AI is making UX research faster. But are we asking the right questions?
AI is making UX research faster. But are we asking the right questions?  
Podcast: Insights Unlocked
Published On: Mon Aug 24 2026
Description: Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4qpHthC Episode summary: In this episode of Insights Unlocked, Lija Hogan chats with Nick Cawthon, founder of Gauge and a veteran UX researcher, designer, and strategist, about what happens to UX research when AI makes it dramatically faster and easier to build digital experiences. Nick explains why speed alone isn’t a competitive advantage. As AI accelerates prototyping and product development, teams need the humility to test, iterate, and make sure they’re solving the right problems—not simply moving faster in the wrong direction. That makes human insight and strategic research more important, not less. The conversation explores where AI can create meaningful efficiencies in research, from transcription and tagging to indexing qualitative data, and where Nick believes humans should remain firmly in the loop. He also shares how researchers can make insights more accessible across an organization, demonstrate their connection to business outcomes, and evolve from gatekeepers of research into educators and strategic partners. Finally, Nick offers advice for researchers thinking about the future of their profession: learn the new tools, invest in human connection, and make yourself indispensable by becoming the connective tissue between customers, product teams, designers, engineers, and business leaders. You’ll learn: Why faster product development makes human insight even more important How AI can help teams prototype, test, and iterate at greater speed Where AI can eliminate tedious research work—and where human connection still matters Why researchers need to look beyond tactical usability questions to the broader customer experience How research repositories can make customer insights more accessible to leaders and teams Ways UX researchers can connect their work to business outcomes and product metrics Why human connection and cross-functional influence can help researchers future-proof their careers Resources & links Nick Cawthon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcawthon-ux-digital-agency-product-design-leadership/ Gauge: http://Gauge.io Nick Cawthon’s website: http://nickcawthon.com/ Lija Hogan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lija-hogan-894769/ Learn more about Insights Unlocked: https://www.usertesting.com/podcast