Using AI to streamline and elevate UX research with Google's Alita Kendrick

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4370dIB ----------------------- Got a question? Want to recommend a guest? Or do you want to tell me how the show can be better?  Send me a voice message via email at podcast@usertesting.com ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we’re joined by Alita Kendrick, a UX researcher at Google leading accessibility research for the Google Cloud Platform and exploring new market opportunities. Alita discusses how generative AI is revolutionizing UX workflows—from streamlining planning docs to accelerating qualitative data analysis. Host Michael Domanic and Alita dive into how tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and UserTesting’s AI features are cutting research time in half and giving researchers back the space to focus on strategy, storytelling, and democratizing insights across organizations. Alita also shares real-world use cases, common pitfalls to avoid when starting with AI, and how AI can even help uncover your own unconscious biases. Whether you’re a seasoned UX researcher or just starting to integrate AI into your work, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and a look at what the future holds for AI-powered research. Key topics discussed: How Alita uses AI throughout the research lifecycle—from planning to analysis Time savings and operational efficiencies achieved through AI tools Creative tools like NotebookLM, Claude, and Midjourney in UX workflows How to prompt AI effectively and avoid common early mistakes Balancing AI outputs with critical thinking and business context The role of AI in democratizing research and surfacing legacy insights Personal reflections on AI adoption, experimentation, and optimism for its future Resources & Links: Alita on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alita-kendrick/) Michael on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldomanic/) Alita’s author site on NNG (https://www.nngroup.com/people/alita-kendrick/) Alita’s Efficient UX course on NNG (https://www.nngroup.com/courses/efficient-ux/) Learn more about Insights Unlocked: https://www.usertesting.com/podcast

Om Podcasten

What does it take to create experiences customers love, craft campaigns that captivate, and drive measurable results? Insights Unlocked features candid conversations with the builders, creators, and innovators driving some of the world’s most impactful digital transformations. Tailored for marketing, product, UX and CX leaders, each episode delivers actionable insights to help you create customer-first strategies and stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape. Each episode is about 30 minutes long. From optimizing product launches to leveraging AI for smarter workflows, Insights Unlocked is your go-to resource for designing experiences that resonate, drive loyalty, and achieve business results. Guests include influential leaders like Brian Solis, April Dunford, Kate Towsey, Jacob Nielsen, Teresa Torres, and Judd Antin among others, offering their expertise in CX, UX, and innovation. The podcast also highlights strategies and success stories from leading brands such as Verizon, Signet Jewelers, Figma, Microsoft, Tesco Bank, and more. UserTesting leaders and industry experts join as guest hosts, alongside show producer Nathan Isaacs, award-winning journalist and Senior Manager of Content Production at UserTesting. Brought to you by UserTesting, the leader in human insights and proactive customer experience strategies, Insights Unlocked empowers CMOs and marketing teams to craft experiences that drive growth, loyalty, and impact. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Show notes, curated clips and more at usertesting.com/podcast.