Log in or create a free Rosenverse account to watch this video.
Log in Create free account100s of community videos are available to free members. Conference talks are generally available to Gold members.
Summary
In an environment of UX staff reductions, a focus on tangible design skills and tool expertise, quarterly profits, and angst over what AI means for the future of everyone’s jobs, what place does “theory” have? As designers and researchers we engage in theory every day by hypothesizing: “If we design it like this, then we will have outcome X.” The bigger the problem you’re trying to solve, the more important it becomes to have a theoretical framework about why you’re doing what you’re doing. The breathless parade of AI releases present the biggest challenges (and potential opportunities) in many years. As designers we should have a posture on how to shape how AI is used and its impacts. Much as the mid-century modernists developed coherent frameworks for understanding the relationship between form, function, and human needs, using novel technologies coming out of World War II, we must now articulate theories that help us make sense of this new landscape where intelligence itself has become a design material. Join UX researcher/strategist Adam Richardson and UX design leader Uday Gajendar for an exploration of how we might develop the theoretical foundations designers need to thoughtfully shape AI interactions.
Key Insights
-
•
Design is not just about aesthetics; it's rooted in cultural and historical contexts.
-
•
AI hype poses challenges but also opportunities for rethinking design philosophy.
-
•
Historical design movements offer valuable lessons for addressing contemporary challenges in technology.
-
•
Empathy and human values must be prioritized in design amidst the surge of AI technologies.
-
•
The role of designers is evolving; they must embrace both craft and theory to make meaningful impacts.
-
•
Wicked problems in design require innovative thinking and collective action.
-
•
Participatory design and co-design involve users in the design process, enriching outcomes.
-
•
Theoretical frameworks can counteract the obsession with efficiency that stifles creativity.
-
•
The authenticity of design is derived from the human touch; flaws can convey depth and connection.
-
•
Shifting focus from individual user-centered design to collective human values can prevent societal harm.
Notable Quotes
"We are theorists by nature; if we design something a certain way, we expect specific outcomes."
"The arts and crafts movement was about recapturing humanity in the mass production era."
"Mass production is here to stay, but we must strive to make it more humanistic."
"Modernism sought to create a new society infused with more humanity after the horrors of war."
"Design thinking as a liberal art is a powerful lens for addressing wicked problems."
"Our theoretical ideals must resonate beyond the individual and collectivity is key for movements."
"We shouldn't fetishize nostalgia; instead, we need to look forward with hope and action."
"Craft in design reflects care, attention to detail, and the presence of a maker."
"AI generates knowledge as material, presenting a new frontier for design interaction."
"A movement must not just stand against something; it must represent a collective vision for the future."
















More Videos

"When insights are communicated poorly, they lose value."
Johanna KollmannInsights-Driven Product Strategy: Get your Research to Count
December 6, 2022

"It’s no secret that researchers have really taken it on the chin during this latest economic downturn."
Louis Rosenfeld Bria AlexanderOpening Remarks
March 27, 2023

"People care about titles so much; it's about what you bring to the table, not just your title."
Ian SwinsonDesigning and Driving UX Careers
June 8, 2016

"Collaboration with other researchers is critical to building community."
Jamika BurgeEmbracing change: Navigating shifting landscapes with compassion and agency
March 11, 2025

"When we solve accessibility challenges, we benefit every single user of our products."
Sam ProulxTo Boldly Go: The New Frontiers of Accessibility
June 10, 2022

"What you measure is what improves, and we are ready to put those metrics out there for everyone to see."
Kristin WisnewskiMeasuring What Matters
October 23, 2019

"Redemption is an economic term that means to buy back something or someone to restore it to its rightful place."
Liz EbengoThe Burden on Children: The Cost of Insufficient Post-Conflict Services and Pathways Forward
December 4, 2024

"The only thing harder than figuring out what you're going to do is figuring out why you're doing it."
Dr. Nikki SmithResearch Strategy: Connecting Insights to Outcomes
March 12, 2025

"The cognitive load for design advisors managing multiple projects can be significant and must be balanced."
Nora Tejeda Giovanna AlonsoScaling Design Capabilities at BBVA Through a Self-service Design Model
June 10, 2021