The designer’s guide to AI-driven UX

This article was originally shared on - https://www.yujdesigns.com/the-designers-guide-to-ai-driven-ux/

Artificial Intelligence (AI) In brief, AI is the development of computers capable of tasks that typically require human intelligence. For example, speech recognition, problem-solving, learning and planning. There is a noticeable mind-shift. These days, laundry and grocery lists are being ordered by talking to a speaker from home. AI is moving fast. Although this experience doesn’t need to be fearsome.

Let’s understand few of the original goals of AI –

• Simulating higher function of the brain
• Programming a computer to use general language
• A way to determine and measure complexity of a problem
• Self-improvement

Emerging dominant functions
Applications of AI

Design moves around people and is here to make our lives easier. AI has a similar function at the core of creating better experiences for users, with the help of better technology.

• Machine learning: Using example data or experience to refine how computers make predictions or perform a task.
• Deep learning: A machine learning technique in which data is filtered through self-adjusting networks of math loosely inspired by neurons in the brain.
• Supervised learning: Showing software labeled example data, such as photographs, to teach a computer what to do.
• Unsupervised learning: Learning without annotated examples, just from experience of data or the world-trivial for humans but not generally practical for machines. Yet.
• Reinforcement learning: Software that experiments with different actions to figure out how to maximize a virtual reward, such as scoring points in a game.
• Artificial general intelligence: As yet nonexistent software that displays a humanlike ability to adapt to different environments and tasks, and transfer knowledge between them.

Evolution of UX/ customer experience
Contribution to the human experience in future

Customer experience has evolved through the years, it has gone beyond the digital screens. However, by using the right AI tools, one can gain more control over every aspect of the experience. A connected digital and physical experience. Implementing the right AI solution provides the means of driving visitors to make decisions and take actions faster, better, eliminating your most time-consuming tasks. And this, of course, enhances the all-important factor in customer experience: the human touch.

The process of designing meaningful AI-driven products or services comes with many challenges. As AI and tech continue to disrupt our lives in many ways, insights in how we might humanize certain experiences become increasingly important.

Future of Design = AI + UX
Better technology can provide, better customer experience.
In the coming future, UX design studios should consider shifting their outlook towards the technology as a partner rather than a revolution and being swayed by it. Develop a harmonious approach towards designing a harmonious human–machine interaction.

What do designers want?

The community of designers around the world have a dream. A shared dream. One where everyone has irrefutable respect for them. A place where they get ample creative freedom. A place where they get paid worthy of their services! The dream isn’t very far though.

Design is fast becoming the force to reckon with. And is finally getting the appreciation and attention it deserves. Getting aligned to the roles and responsibilities of a designer as seen from an overview, from a business (UX Design Studio) perspective and as a crucial part in the bigger scheme of things is important.

Just like how each player on a football team plays an equally important role.

See it, to Believe it.

To keep this state of euphoria alive, designers need to pass on these pearls of wisdom to their colleagues and counterparts as well. Any two departments can work best, once they understand how each team works. We believe mutual respect and liberty in problem solving are the starting points of a great co-working relationship.

Listen to your teams. Understand their work styles. And work out the best winning strategy.

Listen. Empathize. Respond.

This is the only mantra, we believe designers would expect their colleagues to master when it comes to working together. A wise man once said if you want to see a change in the world, change yourself. If you want a global change, start local. Start with yourself.

Goal-oriented, focused efforts with the power of collaboration are a definite success formula.

Good design is all about a set purpose. Intended for an audience who are going to benefit from the solutions. On a larger level, designers focus on well-informed designs that are the best possible solutions addressing business and user goals. Adding value to the overall service the design team provides in collaboration with other departments. On an individual level, what designers want is quite simple.

1.  In order to create truly great experiences, and become a good designer, one has to let go of the constraints. A variety in the projects, helps sharpen their skills. Broaden their understanding of various domains.

2.  Designers flourish in environments that provide freedom and autonomy to take design decisions. Systems where they can expand their skillsets and be better at their core skills.

3.  Designers want to be challenged at work. They aspire to work on projects that will test their capabilities and help them push their boundaries. They seek constant possibilities to gain more knowledge.

4.  Any ambitious designer prefers to work in an environment where there is scope for growth. A place where she/ he can explore and widen the skills in order to transform into a future ready designer. An eco-system where designers can develop their business acumen, strategic mindset, project management knowledge etc. to help them advance in their careers.

5.  In a top UX design studio, creativity and productivity are the key factors for an environment fit for the design team. In order to inspire the teams and drive growth, happiness of the employees at workplace becomes an imperative in business. The designers should feel they are adding value to the workplace, making an impact and leading the organization ahead.

The day a designer lands job at a UX design company that fulfils all these criteria, she/ he will become the best recruit, a happy employee delivering high results.

According to Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends,

A productive, positive employee experience has emerged as the new contract between employer and employee.

Happiness levels of employees increase the overall productivity, solidifying the belief that happy designers should be at the top of every design studio’s agenda. With the backdrop of today’s work stress, more and more designers have become picky and are turning down job offers trading it for the places where they are more likely to feel happy, challenged and get inspired. UX design studios should take a note, and make their workplaces future ready for the employees by understanding exactly what is it that they want.