A Primer for GenAI and UX
Circa 2022
The Tidal Wave
Generative AI is redefining the technology landscape—no longer confined to basic predictions or data analysis, it actively creates original content, from text and images to audio and beyond. This shift represents a profound opportunity in user experience (UX), where design moves from orchestrating static flows to facilitating dynamic, AI-driven conversations. The result? Interactions that feel more personal, engaging, and capable of adapting on the fly.
Why GenAI, Why Now?
Recent breakthroughs in computing power and model efficiency have dramatically lowered the barrier to advanced AI. Training a GPT-3-level model, which cost over $5 million in 2020, is projected to dip below $50 by 2030—opening doors for businesses of every size. As personalization, automation, and content generation become mainstream, the AI focus shifts from basic data analysis to creating real-time, immersive user experiences.
Venture capital investment has soared over 400% since 2020, while training costs for AI models drop by nearly 70% each year. At least 75% of Fortune 100 companies are experimenting with or planning AI pilots, reflecting a widespread corporate embrace. Consumers are adopting at record speed, too—ChatGPT reached 100 million monthly users in just two months, ranking it among the fastest-growing apps in history.
GenAI is in everyone’s pocket that owns a smartphone.
The Big Difference
Autopilots = Traditional AI
Uses structured inputs—like numeric or categorical data—and employs rules or patterns to make predictions. It excels at optimizing tasks such as fraud detection, supply chain logistics, or product recommendations.
Copilots = Generative AI
Focuses on unstructured data (think text, images, or even code) and creates entirely new content. Rather than pulling from a fixed pool of templates, it can compose brand-new responses, designs, or media elements tailored to individual contexts.
From a UX standpoint, this evolution is transformative. Designers no longer simply organize information; they shape the dialogue between user and AI, ensuring outputs are not only accurate but also meaningful and aligned with brand values.
Major Unlocks
Generative AI holds enormous potential for enhancing how users experience products and services:
Hyper-Personalized Interactions
Generative AI replaces generic notifications with context-aware messages that adapt to each user’s preferences. Marketing campaigns become one-on-one conversations, deepening engagement and loyalty. Over time, the AI refines its understanding of user goals, enabling fluid, ever-evolving experiences. Designers focus on orchestrating natural conversation flows that add real value, whether users are browsing, buying, or seeking support.
Smarter Self-Service
AI-driven chatbots and voice assistants hold full, memory-rich conversations, morphing outdated scripts into smooth problem-solving sessions. The result? Faster resolutions, higher satisfaction, and fewer calls for human support.
On-Demand Content Generation
Generative AI updates entire customer touchpoints—like landing pages or user guides—in real time. Need fresh product descriptions or an onboarding flow? It crafts them in minutes. Safeguards ensure the final output respects brand voice, inclusivity, and ethics, balancing speed with responsible oversight.
Insight Extraction
By combing through massive datasets, Generative AI unveils patterns and correlations often missed by human eyes. These insights supercharge innovation cycles and let teams make data-driven design decisions that align with evolving user demands.
Let’s connect and discuss your thoughts on GenAI and UX!
