#164 - UX Lessons from a Decade Researching AI with Jess Holbrook of Microsoft

04/09/25 • 49 min

Much of the conversation around AI in UX involves how it will shape and change researchers' work. Today's guest, Jess Holbrook, who leads UX research for Microsoft AI, has been thinking a lot about how this technology can be improved with design and UX best practices. Jess has spent over a decade working on the UX of AI at companies like Meta and Google. He's also helped develop foundational principles for the ethical use of LLMs.

Jess joins Erin and Ben to reframe the AI conversation, focusing on how UXRs can and should adapt, what working on these systems has taught him about the UX discipline, and his philosophy for building teams that are ready to take on the innovative challenges of tomorrow.

Jess's recommendations: Matt Webb, Maggie Appleton, and the Pessimists Archive Newsletter.

Highlights

07:15 Human-Centered AI Evolution
17:53 Evolving AI Forecast Strategies
24:04 Diverse AI Team Building
33:27 Navigating Responsible AI Challenges
37:01 Qualitative Analysis with AI Tools
40:15 Optimism and Concerns About AI

About Jess
Senior Director of Research specializing in human-centered AI. Early stage investor in AI, AI hardware ecosystems, climate, and anything that seems like the world would be better with it in it. Currently leading UX research for Microsoft AI. Previously led the Generative AI team and supported all UX functions for the Responsible AI and data transparency teams at Meta. I also served on the Board of Forging Youth Resilience, a nonprofit that empowers young people to build physical and mental strength for life by providing access to a national network of community-based fitness programs and mentorship.

Resources

Jess's recommendations: Matt Webb, Maggie Appleton, and the Pessimists Archive Newsletter.

Highlights

07:15 Human-Centered AI Evolution
17:53 Evolving AI Forecast Strategies
24:04 Diverse AI Team Building
33:27 Navigating Responsible AI Challenges
37:01 Qualitative Analysis with AI Tools
40:15 Optimism and Concerns About AI

Resources

Previous Episode

#163 - Creating Mindful Product Experiences with Jay Vidyarthi of Still Ape

In this episode, Erin and Ben chat with Jay Vidyarthi, designer, author, and founder at Still Ape. Jay is a leading thinker around designing mindful product experiences. He's also published a new book, RECLAIM YOUR MIND, which examines the balance of technology use and mindfulness in our everyday lives.

Jay shares his journey to working in the mindful technology space, how we can shift our frame from "user" to "life" experience design, and the benefits companies see when their products consider the whole person on the "other end." Jay also shares strategies for maintaining mindfulness during our own technology use, and ways we can carry these practices into research and design practices.

Highlights

03:55 Design for Mindful Well-Being
08:13 Mindful Design: Impact Over Intentions
14:54 Broadening Design's Impact on Life
25:20 Holistic Recruitment Strategies
34:10 Enhancing Connection Through Mindful Presence
42:48 Understanding Technology's Emotional Pull

About Jay
Jay Vidyarthi is the author of RECLAIM YOUR MIND and an accomplished designer, entrepreneur, and thought leader at the unique intersection of mindfulness and technology. As the founder of Still Ape, he’s been involved in over fifty technologies that have helped millions of people improve their well-being, including Muse, the Healthy Minds Program, Sonic Cradle, and many more. His work and ideas have been featured by Harvard, MIT, TED, Forbes, CNN, Fast Company, and Vice.

Resources