The closing AI research window | The inflection point for AI skill substitution | World Economic Forum predicts UX job growth | Great consultant available for AI-UX work | Bad bird lip-synch
I took a sabbatical in 2023 focusing on AI in UX research. In your "AI-UX Consultant" section, you mention there are only a few people available for hire, since most AI-design work is tied up in proprietary projects. I have more than 25 years in digital, so I know I can contribute value, yet there doesn’t seem to be any genuine interest in this space.
Despite reaching out to over 200 recruiters, software companies and digital agencies, I've found the market isn't yet actively seeking AI-UX knowledge. Only one person showed real interest. We had a good discussion, I was briefly awarded the contract, then their client cancelled the entire project.
I suspect people assume they’re already using AI because a lot of products now include a basic AI chat add-on. That's not really using AI to its full capability.
I’d really appreciate insights, from anyone, who've successfully positioned AI-UX knowledge in the market. I’m in Australia, which might factor in, but even internationally remote role have been unsuccessful. I’ve worked on several internationally remote projects.
Hi Jakob, the data you looked at in the WEF report is for the entire world, may not be true for the US, UK, or Europe for example (in case some readers get too excited)
When you look at the cross sectional data, countries they expect to grow in "Design and UX" over the next 5 years: Argentina, Greece and Slovenia.
It is clear that you are fascinated by the recent development of AI technology, and it feels as though you have made it the primary topic of your newsletters for two years straight.
Respectfully, it can sometimes read like hyper-fixation, and your analyses often feel biased when you fail to give any serious consideration to the negatives or claim that they will just “work themselves out.” You regularly make lofty claims reminiscent of web3 grifters touting the infinite potential of NFTs and “meme coins” (two examples of short-lived and over-hyped trends/scams).
A significant portion of UXers will enjoy long, meaningful careers without AI, but I don’t feel like you wish to cater to that base anymore. If you do, I kindly challenge you to write fewer newsletters about AI. I challenge you to source more of your art from human creators. I challenge you to fairly critique AI and consider the possibility that market forces have led companies to seek problems for a solution.
As an admirer of your work, I’d love to see a more balanced information diet on your newsletter. I hope you consider my challenges and understand my position. Take care.
In my mind, that's not the theme of this newsletter. Jakob is offering a product not widely found within the UX space. There are heaps of other newsletters along the lines of your suggestion/request.
Hi Jakob,
I took a sabbatical in 2023 focusing on AI in UX research. In your "AI-UX Consultant" section, you mention there are only a few people available for hire, since most AI-design work is tied up in proprietary projects. I have more than 25 years in digital, so I know I can contribute value, yet there doesn’t seem to be any genuine interest in this space.
Despite reaching out to over 200 recruiters, software companies and digital agencies, I've found the market isn't yet actively seeking AI-UX knowledge. Only one person showed real interest. We had a good discussion, I was briefly awarded the contract, then their client cancelled the entire project.
I suspect people assume they’re already using AI because a lot of products now include a basic AI chat add-on. That's not really using AI to its full capability.
I’d really appreciate insights, from anyone, who've successfully positioned AI-UX knowledge in the market. I’m in Australia, which might factor in, but even internationally remote role have been unsuccessful. I’ve worked on several internationally remote projects.
Cheers!
Hi Jakob, the data you looked at in the WEF report is for the entire world, may not be true for the US, UK, or Europe for example (in case some readers get too excited)
When you look at the cross sectional data, countries they expect to grow in "Design and UX" over the next 5 years: Argentina, Greece and Slovenia.
https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/future-of-jobs-data-explorer-2025/
Dear Jakob,
It is clear that you are fascinated by the recent development of AI technology, and it feels as though you have made it the primary topic of your newsletters for two years straight.
Respectfully, it can sometimes read like hyper-fixation, and your analyses often feel biased when you fail to give any serious consideration to the negatives or claim that they will just “work themselves out.” You regularly make lofty claims reminiscent of web3 grifters touting the infinite potential of NFTs and “meme coins” (two examples of short-lived and over-hyped trends/scams).
A significant portion of UXers will enjoy long, meaningful careers without AI, but I don’t feel like you wish to cater to that base anymore. If you do, I kindly challenge you to write fewer newsletters about AI. I challenge you to source more of your art from human creators. I challenge you to fairly critique AI and consider the possibility that market forces have led companies to seek problems for a solution.
As an admirer of your work, I’d love to see a more balanced information diet on your newsletter. I hope you consider my challenges and understand my position. Take care.
Hi Jacob,
In my mind, that's not the theme of this newsletter. Jakob is offering a product not widely found within the UX space. There are heaps of other newsletters along the lines of your suggestion/request.
Cheers!