AI-generated imagery has matured to the point where it can power workflows across many industries, from polished ad campaigns to interactive gaming experiences. Yet the same image flaw can have drastically different consequences depending on the use case. A subtle lighting mismatch that barely registers in a lifestyle ad might completely break the realism of a medical visualization or a virtual try-on experience.

Understanding these differences is key to designing evaluation systems that don’t just flag “errors,” but prioritize the flaws that matter most for the task at hand.

Advertising: Selling the Illusion

In advertising, visual polish is non-negotiable. Brands depend on trust, and even small inconsistencies—reflections that don’t match, awkward hand placement, or distorted product textures—can trigger skepticism. The flaw isn’t just aesthetic; it risks undermining consumer confidence.

High-priority flaws:

• Texture fidelity (product surfaces, fabrics, packaging)

• Lighting and reflections (especially for glossy products)

• Anatomy only when humans are central to the brand story

Here, quality metrics need to emphasize surface realism and photometric consistency more than, say, anatomical perfection.

E-Commerce: Accuracy Over Artistry

For e-commerce, the core question is: does the image accurately represent the product the customer will receive? A mismatched shadow may be forgivable, but an off-color product image or misaligned logo can directly drive returns and erode trust.

High-priority flaws:

• Color accuracy and consistency across angles

• Geometric correctness (logos, brand marks, sizing)

• Sharpness and resolution for zoomed product views

Evaluation metrics in this space should focus on perceptual alignment with real-world references rather than purely aesthetic coherence.

Gaming: Immersion and Believability

In gaming and interactive media, the tolerance for “flaws” shifts dramatically. Stylization and exaggeration are often intentional—but consistency is sacred. A hand with six fingers might be acceptable in a fantasy RPG, but a lighting source that contradicts the environment breaks immersion instantly.

High-priority flaws:

• Environmental consistency (shadows, physics cues)

• Perspective coherence in 3D spaces

• Style uniformity across assets

Metrics here should balance physics-aware realism with style-aware coherence, ensuring that generated assets blend into the designed world.

Tailoring Metrics to the Mission

The takeaway is clear: quality is not one-size-fits-all. By tailoring evaluation to industry needs, we can shift from blunt “pass/fail” judgments toward nuanced feedback that genuinely improves outcomes.