AI in UX: Work Is Faster, but Practitioners Have Mixed Feelings (www.nngroup.com)

A recent survey of 521 UX practitioners reveals a complex relationship with artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. While 99% of respondents reported having access to generative AI tools, their actual use varies considerably by organization type—most notably higher in startups (85%) compared to nonprofits (36%). Despite AI’s ability to save time on desk-based tasks like coding and research, concerns about output quality (54%) and data privacy (50%) hinder wider adoption. Practitioners expressed only a mildly positive sentiment about AI, averaging 3.57 out of 5, with 69% voicing dissatisfaction, often related to the pressure to use AI tools despite their unreliability. The findings underscore significant implications for the AI/ML community, especially regarding the integration of AI into UX roles. Product managers and operations professionals report greater comfort and success with agentic AI tools compared to researchers and designers, highlighting a skills gap. Notably, AI is least utilized when engaging with users, indicating a preference for human oversight in critical interactions. As many practitioners anticipate evolving roles amidst AI integration, addressing their concerns around quality and ethical implications will be crucial for fostering a more positive perception of AI in UX.