Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering consumer products, but adding AI does not automatically improve functionality or user experience. In an IEEE Spectrum interview, Savannah Kunovsky, managing director at design consultancy IDEO, argues that product developers must prioritize genuine user needs rather than technological novelty.
Companies often introduce AI features because of competitive pressure, investor expectations, or market trends. However, Kunovsky emphasizes that successful product design begins by understanding users, their objectives, and the environments in which products operate.
Poorly implemented AI can complicate previously straightforward interactions. Examples include unreliable voice assistants, touchscreen vehicle controls, and Humane’s AI Pin, which attempted to replace familiar smartphone interfaces with slower, less dependable interactions.
Kunovsky describes a proposed AI-controlled cooktop that eliminated physical knobs. During testing, users struggled to reduce heat quickly when a pan began smoking. The experience demonstrated why immediate, safety-critical actions often require physical controls rather than voice commands.
Effective AI integration also requires selecting appropriate technologies. Large language models are not always necessary; computer vision, sensor fusion, and on-device models may better address specific requirements.
AI can deliver meaningful improvements in accessibility. Examples include hearing aids that isolate speech in noisy environments, applications that describe surroundings for visually impaired users, and earbuds providing real-time translation.
Generative AI introduces additional design challenges because its responses can vary. Kunovsky recommends establishing clear evaluation criteria, behavioral boundaries, and transparent interfaces that communicate uncertainty.
Human oversight remains essential. Users should be able to override automated decisions, undo actions, edit suggestions, or disable features without navigating complicated settings.
IDEO’s Ethiqly educational writing tool illustrates this approach by requiring teachers to approve AI-generated feedback before students receive it.
Ultimately, Kunovsky advocates designing AI products that extend human capabilities while preserving familiar interactions, reliability, and user control. Successful innovation depends on solving problems rather than simply introducing automation.
