Visual Search

Visual Search Guide

Overview

Visual Search in Sila TrueTrends allows you to find trends using visual attributes like colors, styles, and compositions rather than keywords. This powerful feature helps discover trends that might be difficult to describe in words.

Entry Points

  1. Visual Section: Main visual search interface
  2. Search Bar: Visual search option
  3. Trend Details: "Find similar" on images
  4. Upload Button: Add your own image

Search Interface

  • Search Input Area: Visual criteria selection
  • Filter Panel: Refine visual parameters
  • Results Grid: Matching visual trends
  • Similarity Score: Match percentage
  • Quick Actions: Save, analyze, compare

Search by color parameters:

  • Primary Color: Dominant hue
  • Color Palette: Multiple colors
  • Color Mood: Warm/cool/neutral
  • Saturation: Vibrant/muted
  • Brightness: Light/dark

How to Use:

  1. Click color picker
  2. Select target colors
  3. Set tolerance level
  4. Apply search
  5. View results

Find specific aesthetics:

  • Minimalist: Clean, simple
  • Maximalist: Rich, detailed
  • Vintage: Retro styling
  • Modern: Contemporary look
  • Natural: Organic appearance

Selection Process:

  1. Choose style category
  2. Set style intensity
  3. Combine multiple styles
  4. Apply filters
  5. Refine results

Search by layout:

  • Centered: Central focus
  • Rule of thirds: Classic composition
  • Flat lay: Top-down view
  • Lifestyle: In-context shots
  • Close-up: Detailed view

How to Upload

  1. Click "Upload Image" button
  2. Select file from device
  3. Or drag and drop image
  4. Wait for processing
  5. View similar trends

Supported Formats

  • Images: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
  • Size: Up to 10MB
  • Resolution: 500px minimum
  • Quality: Clear, focused

What Gets Analyzed

  • Overall composition
  • Color distribution
  • Style elements
  • Objects detected
  • Text/typography
  • Brand elements
  1. View any trend image
  2. Click "Find Similar"
  3. System analyzes attributes
  4. Shows related visuals
  5. Ranks by similarity

Similarity Factors

  • Visual: Color, style, composition
  • Content: Objects, elements
  • Context: Usage, setting
  • Mood: Emotion conveyed
  • Quality: Production value

Search Refinement

Visual Filters

Primary Filters

  • Time Range: When posted
  • Platform: Source network
  • Engagement: Popularity level
  • Growth: Trending rate
  • Category: Content type

Advanced Filters

  • Aspect Ratio: Image dimensions
  • Orientation: Portrait/landscape
  • Text Presence: With/without text
  • People: Contains people or not
  • Brand Visibility: Logo presence

Combining Search Methods

Combine multiple criteria:

  1. Start with color
  2. Add style preference
  3. Include composition
  4. Set time range
  5. Apply all filters
  • Use keywords for context
  • Add visual attributes
  • Refine with both
  • Better accuracy
  • Comprehensive results

Understanding Results

Results Display

Grid View

Each result shows:

  • Thumbnail preview
  • Similarity percentage
  • Trend name
  • Engagement metrics
  • Growth indicator
  • Quick actions

List View

Detailed display with:

  • Larger previews
  • Extended metrics
  • Description text
  • Multiple images
  • Related trends

Similarity Scores

Score Ranges

  • 90-100%: Near identical
  • 70-89%: Very similar
  • 50-69%: Related style
  • 30-49%: Loose connection
  • Below 30%: Minimal similarity

What Affects Scores

  • Color matching
  • Composition similarity
  • Style consistency
  • Object presence
  • Overall aesthetic

Advanced Search Techniques

Use Cases

  • Find trend origins
  • Track visual evolution
  • Identify copycats
  • Discover variations
  • Monitor usage

Process

  1. Upload reference image
  2. System finds matches
  3. Shows chronology
  4. Tracks spread
  5. Identifies source

Creating Visual Queries

  1. Select multiple images
  2. System extracts patterns
  3. Finds matching trends
  4. Combines attributes
  5. Delivers curated results

Trend Prediction

Visual Forecasting

Based on visual search:

  • Emerging patterns
  • Style evolution
  • Color shifts
  • Composition trends
  • Next directions

Practical Applications

Product Development

Design Validation

  • Upload concept designs
  • Find market examples
  • Compare aesthetics
  • Identify gaps
  • Validate choices

Inspiration Discovery

  • Search by mood
  • Find style references
  • Explore variations
  • Build collections
  • Create boards

Marketing Research

Competitor Analysis

  • Upload competitor visuals
  • Find similar trends
  • Analyze positioning
  • Identify patterns
  • Spot opportunities

Content Planning

  • Match trending styles
  • Find visual templates
  • Plan aesthetics
  • Align with trends
  • Optimize engagement

Trend Monitoring

Visual Tracking

  • Save search criteria
  • Set up alerts
  • Monitor changes
  • Track evolution
  • Document shifts

Best Practices

Do's

Use high-quality images for upload Combine multiple search methods Refine searches iteratively Save successful searches Compare across time periods

Don'ts

Use blurry or cropped images Ignore context and platform Rely on single search method Overlook similarity scores Forget to filter results

Search Tips

  1. Start simple with one attribute
  2. Layer criteria gradually
  3. Use examples when possible
  4. Check multiple time periods
  5. Save searches for monitoring

Saving and Organizing

Search Collections

  • Save search parameters
  • Name searches clearly
  • Organize by project
  • Share with team
  • Re-run regularly

Visual Libraries

  • Create trend boards
  • Organize by theme
  • Tag for retrieval
  • Export collections
  • Build references

Troubleshooting

No Results Found

Solutions:

  • Broaden search criteria
  • Reduce filter restrictions
  • Try different attributes
  • Check upload quality
  • Adjust similarity threshold

Poor Quality Results

Solutions:

  • Refine search parameters
  • Use better reference image
  • Adjust color tolerance
  • Change style selection
  • Try different approach

Upload Issues

Solutions:

  • Check file format
  • Reduce file size
  • Ensure good quality
  • Clear browser cache
  • Try different browser

Mobile Features

  • Camera integration
  • Quick upload
  • Touch-friendly filters
  • Swipe through results
  • Save to device

Mobile Tips

  • Good lighting for photos
  • Steady camera hold
  • Multiple angles
  • Quick save option
  • Sync with desktop

Integration with Other Features

Visual + Chat

Ask about visual findings:

  • "What does this style mean?"
  • "Why is this trending?"
  • "How to apply this?"

Visual + Personas

Get expert interpretation:

  • Design implications
  • Market meaning
  • Cultural context
  • Future evolution

Visual + Export

Share findings:

  • Download images
  • Export reports
  • Create presentations
  • Share collections
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