Ep 167: Vibe Searching and the Future of Onsite Discovery, with John Tan, CEO of Depict

On this episode, I’m talking with John Tan (CEO of Depict.ai) about why onsite search is broken, what it will take to fix it, and how Depict is reimagining discovery through AI.

We unpack the difference between onsite search and traditional search, and explore why it’s time for ecommerce to move beyond the basic grid. John shares his vision for a more conversational, more emotionally resonant way to browse, what he calls “vibe searching”. Less keyword filtering. More: “I’m going to a wedding in Tuscany next month. What should I wear?”

We also talk about how this kind of interaction could change how websites are built, how merchandising is done, and what consumers expect from brand experiences. And we look at the broader AI landscape. What’s real, what’s hype, and whether the house of cards can hold.

If you’re working in ecommerce and thinking about the future of CX, conversion and what shoppers really want, this one’s for you.

Depict.ai are on a mission to help shoppers discover the products they love - while giving merchandisers total creative control. Turn keyword searches into real conversations. Help customers explore and uncover more of your catalogue.

Merchandisers stay in control of the story.

Upgrade your storefront at Depict.ai

Checkout Factory here.

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