Rethinking UX with the many “Many Wizards of Oz” approach with Sam Howard

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3OQ2f80

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Show Notes

In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Blair Fraser sits down with Dr. Sam Howard, Head of UX at Curio, to explore how AI is transforming the way people consume news. From Sam’s unique career journey—from academia to consulting to leading UX at a forward-thinking company—to Curio's mission of fixing fragmented and overwhelming news experiences, this conversation dives into the heart of user-centric design and AI innovation.

Discover how Curio balances cutting-edge AI with trusted sources to deliver meaningful solutions, the challenges of creating archetypes in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, and why robust discovery research is more critical than ever. If you’re a UX researcher, designer, or product leader navigating the intersection of user experience and AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies.

Key Themes & Highlights:

• The Power of User-Centered Design:
• Why embedding user insights at the start of product design leads to better outcomes.
• Sam’s approach to understanding and addressing user frustrations with traditional news platforms.
• AI in UX Research:
• How Curio blends AI personalization with reliable sources to maintain trust.
• The "Many Wizards of Oz" method: A groundbreaking approach to simulating AI experiences in user research.
• Tackling Behavioral Archetypes:
• Why Curio focuses on early adopters and behavioral archetypes instead of rigid personas.
• Addressing news avoidance and user anxiety through design thinking.
• Driving Impact in Organizations:
• How to align qualitative user research with quantitative data to influence stakeholders.
• Using video storytelling as a tool for fostering empathy and buy-in from business leaders.
• Future of UX and AI:
• The need to evolve UX methodologies for non-linear, AI-driven user journeys.
• Balancing transparency and value when communicating AI’s role to end users.