Today, I want to explore a little the new AI features integrated within Instagram’s Story function and the design philosophy it reflects.
”The Magic of ‘Blink’”: Symbol of AI functionality
Like many others, I’m most excited about AI’s impact on existing features in the market. The use of visual cues like ‘twinkle stars,’ ‘sparkles,’ andd ‘magic wands’ is common to distinguish these ‘new stuff’ from others. Instagram, too, employed lots of these visual elements when integrating AI features.
When you search for images with the keyword “magic,” these elements also frequently appear in the pictures.
Ready-made prompt:Guides users to get started
To prevent users from lacking inspiration when faced with a powerful new tool of AI, Instagram also provides users with tips to help people start experimenting and playing around with it.
Regarding this, I think adding “effects categories” could be better. Having categories for users to select from is common in interface design, but lots of AI features nowadays tend to have a black box with a few hints, forgetting the benefits of traditional structured categories.
At a higher level: How much do Instagram users want it?
What is the main purpose of people using Instagram stories? Is it sharing life moments or having fun and being creative? For users, there are numerous options for drastically altering their story photo using AI. But, is this really what they want?
The action of Instagram adding this AI feature seems to me more like an experiment without clear direction. Here’s how Instagram formally describes the Story feature:
Stories allow you to share everyday moments and grow closer to the people and interests you care about through photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.
If I were the designer, instead of treating AI solely as a tool for enhancing “life moments” photos, I might consider creating a separate “creative space” specifically for fun and creative.
About me
I’m Yating Zhao, a product designer specializing in deeply understanding design contexts and defining problems, with a focus on user insights. I hold a Master’s degree in HCI + Design from Indiana University and am currently seeking a new design role.
