Pinterest as a UX Research Tool: How Designers Are Leveraging Visual Discovery

Pinterest has long been known as a hub for DIY projects, fashion inspo, event planning, and decor ideas. In the last few years though, it’s also emerged as a powerful tool for UX designers.

Introduction

Pinterest has long been known as a hub for DIY projects, fashion inspo, event planning, and decor ideas. My mom- the queen crafter- always says she essentially invented Pinterest before it was Pinterest.

In the last few years, it’s also emerged as a powerful tool for UX designers looking to conduct research, gather inspiration, and stay ahead of industry trends. With its visual exploration and content recommendations, Pinterest offers a unique way for designers to conduct UX research as well as gather UI trends and inspiration.

Why Pinterest Works for UX Research

Inspiration: Mood Boards, Aesthetics, and UI Patterns

Pinterest is a treasure trove of inspo. Designers can create mood boards for specific projects, compiling color schemes, typography styles, and layout structures from a collection of pins. Unlike other platforms, Pinterest’s interface is inherently designed for discovery, allowing users to come across unexpected yet relevant design elements… hello creativity!

Trends: Identifying Design and Branding Trends Through Curated Content

Pinterest provides real-time insight into what’s trending in design with its ever-evolving ecosystem. By analyzing the popularity of pins and collections related to UI/UX, branding, and web design, designers can spot budding trends before they become “the trend”. This can be especially useful for brands looking to stay ahead of the curve and keep their label of “trendy.”

Insights: How Users Interact with Content, Engagement Patterns

Pinterest’s algorithm is designed to surface content based on engagement metrics like repins, saves, and clicks. UX researchers can study how different types of content perform, providing valuable insights into user preferences and visual appeal. Observing which UI patterns and styles resonate with users can inform design decisions because informed decision making = chefs kiss.

Use Cases

USE CASE: Branding Inspo

I was working on a project for a HR firm who needed a brand refresh. They had their mission, vision, core values all aligned and the founder wanted to keep their original accent color: yellow. While yellow is my favorite color, I had roadblocks envisioning what palettes I could provide to showcase various examples. Pinterest left me with more ideas and options that I could have imagined. Taking the inspo, using Adobe Color, and some creative brainstorming allowed me to provide the founder with three various color palettes.

USE CASE: Branding Photoshoots

Whether you have a team with you or are flying solo, using Pinterest for branding photoshoots is essential. Entrepreneurs usually have a vision for their branding photoshoot (of course, it’s their baby) and collaborating with them is my favorite way to prepare for the shoot. Understanding what they’re looking for, getting a visual essence, and workshopping with them creates a collaborative atmosphere at the shoot, everyone’s excited, feeling confident with their ideas, and it always helps the efficiency of the shoot.

Pinterest’s Latest Features Tailored to Designers

AI-Powered Recommendations

Pinterest’s AI-driven recommendation engine continuously refines what users see based on their interactions. For UX researchers, this means access to an ever-evolving set of design examples that reflect both personal preferences and broader industry trends.

Pinterest Lens: How Image Search Supports UX Research

Pinterest Lens, the platform’s image recognition tool, allows designers to take a photo and instantly discover visually similar content. This feature is particularly useful for identifying UI patterns, iconography, or aesthetics that can inform UX decisions.

Algorithmic Inspiration Curation

As designers engage more with certain types of content, Pinterest’s algorithm fine-tunes what is displayed on their feed, making it easier to stay updated with relevant UX inspirations without actively searching for them.

Best Practices for Using Pinterest in Design

Setting Up Separate Boards for Different Projects

To fully utilize Pinterest & everything it has to offer, designers should create separate boards for different design projects. Organizing content into categories like ‘Mobile UI,’ ‘Typography,’ or ‘E-commerce UX’ allows for quick reference and ideation.

Using Keyword Strategies to Find the Best UX Inspiration

Pinterest’s search function relies heavily on keywords. Designers can improve their search results by using specific terms like ‘Minimalist UI design,’ ‘Dark mode app UX,’ or ‘Maximalist buttons.’

Collaborating Using Shared Boards

Pinterest makes collaboration SO easy through shared boards. UX/Design teams can collectively save and comment on pins, fostering a more interactive research and brainstorming process.

TLDR;

Pinterest is no longer just a platform for hobbyists and lifestyle bloggers; it has evolved into a valuable resource for UX designers looking to streamline their research process. By leveraging Pinterest’s visual discovery capabilities, AI-powered recommendations, and collaborative features, designers can stay ahead of design trends and create more user-centric digital experiences. As Pinterest continues to enhance its tools for discovery and inspiration, its role in UX research is only set to grow in the coming years.

Have you used Pinterest for design at all? Would love to hear about your experience or what you’d like to see from them.