Inspiration
In Goma, tailors face multiple challenges: they manually manage workshop records, draw patterns by hand, and often lose client measurements. They struggle with organizing orders, tracking finances, or showcasing their work professionally. Fashion students lack access to digital tools to improve their skills. Pattern makers have no real portfolio or online space to grow. These issues inspired us to create Ziva, a mobile-first solution to digitize and empower fashion artisans in Africa.
What it does
Ziva is a mobile-first platform that offers:
- Smart pattern generation (AI-powered, in development) from simple measurements or photos
- Workshop management tools (order tracking, client records, delivery deadlines)
- Artisan e-commerce support, helping local creators sell their designs
- Measurement guidance using AI-enhanced body recognition (in development) Ziva combines these features into one simple app, designed for low-tech users, and structured to grow with advanced AI tools as we scale.
How we built it
We developed the MVP using Flutter for cross-platform mobile development, Firebase for backend services, and a custom UI tailored to non-digital-native users. We are integrating Python-based AI modules (currently in prototype) for body dimension estimation and automated pattern customization. User testing with local artisans guided our feature choices, with a focus on offline capability and ease of use.
Challenges we ran into
- Making the interface intuitive for users with limited tech exposure
- Balancing advanced tech (like AI modules) with real-world constraints (low connectivity, low-end devices)
- Developing AI features responsibly while still in an early stage of data gathering and training
- Trust-building with artisans unfamiliar with automation tools
Accomplishments that we're proud of
- Won two major innovation awards, including the Eclosion Hub Pitch and a national hackathon
- Built strong partnerships with local artisans, who co-designed many features
- Achieved an early MVP with workshop management already in use
- Initiated development of AI pattern-generation logic using real-world tailoring data
What we learned
- Deep tech must meet people where they are—technology must serve, not overwhelm
- Many artisans are eager to adopt new tools if shown clear, practical benefits
- The informal fashion sector is rich with untapped tech potential
- Human-centered design is critical in building trust and usability
What's next for Ziva
- Finalize and deploy our AI modules for measurement and pattern generation
- Launch pilot programs across other African cities, starting in Rwanda and Kenya
- Develop 3D modeling and virtual try-on features for higher-end fashion clients
- Build a data pipeline for learning and improving pattern suggestions over time
- Offer a white-label version of Ziva for tailoring academies and cooperatives
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