a high-performance local workstation based on the positive feedback.
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Full Implementation
- Upgraded to the Flux 1.0 model with the new hardware.
- Added advanced features like Object Separation and Direct Color Control.
- Developed a custom Figma Plugin for seamless integration.
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Enhancing User Experience
- Created a user-friendly interface within Figma for easy access.
- Set up secure protocols for remote use.
- Enabled sharing of presets and workflows for team consistency.
Impact
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Cost Savings:
Reduced expenses by eliminating the need for regular photo shoots.
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Brand Consistency:
Achieved a uniform look across all marketing and UI materials.
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Efficiency Boost:
Accelerated the image creation process, reducing turnaround time from weeks to hours.
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Empowered Team:
Designers and marketers could now generate custom images effortlessly within Figma.
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Cultural Representation:
Successfully produced images featuring realistic Uzbek facial features, enhancing our local market appeal.
Case Highlight:
Custom Figma Plugin Integration
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Problem:
Our designers needed a seamless way to generate and integrate AI-produced images without juggling multiple tools.
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Solution:
- Developed a private Figma plugin acting as a bridge between designers and our AI image generation server.
- The plugin features an intuitive UI where designers can specify poses, emotions, compositions, and colors.
- Images are generated and inserted directly into their Figma projects, streamlining the workflow.
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Outcome:
- Increased Productivity: Designers saved time by staying within one tool.
- Consistency: Ensured all team members used the same parameters, maintaining brand consistency.
- Ease of Use: Reduced the learning curve for non-technical staff.
Conclusion
This project has been a thrilling journey that perfectly blends my passion for design and technology. By harnessing the power of AI, we've revolutionized our content creation process, saving time and resources while enhancing brand consistency.
