Summary
As a designer research working on Conversational AI products, I’ve been collaborating with AI Researchers (Computer Scientists) and ML engineers. The cross-pollination of our two research disciplines – i.e., I bring my design thinking, storytelling, qualitative research and thick data analysis lens, while the Computer Scientists bring their logical reasoning, modeling and coding, and big data analysis lens – has resulted in a much smarter and more empathetic AI product, as well as innovations in the Cognitive AI domain. I’ll share three use cases of how we human researchers collaborate with the AI researchers and the lessons learned.
Key Insights
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Collaboration between UX researchers and data scientists is essential for developing effective AI systems.
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Understanding user motivations is critical in shaping AI interactions.
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Research methods should adapt to the evolving landscape of technology rather than sticking rigidly to traditional practices.
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Proactivity and ownership in product development can lead to significant improvements in user experience.
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Human-centered insights are invaluable in informing AI model training and evaluation.
Notable Quotes
"I was still not happy and felt a little powerless."
"The chilling realization that after more than 10 years of doing UX research, I was still only working above the iceberg."
"How can I make bigger impact?"
"As a human researcher, how can I contribute to these fundamental AI research problems?"
"We found that people don't always get straight to their questions."
"The heart and brain of AI are actually connected."
"We've talked about the context to a lot in this conference."
"If it's a machine communicating with the customers, you need to be transparent."
"We need to learn the domain, learn the technology, learn the algorithm."
"Let's all take the driver's seat."
More Videos
"Help them solve it in a novel way, and suddenly everybody else is telling your story for you."
Discussion
June 9, 2017
"Today's theme is resilience."
Bria AlexanderTheme 1 Intro
September 23, 2024
"Adaptability really helps teams win in a dynamic work environment."
Benjamin Wiedmaier Annie MayfieldRedefining Toolkits: Unbundling to Create a Perfect Match
March 11, 2025
"The journey towards design ops is about understanding the people and culture first."
Eniola OluwoleLessons From the DesignOps Journey of the World's Largest Travel Site
October 24, 2019
"It’s essential that the design team reflects the community we serve."
Justin Entzminger Terrance Smith Tracy M. Colunga Mai-Ling GarciaRisk and Reward: How to Diversify the Field of Civic Innovators and Designers
November 17, 2022
"Design Ops is not just a buzzword, it's an evolving practice."
Bria AlexanderOpening Remarks
October 4, 2023
"What would you do if info sets said you can't use this tool?"
Holly ColeUnderstanding Experiences: When you have to do more than work
November 8, 2018
"Qualitative methods can inform quantitative approaches for deeper insights into user behaviors."
Mohammad Hossein JarrahiContextuality problem: Exploring the Benefits of Qualitative and Quantitative Research
January 20, 2023
"I wish I had a better understanding of how many non-ux people know so little about ux practices."
Brad Peters Anne MamaghaniShort Take #1: UX/Product Lessons from Your Industry Peers
December 6, 2022
