Clara Kliman-Silver is a UX strategist based in New York City. Currently, she works as a UX research manager on the Material Design team at Google and volunteers with local UX communities. Her research focuses on the emergent role of artificial intelligence in UX design, design systems, metrics frameworks for measuring product development, and developer experience.

Summary
In this conversation, Matthew and Clara explore the dynamics of UX design, the impact of AI, and the importance of problem definition in creating effective user experiences. They discuss the hype surrounding new technologies, the role of research in product development, and the need for critical thinking in evaluating information sources. Clara shares her personal experiences in UX and the challenges of integrating technology in healthcare, while also reflecting on the importance of human connection in an increasingly automated world.


Takeaways
Conversations should be unscripted and flow naturally.
Hype often overshadows fundamental UX principles.
AI's application in UX is both beneficial and challenging.
Understanding user problems is crucial before applying solutions.
Technology should enhance, not complicate, user experiences.
Critical thinking is essential in evaluating AI-generated information.
Democratization of research can lead to better UX outcomes.
Research should inform product roadmaps effectively.
Personal experiences shape professional insights in UX.
Anxiety about technology and its implications is common.


Chapters
00:00 Cold (Pronouncement) Open
03:12 Hype vs. Reality in AI and UX
17:15 The Challenges of Trusting AI
18:35 Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
30:19 Navigating Bias in Online Repositories
37:41 Democratization of Research: Balancing Access and Expertise
45:28 Statistical Significance: The Balancing Act
55:16 7 +/- 2 Questions

Keywords
UX, AI, problem definition, technology in healthcare, user experience, critical thinking, democratization of research, product development, personal insights