Google has officially entered the creative design space with its latest AI innovation, Mixboard, an exciting new app that allows users to create stunning, AI-powered mood boards. This launch positions Google directly in competition with Pinterest, particularly its collage feature, where users curate mood boards from their favorite Pins and images.
With Mixboard, users don’t need an existing image collection to spark their creativity. Instead, they can kickstart their projects using simple text prompts, allowing the AI to generate unique ideas tailored to their vision. For those seeking inspiration, pre-populated boards are also available, offering helpful starting points.
Currently, Mixboard is accessible as a public beta in the U.S. through Google Labs. Once users create their images with the help of AI, they can refine their creations by requesting edits or combining images together. This functionality utilizes Google’s advanced image editing model, Nano Banana, which has garnered praise for its capability to perform complex edits and produce realistic images.
Since its recent launch, Google’s Gemini AI app has overtaken ChatGPT to claim the top spot on the U.S. App Store, showcasing the growing interest in AI-driven applications. With Mixboard, Google responds to user enthusiasm for the Nano Banana model, suggesting it as a tool for brainstorming various projects, including home decor, event themes, DIY designs, and more, all while integrating both images and text.
Younger demographics, particularly Gen Z, have demonstrated a keen interest in creating digital mood boards. Pinterest previously achieved viral success with its standalone collage-making app, Shuffles, which was popular among Gen Z users for crafting creative TikTok videos. The features from Shuffles were later incorporated back into Pinterest’s main platform. Additionally, startups like Landing (now closed) and the AI-powered creative app Verse (which appears to have inspired Mixboard) have explored similar creative avenues.
Recently, Depop also introduced a collage-making tool designed to assist users in styling and selling their fashion collections. Mixboard’s innovative mood boards can be further enhanced by Google’s AI capabilities.
Users can “regenerate” images to explore new ideas or request the AI to create “more like this.” Furthermore, the AI can generate contextual text based on the images included in users’ boards, making it a versatile tool for creativity.In summary, Google’s Mixboard is set to redefine how we approach mood boards and creative projects, providing users with an intuitive platform that harnesses the power of AI to inspire and innovate.
