On July 15, 2025, AI agent studio Dalpa announced a breakthrough collaboration with the e-commerce platform Curly, unveiling an advanced AI search solution designed to tackle a persistent problem in online shopping: the dreaded "no-result search." This issue, where shoppers' queries fail to match any products due to typos, missing synonyms, or varied natural language expressions, has long frustrated users and led to significant purchase abandonment.
Curly, like many e-commerce platforms, had grappled with this challenge. When customers typed in search terms, the platform's existing system often stumbled, unable to interpret the nuances of human language or correct for simple mistakes. This mismatch between search queries and product databases meant shoppers frequently saw empty results, prompting them to leave without buying — a costly problem for any retailer.
Enter Dalpa’s semantic search model, a sophisticated AI-based search engine engineered to understand the meaning behind search queries with remarkable precision. Unlike traditional keyword-based systems, Dalpa’s model specializes in processing natural language, correcting typos, and handling irregular or non-standard queries. By analyzing the intent and context of what users type, it can suggest the most relevant products even when the search terms aren’t perfectly matched.
To prove the effectiveness of their solution, Dalpa and Curly conducted a rigorous A/B test comparing the platform’s original search system with Dalpa’s AI-enhanced model. The results were striking: the group using Dalpa’s AI search saw an approximately 10% increase in cart conversion rates. This meant more shoppers were adding items to their carts and moving closer to completing purchases — all without any additional promotions or marketing efforts.
From a business standpoint, this improvement translated into a tangible boost in sales driven solely by enhanced search quality. The collaboration demonstrated that refining the search experience could directly influence consumer behavior and revenue, a connection often overlooked in e-commerce strategy.
Cost efficiency was another significant advantage. Dalpa’s solution not only outperformed the existing system but also required lower implementation and operating expenses. Its design allows for rapid customization, enabling Curly to adapt the search engine swiftly to evolving needs while simultaneously reducing operational costs. This dual benefit of improving user experience and cutting expenses made the partnership especially appealing.
Park Hyo-yeon, Dalpa’s Commerce Team Lead, highlighted the project’s significance. "This collaboration is a representative case where AI technology created concrete results based on actual customer behavior data," she said. "In e-commerce environments where search experience is key, precise search quality is directly linked to conversion rates, which this project re-verified." Her words underscore how technological advancements can translate into real-world business outcomes when grounded in user data.
A Curly official echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader implications of the AI search integration. "Our collaboration with Dalpa has yielded positive results, achieving both cost savings and sales growth simultaneously," the official stated. "This confirms that search improvements go beyond simple user experience enhancements and can directly impact business performance." This acknowledgment reflects a growing recognition within the industry that investing in smarter search tools is not just about convenience but is central to competitive success.
Dalpa’s semantic search engine tackles the nuances of human language with an agility that traditional systems lack. For instance, it can interpret a misspelled product name or understand synonyms that shoppers might use, ensuring that relevant products surface even when queries are imperfect. This capability dramatically reduces the frustration of "no-result searches," keeping customers engaged and more likely to complete their purchases.
The partnership between Dalpa and Curly offers a compelling example of how AI can directly address one of e-commerce’s most stubborn pain points. By improving the search function — arguably the gateway to any online shopping experience — they have enhanced customer satisfaction and driven measurable business growth.
Moreover, the success of this AI solution highlights a broader trend in the digital marketplace: the increasing importance of personalized, intelligent technology that understands and anticipates user needs. As online shopping becomes ever more competitive, platforms that can deliver seamless, accurate search experiences will likely gain a decisive edge.
In an era where consumers expect instant, relevant results at their fingertips, Dalpa’s achievement with Curly sets a new standard. It demonstrates that solving technical challenges like "no-result searches" is not just a backend improvement but a strategic move that can transform user engagement and boost the bottom line.
With this project, Dalpa not only provided a technical fix but also reinforced the vital link between AI innovation and real-world commercial success. Their semantic search model stands as a testament to how thoughtfully applied AI can reshape customer journeys and redefine what’s possible in e-commerce.
