WHAT'S THE STORY
Do B e t t e r – O m n i ta i l
“AI WILL CHANGE EVERYTHING” Vahe Taamazyan is an expert in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. In 2015, he launched Sizolution with two business partners. The AI start-up offers innovative Omnichannel solutions for the exact determination of size and fit, as well as personalised customer contact. In Russia and the CIS states, Sizolution successfully co-operates with partners such as KupiVip, Decathlon, and Bask. 2019 marks the start of partnerships with renowned retailers in Germany and the EU. The new headquarters of the start-up will be in Berlin. Interview: Martina Müllner-Seybold. Photos: Sizolution
Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be the most disruptive innovation we will ever experience. To what extent do you think it will change our approach to fashion? On the one hand, AI and machine learning are just the logical next step in a long process of automation that started centuries ago. On the other hand, it is indeed very disrupting and is going to affect all industries. It standardises the whole automation process. One merely needs to collect enough relevant data, deduce the right machine learning algorithm, and train it. AI is based on data, not pre-programmed algorithms. That’s the game-changing difference. And this difference now makes it possible to automate things that are too complicated for humans, such as making decisions based on vast amounts of data. As a technology, AI is merely an enabler for better automation and new opportunities, for business models that were considered impossible before. That’s why it will reshape the fashion industry, as well as every other industry. Ultimately, AI will change everything. What will improve for the consumer? There are so many benefits; it’s hard to pick just one. It’s similar to thinking about what kind of benefits computers would bring 40 years ago. AI will improve products and allow more personalised service. In short, one can say that that consumers will feel much more satisfied, because their needs will be more optimally met. Sizolution, for example, solves the most painful problem of fashion e-commerce: size and fit, as well as returns caused by inaccurate sizes and fits. Such problems can only be solved by vast amounts of data and very well-trained AI algorithms. Moreover, AI assists consumers in using the tool, as it is capable of predicting human body measurements based on height, weight, and a body photo. The benefit for consumers is clear: increased order confidence and less hassle with returns. 148
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