Summary
In this high-pressure scenario, the challenge was to conduct 17 user interviews in three days and synthesize a comprehensive report in just one additional day. I’ll explore how we used AI to streamline the research process, from transcription to synthesis, and how tools like ChatGPT contributed to efficient data processing and insight generation. We’ll reflect on the potential and pitfalls of using AI in accelerated user research, from practical aspects to more philosophical considerations on potential changes to the research process. Takeaways Practical insights into integrating AI with traditional research methodologies to expedite the research process An overview of the effectiveness of AI transcription and synthesis tools in real-world research scenarios Critical examination of AI's role in data processing and how it compares with human analysis Strategic considerations for service designers when employing AI to support rapid user research Reflection on the ethical implications and potential impact on the quality of insights and researcher well-being when relying on AI to speed up research processes
Key Insights
-
•
Generative AI speeds textual content generation and navigation but needs human guidance for meaningful interpretation.
-
•
AI struggles to track and assign specific interviewees to user archetypes without explicit human instruction.
-
•
A semi-automated workflow combining AI brainstorming and human refinement delivers faster synthesis under tight deadlines.
-
•
ChatGPT excels at brainstorming clustering parameters and generating detailed archetype descriptions when properly guided.
-
•
AI can retrieve relevant interview quotes but often requires multiple prompt iterations to produce longer, contextually fitting excerpts.
-
•
Visual generation of archetypes using DALL·E currently yields poor results and often contradicts instructions.
-
•
Token limits can constrain transcript processing, but newer models like GPT-4 improve handling of larger inputs.
-
•
AI behaves like an 'alien intern'—powerful but unaware of design research processes and simple context details unless taught.
-
•
Using AI as a creative partner helps overcome cognitive overload, especially in rapid, solo research scenarios.
-
•
Less experienced researchers require caution when using AI tools, as expert evaluation is crucial for output quality.
Notable Quotes
"Gene AI can really help to speed up synthesis moments connected to textual content generation and navigation."
"AI behaves like an alien intern because it’s not capable of making sense of some things easy for us."
"I approached the GPT as if it were my human colleague, asking very open questions."
"It couldn’t find specific interviewees for user archetypes, so I had to adapt and guide the process."
"This is a hero moment because it accelerates and simplifies exploration of clustering options."
"Text generation is the biggest superpower of ChatGPT in research synthesis right now."
"Visuals from DALL·E didn’t work well; I asked multiple times to remove cables but they still appeared."
"AI can help manage cognitive overload and speed up work when you have short timeframes and no team."
"You need a lot of annoying handholding with the AI: reminding it of how many people you have or simple things."
"I wouldn’t leave AI tools to juniors because it’s crucial to have your own experience to evaluate outputs."
Dig deeper—ask the Rosenbot:
More Videos
"We should open our profession to fresh graduates and those without traditional design research backgrounds."
Yoel SumitroActions and Reflections: Bridging the Skills Gap among Researchers
March 9, 2022
"Stop saying rest is a luxury or a privilege. It is not. It is a human right."
Zariah CameronReDesigning Wellbeing for Equitable Care in the Workplace
September 23, 2024
"Professional development budgets get cut first in tough times, yet skill building is more important than ever."
Doug PowellDesignOps and the Next Frontier: Leading Through Unpredictable Change
September 11, 2025
"Taking responsibility for our behaviors starts with an apology and continues with regular feedback and action."
Darian DavisLessons from a Toxic Work Relationship
January 8, 2024
"The essence of strategy isn’t painting a grand vision of the future, it's deciding what not to do."
Mike OrenWhy Pharmaceutical's Research Model Should Replace Design Thinking
March 28, 2023
"One operations person for every ten designers is when you start to feel the pain of coordination."
Jacqui FreyScale is Social Work
March 19, 2020
"Onboarding feels like somebody's holding your hand, even though you're remote, which makes a huge difference."
Kim Holt Emma Wylds Pearl Koppenhaver Maisee XiongA Salesforce Panel Discussion on Values-Driven DesignOps
September 8, 2022
"You own the design system, which gives you the unique ability to integrate that accessibility thinking into all of your components."
Samuel ProulxFrom Standards to Innovation: Why Inclusive Design Wins
September 10, 2025
"Relationship design is not just what you do but how you do it, focusing on building relationships with customers, employees, and community."
Laine Riley ProkayHow DesignOps can Drive Inclusive Career Ladders for All
September 30, 2021
