Cuebric - From Concept to Camera™ in minutes
INTRODUCTION
In 2022, we launched Cuebric, an AI-powered platform for filmmakers and digital artists that redefines virtual environment creation. This innovative tool faced significant challenges, including establishing a seamless workflow and ensuring cross-tool compatibility. I focused on making advanced AI intuitive while unifying complex functionalities into a user-friendly design. This empowered creators to effortlessly generate, edit, and refine cinematic backdrops, transforming concept art into immersive environments and significantly speeding up production timelines.
MY ROLE
Research, analysis, product design, design systems, user-testing.
THE TEAM
2 designers, 1 product manager, 6+ engineers.
TIMELINE
July 2023 — Sep 2024
Within the first months of launch, Cuebric attracted over 10,000 users, validating the demand for intuitive AI-driven tools in virtual production.
*overview of the main tool functionality
MY FOCUS AREAS DURING MY TIME IN CUEBRIC
🌉
Bridging the Workflow Gap
Streamlining the end-to-end creative process by reducing the need for external software and enabling users to preview, refine, and finalize their work seamlessly.
⚙️
Simplifying Multi-Layer Workflows
We redefined multi-layer interactions by improving navigation, reducing complexity, and guiding users through a more intuitive editing experience.
🌍
Building a Creative Ecosystem
Through onboarding, tutorials, and a resource hub, we’ve fostered a community-driven experience that keeps users inspired and invested.
CHAPTER 1
🌉 Bridging the Workflow Gap
PROBLEM STATEMENT
We’ve noticed that our users often have to test the results of their work only at later stages of the process. Depending on their role, they use other software like Unreal Engine and Adobe After Effects, work with Disguise Software, or are directly on set. This means that the cost of errors can be high and time-consuming. How might we improve the user experience by enabling them to preview and test their work directly within our product, reducing the risk of mistakes and speeding up their workflow?
*an example of a filmmaker's workflow
THE USERS OF CUEBRIC
Cuebric serves a diverse range of users, from content creators and enthusiasts to professional filmmakers.
Our users include digital artists, designers, videographers, filmmakers, and creative teams across agencies and studios. We aim to provide a flexible solution for both amateurs and professionals, supporting a variety of creative projects, from personal endeavors to large-scale productions.
Filmmakers
Quickly generate realistic virtual environments for efficient scene planning and real-time filming, reducing prep time and production costs.
Content Creators
Easily create and edit virtual scenes, turning creative ideas into reality without advanced technical skills.
Experimenters
Explore and test new concepts in virtual environments, allowing rapid visualization and iteration of ideas.
*an example of a filmmaker's workflow
PROCESS
Our process began with an in-depth review of user workflows, aiming to pinpoint where the workflows of various roles overlap.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Users want to ensure their layers are accurately segmented
and want to see this clearly in their workflow.
Users mimic the behavior of layers within the scene as seen through the camera view, emphasizing the need for a seamless, realistic representation of the layers in motion.
Scene setup in other software is a labor-intensive process, and not all users have access to these advanced tools, creating significant barriers.
Real-Time Layer Check
USER SCENARIO
Users validate the accuracy of their layer segmentation by cross-checking with the depth map.
SOLUTION
The Preview Tool provides a motion-based layer preview, allowing users to verify that all layers are logically segmented according to the depth map and accurately positioned.
Interactive Camera Control for Realistic Scene Previews
USER SCENARIO
Users create layer movement by adjusting their position using the Select tool.
SOLUTION
The primary control (cursor) acts as a camera, allowing users to navigate the scene effortlessly. An automatic scene setup with intuitive controls enables users to preview how the layers will appear in motion before initiating the final process.
Smart Scene Setup
USER SCENARIO
Users export layers and configure the scene in tools like UE, AE, and others.
SOLUTION
Adjust & check scene in Cuebric with intuitive controls to preview the scene — no need to switch between tools.
IMPACT
Our testing and research allowed us to pinpoint the impact of these improvements on both user workflows and product performance.
KEY POINTS
🎨
Digital Artists - More flexibility to refine compositions in layers, leading to higher-quality outputs in fewer iterations.
📢
Business Growth - Targeted marketing campaigns around these innovations led to a 30% surge in new user sign-ups.
🚀
Filmmakers – Streamlined pre-production workflows with AI-powered scene previews, reducing setup time by 45% and minimizing on-set adjustments.
CHAPTER 2
⚙️ Simplifying Multi-Layer Workflows
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The common approach in AI-powered content creation tools is to structure each feature as a standalone tool. This means that every time a user wants to utilize a different AI feature, they must start from scratch.
Users accustomed to industry-standard software like Unreal Engine, Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Adobe Suite expect a seamless, layered approach to content creation. In these traditional tools, assets can be continuously refined, adjusted, and iterated upon without restarting the process.
*an example of a multi-layer Segmentation workflow
APPROACH
Seamless AI Workflow
Allow users to apply multiple AI tools to the same layer without resetting progress, ensuring a smooth and efficient creative process.
Multi-Layer Editing
Enable simultaneous work across multiple layers, offering greater flexibility in composition and editing.
Non-Destructive Process
Maintain an iterative, non-destructive workflow, allowing users to refine AI-generated elements incrementally without losing previous adjustments.
LEARNING
Through 50+ user sessions, I explored, tested, and iterated until the product felt natural and seamless for first-time users.
KEY POINTS
🔍
Unexpected Use Cases: Over 30% of users discovered novel applications for our AI tools beyond the originally intended functions.
🧭
Ease of Navigation: Usability tests found that 85% of users considered the interface intuitive, which also correlated with a 20% reduction in support inquiries.
🌟
Feature Discoverability: Qualitative feedback suggested a 30% improvement in how easily users located advanced tools within the product.
CHAPTER 3: ENHANCING UX BEYOND MVP
🌍 Building a Creative Ecosystem
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The initial MVP was launched as a web editor, which allowed us to test the workflow but lacked essential features that would provide users with a reliable and robust experience. Key limitations included the inability to save work beyond a single session, share projects, access professional case studies, or manage personal accounts and subscriptions.
CHALLENGES
Work Persistence Issues
The initial MVP launched as a web editor, sufficient for testing workflows but lacking key features to ensure user confidence.
Lack of Community & Resources
Users had no way to share their projects or explore case studies demonstrating professional applications of the tool.
Limited Account & Subscription Management
There was no personal profile, no centralized settings, and no way for users to manage their subscriptions—whether that meant upgrading, downgrading, or canceling their plans.
PROCESS
Implementing Persistent Storage & Project Management
To solve the issue of lost work, we developed an internal archive and Project Hub, allowing users to save, organize, and resume their projects at any time. This ensured that their progress was never lost, even in the event of connectivity issues.
PROCESS
Building a Comprehensive Account System
A fully-fledged account infrastructure was introduced, including profile management, customizable settings, and robust subscription controls. Users could now upgrade, modify, or cancel their plans seamlessly, enhancing flexibility and trust in the platform.
PRODUCT
Explore the real product and enjoy it for free.
*The current experience may vary from what is presented in the case. For more details, feel free to contact me directly.