Building AI-Driven Workflows at Airtable
Talk
Building AI-Driven Workflows at Airtable
13 May, 10:35 am - 11:10 am (America/New_York) - Main Stage
13 May, 14:35 - 15:10 (UTC)
Product Direction
UXDX USA 2025
AI is transforming what product teams build. Airtable's engineering team has embraced this transformation while navigating the unique challenges of building AI capabilities that empower users to create their own dynamic workflows. In this session, Jimmy Hillis shares practical insights from Airtable's journey integrating AI into their platform. Key topics will include:
- Understanding changing user needs: How Airtable is building AI-native use cases while keeping workflows intuitive and accessible across different use cases
- Rethinking prototyping for AI: Why teams must show actual AI-generated results rather than static mockups to effectively design, test, and get meaningful feedback on AI features
- Cultivating technical understanding: Strategies for encouraging teams to actively use AI tools, creating a culture where everyone from designers to engineers can contribute effectively
- Balancing automation and control: How to ensure AI enhances productivity without adding unnecessary complexity, particularly within enterprise environments with unique security and compliance needs
- New collaboration patterns: New motions for product, design, and engineering teams when developing AI-powered workflows

Jimmy Hillis, VP, Head of Engineering,Airtable