AI or Artificial Intelligence has become very integrated in various fields and areas of our day to day life. In general, it has brought big benefits; it has made processes more efficient and effective while it has also changed the way in which business and design is made. The capabilities of AI are astounding and at first glance they are impressive and at the same time intimidating. The presence of the level of AI we see today seems to bring us closer to an era in which autonomous machines will live among us. However, humans have unrealistic expectations of AI and the advances we see today are still in early stages of development.
But in order to understand the role of AI in UX or UI Design, we have to briefly explain what AI is. One way to understand it is by saying that Artificial Intelligence (AI) works as a network of neurons that runs on algorithms and codes. Similar to the human brain but with a processing ability far superior and with the ability to have information that is always available to be accessed, processed and connected to provide solutions.
Although AI seems to be automating processes that were once done by humans in many industries, the opposite happens in the digital design space. AI is improving the realm, yes. However this does mean that AI will replace designers. The space will be improved by using AI because it can be used as a tool that will focus on more mundane tasks of the design process, which saves time, while also providing more information to be able for designers to improve the experience of every user.
Benefits of AI in UX Design
The fast ability the AI has to analyse data allows UX Designers to be able to understand a client’s needs and be able to create a better customer experience. However, AI makes it possible to not only develop a better customer experience but a personalised experience for every user. Algorithms allow to break down, synthesise, and understand large amounts of customer data collected through multiple channels. This helps designers to have deeper insights into the customer's needs and expectations of the product or service.
Because AI relies on facts, it becomes a more objective option when testing, thus the findings have less chances of being skewed by fictitious reasons, prejudices, or biases.
Since AI is able to analyse large amounts of data to reveal patterns in a faster time, it could also be able to conduct data analysis through qualitative or quantitative routes. AI could be trained to produce questionnaires to collect data and then analyse it and report findings or can be taught to respond appropriately to users when undergoing qualitative research.
Caveats of using AI in UX Design
AI allows UX Designers to have access to large amounts of data and gives designers the tools to be able to create more powerful products and services. However, this also means that designers now have, more than ever, more ethically aware and question the impacts and risks of the information that they include in the products or services they are creating.
The role of Artificial Intelligence is to notice patterns and provide information based on that. However, AI should not make decisions on customer satisfaction. Final decisions should be made by designers rather than being left to automation.
All good and healthy relationships are based on trust. Same goes for AI and its relationship in the user and service/product dynamic. Trust with users can be forged through education, clear communication, flexibility, and integrity.
Although AI cannot be skewed by cognitive biases or prejudices in the way humans can. Designers must be mindful of the algorithms being fed into an AI machine and make sure they do not discriminate on gender, ethnicity, nationality, body shape, etc.
What does the future of UX Design look like with the presence of AI? Promising, if used in a right and ethical way. Artificial intelligence can provide more insight into human behaviour, motivations, desires, and needs; and when this is used correctly can create highly beneficial products and services for users. However, AI is still in its early stages of development and as it continues to evolve it will also provide more useful tools for designers to create more accurate products or services. UX Design will move away from creating products or services for a specific niche, group, or audience with similar characteristics but to create a product or service that is able to adapt to every individual user.
Savant is informed by market research and has a specialised Digital Design team with extensive experience and expertise in UX/UI talent solutions. If you are looking to build or expand your Design function, we can support you with the best talent in the industry with experts and market leading onboarding advice and consultation. To find out more about how we can assist you, please reach out to us at technology@savantrecruitment.com.
