How building a search app got me a job offer
Imagine walking down a bustling street and spotting a pair of sneakers that catch your eye. The perfect design, color, and style — but there's a problem. The store is closed, or maybe they don't have your size. Frustration sets in as you wonder: What if I could snap a picture and instantly find thousands of similar options online?
This spark of curiosity became the foundation for my project during my internship at an e-commerce agency in the Netherlands. Inspired by cutting-edge innovations like Alibaba's visual search feature, I set out to build a system that makes discovering fashion as simple as taking a photo. The result? A tool that transforms how we shop for clothing, blending real-time image recognition with advanced search capabilities.
The Idea: Making Shopping as Easy as Snapping a Photo
Let's be honest: online shopping can be overwhelming. The endless scrolling, irrelevant results, and struggle to describe exactly what you want in a search bar — we've all been there. I wanted to change that. My vision was to create a seamless experience where anyone could snap a picture of an item they liked and instantly find similar products online. Simple, intuitive, and fun.
Building the Dream: The Tech Behind the Tool
I'm not going to lie; this project was ambitious. Here's how I brought it to life:
- Tech Stack: Python, React, React Native, ChromaDB
- Mobile App: Designed an app that uses your phone's camera to capture live images of fashion items. With real-time processing, it instantly identifies similar products from an extensive catalog.
- Web Platform: For those who prefer browsing on a laptop, the web platform supports image uploads and keyword searches, delivering lightning-fast recommendations.
- Cutting-Edge Models: The core technology is powered by OpenCLIP ViT-L/14 embeddings, which extract intricate details like shape, texture, and color from images. These features are then matched against a catalog using ChromaDB, a blazing-fast vector database.
The Challenges: Turning Vision into Reality
Every project has its challenges, and this one was no different. One of the trickiest parts was ensuring real-time accuracy — imagine a user scanning a shoe in poor lighting or at an odd angle. To overcome this, I conducted countless tests under various conditions, refining the system to handle real-world scenarios.
The Big Moment: Presenting My Work
After months of hard work, it was time to present the tool to the agency owners. I walked into the room, a mix of excitement and nerves, and delivered my presentation with the storytelling approach I'm known for. To my surprise, not only were they impressed with the product itself, but they also praised my ability to present it in such an engaging and relatable way.
Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. They described my storytelling as captivating and refreshing, and I was thrilled to receive a return offer to continue working with them. It was a moment of validation that hard work truly pays off — but also a reminder of the importance of showcasing your skills in the right environment.
Why This Matters: More Than Just a Tool
This project isn’t just about technology; it’s about enhancing the joy of discovery. For shoppers, it means finding that perfect pair of shoes or a jacket that matches your vibe without the hassle. For retailers, it’s a way to connect with customers on a deeper level by turning catalogs into dynamic discovery engines.
But the real magic? This system isn’t limited to fashion. The same principles could revolutionize industries like furniture, electronics, and even groceries. The possibilities are endless.
The Future: Dreaming Big
As proud as I am of what I’ve built, I know this is just the beginning. Imagine:
- Augmented Reality Try-Ons: Virtually try on shoes or clothes before buying.
- Expanded Catalogs: Add accessories, activewear, and luxury items for a complete shopping experience.
- In-Store Integration: Blend online and offline shopping with in-store kiosks or wearable tech.
- Hyper-Personalization: Suggest products based on user behavior, seasonal trends, and personal preferences.
These are the ideas that keep me up at night, excited for what’s next.
Your Turn: How You Can Do It Too
If you’re inspired to build your own visual search tool, here’s my advice:
- Start Small: Begin with a clear problem you’re passionate about solving.
- Leverage Open-Source Tools: Frameworks like OpenCLIP and libraries like ChromaDB make advanced technology accessible.
- Iterate: Test your system relentlessly. Learn from feedback and refine until it’s seamless.
- Stay Curious: The best ideas come from observing the world around you and asking, What if?
A Lesson in Persistence: Hard Work Pays Off
Let’s be real — tech jobs are competitive, and breaking into this field can feel like an uphill battle. But this project taught me that hard work, curiosity, and a bit of luck can open doors. The key? Market yourself in the right place. Find environments where your skills and personality shine, and don’t be afraid to go all in.