Generated Backgrounds with AI
Designed contextual background replacement in Photoshop Desktop
ROLE
Lead UX Designer
EXPERTISE
UX/UI Design
IMPACT
13k+ Users on beta launch
I led the UX design for Generate Background, a generative AI feature that brought effortless, contextual background replacement to Photoshop Desktop. This project unlocked new creative possibilities by letting users remove a background, reposition their subject, and instantly generate a fitting new scene using AI.
This work challenged existing paradigms in Photoshop by introducing a new layer at the bottom of stack, context-aware workflow. Instead of a separate tool, I advocated for an integrated experience. One that allowed AI-generated, filled, or imported backgrounds within a single intuitive flow.
Timeline
September 2023 – May 2024
Background
Photoshop had powerful tools, but none purpose-built for replacing backgrounds fast.
The challenge was designing a smooth, intuitive experience that worked across generative, imported, and filled backgrounds, with clear feedback, reusable layer logic, and subject-aware masking.
FILL COLOR, import an image, and Generate background
Features in the background replace feature
Process
Designing
I led the full redesign, crafting a contextual workflow that supported AI-generated, imported, or color-filled backgrounds. I introduced the null state bar, contextual action bar, layer-based interaction, and background-aware masking options.
Development & Implementation
Worked closely with engineers to support new layer behaviors and dynamic masking updates. Designed interactions to future-proof for other subject-aware tools. Introduced inline variations and transparency feedback within the flow.
User Research
Conducted iterative user testing, starting with a background removal study. Based on feedback, I challenged initial assumptions, shifting the project from a standalone tool to an integrated flow. Ran multiple validation rounds to confirm ease, clarity, and speed of use.
Solutions
The final UX flow empowered users to:
Remove the background using Remove Background button.
Reposition or resize the subject freely.
Generate a contextual background with one click — or swap in a fill or imported image.
Rely on intuitive layer feedback, contextual bars, and inline variation previews.
Seamlessly re-edit using a reusable masking context bar
Future Proof Flow
Designed to scale across Photoshop’s compositing tools and future generative updates.
Increased Speed
Users replaced complex background edits with a 3-step generative flow, saving time and increasing creative iteration.
Positive Feedback
User studies confirmed better understanding of layers, higher discoverability, and improved confidence using AI tools.
Strategic Impact
This pattern influenced future work on masking, subject handling, and layer interactions in other AI-powered tools.