App Showcase: Wand - AI canvas

What it does

Wand is an AI-powered image editing canvas that allows users to transform photos using text prompts. Its core function is to select specific areas of an image, such as the background, an item of clothing, or a piece of furniture, and then generate changes based on a user's description. The app handles everything from simple background swaps to more creative object manipulation, like turning a pair of glasses into a different shape.

Where it shines

Wand's strength lies in its intuitive and direct workflow. The initial onboarding (00:00) does an excellent job of demonstrating this power with an interactive carousel that shows edits in real time. The core editing loop is remarkably simple: a user selects a photo, highlights an area with a drawing tool, and then types what they want to change (02:19). The app quickly generates a new version, which is presented as a selectable thumbnail for easy comparison (02:52). This tight feedback loop makes a complex technology feel accessible and fun.

UX highlights

• The primary editing interaction is a clean two-step process: select, then describe. This removes complexity and focuses the user on their creative intent.
• A simple slider allows for easy adjustment of the selection brush size (02:02), a small but essential detail for usability.
• The app includes a 'Select BG' shortcut (02:08) that automatically masks the background, saving significant time for one of the most common use cases.
• After a generation is complete, the app shows the new version alongside the original as thumbnails, allowing for instant, non-destructive comparison before committing (02:52).
• The main projects screen is minimal, displaying saved edits as clean thumbnails with a timestamp (04:12), making it easy to track work.
• Simple long-press gestures are used for project management actions like deletion (05:14), which is consistent with standard OS patterns.

Monetization & growth

The app uses a mandatory sign-up during onboarding (00:32) to capture user emails. Monetization is introduced via a soft paywall after the initial sign-up and personalization quiz. The paywall at 01:14 offers a 3-day free trial that converts to a yearly subscription, with a monthly option available as a less attractive alternative. The yearly plan is highlighted with a 'Save 40%' tag to anchor users to the better value proposition. After subscribing, the user lands on the main screen, which includes an 'Upgrade' button in the header, suggesting potential for future up-sells or different tiers.

Who it’s for

Wand is for anyone looking to perform creative or complex photo edits without needing professional software like Photoshop. Its use cases range from social media users wanting unique profile pictures to casual creators exploring AI art. The demonstration of interior design editing (04:18) also suggests a target audience of homeowners or designers looking for a quick way to visualize changes in a space.

Notes & opportunities

The editing process is powerful, but the AI generation can sometimes be slow, as seen by the lengthy loading animations (02:38, 04:38). While the loading visuals are polished, the wait time could be a point of friction. Additionally, while the text prompt is flexible, the app could benefit from adding a library of suggested styles or presets to help users who may not know what to ask for, reducing the creative burden.