Incorporating AI into the UX Design Process - A Study of Concept Exploration and Ideation

Sammanfattning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming a common part of UX design practiceand are increasingly being integrated into different stages of the design process.Despite their growing adoption, there is still a limited understanding of how designersexperience using these tools, particularly during the early and creative phases ofdesign.This thesis began with exploratory research to investigate the current use of AIthroughout the UX design process and to identify key opportunities and challenges.Based on the findings of this initial study, the research focused on how juniorand mid-level UX designers use AI during concept exploration and ideation. Toinvestigate this, two workshop sessions were conducted in which participants used AItools while completing a concept exploration and ideation task. Data was collectedthrough think-aloud observations, mind maps, love and breakup letters, and focusgroup discussions. The findings show that designers mainly value AI as a warm-uptool that helps them get started, generate initial directions, and stimulate thinking.However, several challenges were identified, including generic outputs, AI sycophancy,difficulties in creating effective prompts, and the limitations of a linear chat interfacefor visual and exploratory design work.Based on these findings, six recommendations were developed and evaluated withthe participants to support a more effective and critical use of AI during conceptexploration and ideation. The recommendations address prompting strategies, maintaining critical thinking, managing generic outputs, and structuring the ideationprocess when collaborating with AI.