PIXTA Unveils New Chat-Based Search to Enhance User Experience

PIXTA Introduces Revolutionary Chat-Based Search Feature

In a bid to upgrade the search experience for users, PIXTA Corporation, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is set to roll out a new experimental chat-based search functionality known as "Chat Search (β)" on June 24, 2026. This innovative feature builds upon the existing natural language search tool, "Search by Text (β)", enhancing the process of finding photos, illustrations, videos, and music materials on their marketplace.

The Need for a New Search Experience

PIXTA has recognized a growing challenge among users trying to articulate their visual needs. Many users know what they want in terms of themes or target audience but struggle to express these ideas in the form of effective search keywords. Often, users find themselves unable to decide how to search for visuals, leading to frustration and repeated attempts with varying search terms. This insight prompted the development of the chat-based search feature, moving away from the traditional model that relies heavily on user input.

What is Chat Search (β)?

The "Chat Search (β)" function represents a significant leap in search technology. Unlike "Search by Text (β)", which displays results based solely on initial input, the new chat interface allows users to refine their queries through interactive dialogue with AI. As users type in vague descriptors like "gentle spring", the AI presents enhanced filtering options and more detailed tags that relate to color, composition, motifs, and other attributes of the desired visual content. This dialogue continues until users feel confident they are on the right track to find the imagery they envision.

Step-by-Step User Experience

1. Initiate with a Vague Input: Users can begin by entering general terms, for example, "warm beach sunset."
2. Receive Tailored Suggestions: When results are generated, the AI follows up with targeted questions to hone in on specific attributes of what the user is looking for, providing tags to help guide the selection.
3. Click Tags or Enter Keywords: Users can either select relevant tags or add keywords to refine their search.
4. Dynamic Results: As users engage in dialogue and provide additional details or make selections, the search results will be gradually narrowed down.
5. Continuous Engagement: The process allows users to explore and clarify their needs with the AI until they are satisfied with the material results.

The Evolution of Search Experience

Conventional keyword searches place the burden on users to repeatedly rephrase their inputs. However, the new functionality eliminates this requirement, allowing for a more intuitive, conversation-based approach. Instead of users hunting for the “correct input”, the AI collaborates with them to decipher their intent, marking the transition from simple searching to a more interactive experience. PIXTA users can now choose between classic keyword searches when they have specific terms in mind or engage in the dialogue-based search for when their visual ideas are less defined.

Developer Insights

According to Kenichi Miyamae, the head of product planning at PIXTA, the aim is to bridge the gap between users’ vague notions and the precise search terms typically required for online searches. With the rise of generative AI, conveying intent through words is becoming more commonplace, yet it remains a barrier for many. This new search method aspires to accommodate those who find it challenging to verbalize their needs. The launch of "Chat Search (β)" is seen as a pioneering step towards creating new possibilities for finding digital content that might otherwise be overlooked.

Future Prospects

This experimental launch will allow PIXTA to gather insights from user interactions with the "Chat Search (β)". Continuous improvements in the dialogues and user experience will follow based on this feedback, ultimately refining this innovative search tool.

About PIXTA

Founded in May 2006, PIXTA serves as Japan’s leading marketplace for buying and selling digital content such as photos, illustrations, videos, and music, catering to both professional and amateur creators. The platform is distinguished by its expansive collection of materials deeply embedded in Japanese themes and culture. In recent years, PIXTA has expanded beyond creative marketing, supplying various digital content as training data for machine learning and offering tailored services like on-demand photography and custom shoots for businesses, reinforcing its position as a comprehensive visual solution provider in the creative industry.

For more insights into PIXTA, visit PIXTA Official Website.