Josh Walker

AI and User Research: What Should Be Automated and What Shouldn't?

AI can now generate discussion guides, summarize interviews, identify patterns, and produce research reports in minutes. But not every part of the research process should be automated. The most successful teams understand where AI adds value, where human judgment remains essential, and how to combine both effectively. This workshop explores how AI is reshaping user research and provides practical frameworks for deciding what to automate, what to augment, and what should remain human-led. In this workshop, you'll learn how to: Evaluate which research activities can be effectively automated and where human researchers continue to provide unique value. Use AI to accelerate analysis, synthesis, and insight generation without compromising research quality or rigor. Design research workflows that combine AI efficiency with human judgment to improve speed and decision-making. Avoid common risks and biases in AI-assisted research while maintaining confidence in customer insights and recommendations. Ideal for: UX Researchers, Designers, Research & Design Leads, Research Operations, and UX Managers within enterprise organisations who are already using AI in parts of their workflow and want practical guidance on applying it more effectively.