# GenQuery: Supporting Expressive Visual Search with Generative Models

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.01287 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.01287/

## Key facts

- Cited by 14 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 2 Oct 2023.

## Built on by (most cited first, 14 of 14)

- [Not Just Novelty: A Longitudinal Study on Utility and Customization of an AI Workflow](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2402.09894/) (2024)
- [DiscipLink: Unfolding Interdisciplinary Information Seeking Process via Human-AI Co-Exploration](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.00447/) (2024)
- [PromptMap: An Alternative Interaction Style for AI-Based Image Generation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.09436/) (2025)
- [DesignWeaver: Dimensional Scaffolding for Text-to-Image Product Design](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.09867/) (2025)
- [GenTune: Toward Traceable Prompts to Improve Controllability of Image Refinement in Environment Design](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.15227/) (2025)
- [CUPID: Contextual Understanding of Prompt-conditioned Image Distributions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2406.07699/) (2024)
- [StoryEnsemble: Enabling Dynamic Exploration & Iteration in the Design Process with AI and Forward-Backward Propagation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.03182/) (2025)
- [ThematicPlane: Bridging Tacit User Intent and Latent Spaces for Image Generation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.06065/) (2025)
- [AnimAgents: Coordinating Multi-Stage Animation Pre-Production with Human-Multi-Agent Collaboration](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2511.17906/) (2025)
- [Bridging Gulfs in UI Generation through Semantic Guidance](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.19171/) (2026)
- [GRAPHIC--Guidelines for Reviewing Algorithmic Practices in Human-centred Design and Interaction for Creativity](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2511.17443/) (2025)
- [Show Me the Infographic I Imagine: Intent-Aware Infographic Retrieval for Authoring Support](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.07989/) (2026)
- [From Style Replication to Style Exploration: Enabling Art Style Exploration with Analyze-Experiment-Resituate Framework](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2608.14405/) (2026)
- [Personalizing Personal Health Interfaces: Co-Design with Generative AI](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.15046/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Designers rely on visual search to explore and develop ideas in early design stages. However, designers can struggle to identify suitable text queries to initiate a search or to discover images for similarity-based search that can adequately express their intent. We propose GenQuery, a novel system that integrates generative models into the visual search process. GenQuery can automatically elaborate on users' queries and surface concrete search directions when users only have abstract ideas. To support precise expression of search intents, the system enables users to generatively modify images and use these in similarity-based search. In a comparative user study (N=16), designers felt that they could more accurately express their intents and find more satisfactory outcomes with GenQuery compared to a tool without generative features. Furthermore, the unpredictability of generations allowed participants to uncover more diverse outcomes. By supporting both convergence and divergence, GenQuery led to a more creative experience.