Summary
Data cannot interpret the world. Only humans can. Because of that, the next evolution of AI requires a more collaborative approach to building systems. And UX researchers are uniquely positioned to build the dream team responsible for managing the data collection required for more responsible AI. Anthropology and sociology methodologies provide us the framework to interpret human behavior in a way that telemetry can't. Qualitative research leads to more socially conscious computing decisions that will impact technology companies going forward. Join this fireside conversation to discover... The power of changing one tiny acronym from "Human-Computer Interaction" to "Human-Centered Innovation" Expert recommendations for building more responsible technology What it will take to build a fundamental practice around collecting and analyzing high-quality data Practical steps you can take today to build ethical products in the future
Key Insights
-
•
Mobility platforms in Jakarta co-exist with longstanding informal driver communities called base camps, contrary to expectations.
-
•
Drivers in Jakarta self-organize around physical community spaces with uniforms, badges, and elections, resembling workplaces.
-
•
Drivers developed hacked apps distributed via WhatsApp to solve gaps in official platforms, influencing corporate features.
-
•
Technology impacts vary significantly by cultural and geographic context; assumptions from US scenarios often don’t hold elsewhere.
-
•
Qualitative, grounded research is crucial to uncover unexpected user behaviors and contextual nuances in technology use.
-
•
There is a research gap between what companies expect designers to build and what communities actually need.
-
•
Ethical AI development must incorporate diverse cultural norms and contexts, beyond narrow automated evaluations of outputs.
-
•
Researchers hold power to shape the AI development pipeline through richer, context-aware human feedback design.
-
•
Balancing power dynamics requires building trusted relationships with communities, avoiding parachute research approaches.
-
•
Researchers should create interdisciplinary collaborations and push for more inclusive and responsible technology practices.
Notable Quotes
"Technology impacts are never universal; what happens in New York is very different from Jakarta."
"Drivers in Jakarta built base camps with uniforms and badges, making these spaces more like a workplace."
"Drivers hacked the platform apps and created grey market solutions distributed through WhatsApp groups."
"A lot of the innovation actually comes from users rather than big companies."
"Qualitative researchers have power to unearth rich insights about why and how things happen, not just what."
"Many AI toxicity classifiers have narrow assumptions that only apply to certain communities, especially in the US."
"We need human-in-the-loop evaluations designed with cultural context, not just simple yes/no annotations."
"Researchers often come in with fixed questions and treat users like checkboxes rather than engaging meaningfully."
"Building relationships with local researchers and communities before fieldwork is critical."
"Don't let computer science or STEM dictate power dynamics—you have more power than you think, use it."
Dig deeper—ask the Rosenbot:
More Videos
"We combine explicit and implicit quantitative methods to fully get the user's perspective on the tested products."
Daniela Magaña Flores Ariane Rahn Jeff Ephraim BanderAhead of Competition: Learn What UX Benchmarking Can Do for Your Business Today
March 10, 2022
"The art of prompt design shares a strong connection with the art of conducting interviews and creating discussion guides."
Savina HawkinsHarnessing AI in UXR: Practical Strategies for Positive Impact
March 26, 2024
"Policies must evolve to reflect the urgency of our situation."
Alex Hurworth Bonnie John Fahd Arshad Antoine MarinDesigning a Contact Tracing App for Universal Access
October 23, 2020
"Building a custom repository is resource intensive, but offers control necessary for large organizations like Microsoft."
Matt DuignanHITS, Microsoft's internal human insight system: From research library to living body of knowledge (Videoconference)
July 16, 2019
"Making something easier isn’t always better; it can create addictive behaviors - Aza Raskin, inventor of infinite scroll."
Craig VillamorDesign Systems for Ethical Design (Videoconference)
January 26, 2023
"Our goal is to make stakeholders less wrong, not to be right all the time."
Ovetta SampsonTurning UX Passion into Real Product Influence
June 7, 2023
"To advance design maturity, you need a tight business partnership between product management and design ops leaders."
Rima Campbell Amrit S BhachuIncrease Productivity and Drive Business Impact
September 24, 2024
"People will tell you what frustrates them, so listen and prioritize what many people complain about."
Amy Gawronski ZuccaroAdvice for DesignOps Employee #1
September 29, 2021
"Awareness does not necessarily lead to action; it often makes us feel stuck or powerless."
Victor UdoewaBeyond Methods and Diversity: The Roots of Inclusion
March 26, 2024
