Stby is used to working at the “messy front-end” of emerging technologies, from the early advent of internet on mobile phones to the integration of wearables and now AI. Through all of these transitions, design research has focused on understanding what people need, want, and reject in their interactions with new technologies.
The rapid advancement of AI is stirring hopes and fears globally, presenting unprecedented opportunities and challenges. On our podcast Discovery Dialogues, Katy, a design researcher at Stby, and Bas, the creative director of Stby, discussed the critical role of design research in shaping AI’s integration into society. Their conversation explored how design research can help create technology that is not only functional but also humane, equitable, and aligned with societal needs.
In the episode, they speak about recent projects around AI. One focused on understanding people’s experiences with AI integration in the workplace. The interviews and workshops revealed critical insights into how AI affects people’s work relationships and feelings towards their jobs and career opportunities. This qualitative exploration helped paint a holistic picture of AI’s impact, ensuring more inclusive and effective decision-making.
Another project explored how AI could assist people with low digital skills by identifying where they struggle on web pages. The research showed how AI can provide timely prompts to help users complete tasks, showcasing its potential to improve accessibility and give people agency in their digital lives.
Design research is vital for balancing technological innovation with human well-being. AI should empower people and respect their goals and values rather than merely serve business interests. This requires ongoing conversations among designers, researchers, developers, technologists, policymakers and more. Currently, a lot of energy is devoted to pushing AI’s technical boundaries and less on its human impact. Design research can provide a bridge to these elements, ensuring AI technologies are powerful yet humane.
You can listen to the episode below: