Hyunghwan Byun
Hyunghwan Byun
Design & Build
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Hyunghwan Byun

Sky replacement

Automatically detects and swaps out skies in outdoor photos with one click. Seamlessly matches colors and generates editable masks using AI.
Sky replacement

Introduction

This case study details the design process of a sky replacement feature for Photoshop, aimed at helping outdoor photographers with beginner to intermediate skill levels.

Demo: Sky Replacement

Problem & Target Customer

The problem we aimed to solve was the complexity of replacing skies in photos using Photoshop, a common issue faced by outdoor photographers.

Customer Interviews & Research

  • Conducted customer interviews and attended conferences to gather insights on customer workflows, challenges, and preferences.
  • Identified customer goals, sources of new skies, and reasons for sky replacement.
Customer interview 1
Customer interview 2
Sky replacement process

Design Process

  • Iterated on designs and prototypes based on customer feedback.
  • Explored various interface and interaction options to improve user experience.
Early brainstorming on the whiteboard
Design exploration: New layer type and behavior for the feature
Design exploration: Modaless sky replacement experience (It was dropped later)
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The early prototype that I used at conferences to interview customers

Design spec: Sky replacement modal
Design spec: Sky preset thumbnails

Challenges & Constraints

  • Worked with AI/ML researchers and engineers to improve sky detection and color matching.
  • Ensured output was re-editable and allowed for result refinement.

Solution & Features

  • Simplified sky replacement process by reducing steps from 4 to 1.
  • Provided real-time preview of different sky options.
  • Offered built-in sky presets and an additional library for download.
Replacing the sky in the image in seconds! Sky selection, layer mask, and adjustments are in one command + Live preview
Customers can play with relevant knobs from one place with a live preview.
Various sky presets are installed with Photoshop. If customers need more presets, they can download more for free using the button in the dialog.

Results & Impact

  • Significantly reduced time spent enhancing skies in photos.
  • Removed the need for users to watch tutorials on YouTube.
  • Enabled users to focus on creativity rather than technicalities.

Press

Photoshop’s sky replacement tool makes it easier to fake a perfect sunset
Goodbye to apocalyptic skies with just a few clicks.
The VergeJames Vincent
Photoshop’s Sky Replacement Makes Photography Something It’s Not
Let me ask you a question. Is this photo real or fake? This might be a difficult question because the answer depends on what you define as real or fake.
PetaPixelGuest Author

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