From Handbags for Women to Voice UI

The Evolution of a tech product idea like Product Picker

Diop Papa Makhtar
2 min readDec 15, 2024
Electronic Device Product

When you walk into a store, you can physically examine a product before purchasing it. A handbag, for instance, can be inspected visually and tactilely. However, when it comes to complex products like electronics, the decision-making process becomes more intricate. Consumers often need detailed information about specifications, features, and compatibility.
To bridge this gap, product information specialists have emerged. They provide guidance and answer questions, making informed choices easier for customers. This is especially prevalent in electronics retail stores, where technical details can be overwhelming.

The Birth of Product Picker
Inspired by this challenge, I initially conceived of Product Picker as a visual product recognition system. The idea was simple: take a photo of a product, and instantly receive detailed information about it. Imagine pointing your phone at a handbag and getting its brand, style, and price.
While the initial focus was on fashion items like handbags, the potential of this technology extended far beyond. Over time, Product Picker evolved into a more comprehensive photo-based product search engine, capable of identifying a wide range of products.

A Pivot to Voice
In recent years, I’ve shifted my attention to voice-based technology, particularly in AI music video generation with Zikcut. This shift has influenced the direction of Product Picker as well.
The new iteration of Product Picker is designed to provide information through voice commands. This aligns with the growing trend of voice-activated devices and the increasing preference for voice-based interactions. Users can quickly access product details, reviews, and recommendations by simply asking a question.
The future of Product Picker which will likely be renamed product … is exciting. By leveraging voice technology, we can create a more intuitive and efficient shopping experience. Whether it’s in physical stores or online, voice-powered product information can revolutionize the way we discover and purchase products.
This vision is not entirely new. My previous work on Blahblah UI explored the concept of voice-driven interfaces, demonstrating the potential of voice commands to simplify user interactions with technology.

As Product Picker continues to evolve, I’m eager to see how it can shape the future of retail and e-commerce. By combining the power of AI and voice technology, we can create a shopping experience that is truly seamless and personalized.

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