Artificial intelligence (AI) for user experience (UX) design: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this article is to map the use of AI in the user experience (UX) design process. Disrupting the UX process by introducing novel digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve efficiency and accuracy, while creating more innovative and creative solutions. Thus, understanding how AI can be leveraged for UX has important research and practical implications.

Design/methodology/approach

This article builds on a systematic literature review approach and aims to understand how AI is used in UX design today, as well as uncover some prominent themes for future research. Through a process of selection and filtering, 46 research articles are analysed, with findings synthesized based on a user-centred design and development process.

Findings

The authors’ analysis shows how AI is leveraged in the UX design process at different key areas. Namely, these include understanding the context of use, uncovering user requirements, aiding solution design, and evaluating design, and for assisting development of solutions. The authors also highlight the ways in which AI is changing the UX design process through illustrative examples.

Originality/value

While there is increased interest in the use of AI in organizations, there is still limited work on how AI can be introduced into processes that depend heavily on human creativity and input. Thus, the authors show the ways in which AI can enhance such activities and assume tasks that have been typically performed by humans.

Citation

Stige, Å., Zamani, E.D., Mikalef, P. and Zhu, Y. (2024), "Artificial intelligence (AI) for user experience (UX) design: a systematic literature review and future research agenda", Information Technology & People, Vol. 37 No. 6, pp. 2324-2352. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-07-2022-0519