Regardless if you're building a digital or physical product, it is crucial to understand your customers. You need reliable insights into what they want, how they interact with your product, and where they might be running into issues. And in most quickly growing companies, you need this information quickly.
The promise of AI in user research is just that, helping you get this information quickly through automation of steps in the research process such as study design, test moderation and data synthesis. But why does this automation really matter to you and your organization? Here are three strategic outcomes you should expect as you start adoption AI-powered user research practices.
Reduce costs where it matters Investing in AI-powered UX research tools might seem like an additional expense at first, but it's an investment that can lead to significant cost savings over time. One of the biggest hidden costs in product development is rework—time and resources spent fixing problems that could have been avoided with better initial research. Traditional research methods often take so long that by the time issues are identified, the product is already well into development, making changes costly and time-consuming.
By integrating AI-powered user research early in the process, you can identify potential problems before they become expensive mistakes. Studies have shown that companies can reduce their overall development time by up to 50% when they incorporate user research from the outset. This doesn't just save money on development costs; it also means getting your product to market faster, which can be a significant advantage.
Additionally, by avoiding costly missteps, you free up resources that can be redirected toward innovation, marketing, or other areas that contribute directly to revenue growth. Essentially, you're making your entire operation more efficient.
Boost revenue through better decision making While cost savings are important, the ultimate goal for most businesses is revenue growth. AI-powered UX research tools can have a direct impact on your bottom line by helping you make decisions that drive sales and increase customer loyalty. By understanding your users better, you can tailor your products and services to meet their needs more effectively, leading to higher satisfaction.
Gousto , a meal-kit delivery company, is another example of a business that has benefited from AI-powered research tools. By leveraging the insights provided by Wondering, they fine-tuned their user experience, leading to higher subscription rates and increased customer retention. The insights helped them identify which features were most valued by their customers and where there were friction points in the user journey.
These data-driven decisions can lead to significant revenue gains. You're not just guessing what might work; you're basing your strategies on concrete evidence. This reduces the risk associated with new initiatives and increases the likelihood of success.
Furthermore, when you can show measurable improvements in key metrics like conversion rates or customer retention, it becomes easier to secure support from stakeholders for future projects. The positive cycle of making informed decisions, seeing tangible results, and then reinvesting in further research and development can propel your business forward in substantial ways.
Build a shared understanding of your customers One of the challenges with traditional UX research is that it's often confined within a specific team or department. The research team gathers the data, analyzes it, and then tries to share the findings with other teams. This can lead to delays, miscommunication, or even resistance from teams that feel disconnected from the research process.
AI-powered tools like Wondering make user research accessible to people across the organization. Whether you're in product development, marketing, customer service, or sales, you can tap into user insights directly. This fosters a culture of data-driven decision-making where everyone has the information they need to make informed choices.
Take Matsmart , a company focused on reducing food waste by selling surplus food online. By adopting Wondering, they've increased the number of studies they conduct by 50%. This isn't because they've hired more researchers; it's because the tool is easy to use and accessible to everyone in the company. Teams can quickly set up studies, gather insights, and apply the findings to their specific areas of work.
When user research is accessible and understandable to everyone, it fosters a culture of empathy toward the customer. Teams start to think more holistically about the user experience, and projects move forward more smoothly because everyone understands the user perspective and the reasons behind certain decisions. For example, the marketing team might use user insights to craft more targeted campaigns, while the product team uses the same data to prioritize features that customers are asking for, leading to a more cohesive experience for your customers.
By embracing these tools, you're giving your organization the ability to respond to user needs swiftly, make informed decisions, and foster a collaborative, data-driven culture. You're not just making your life easier—you're setting your business up for long-term success.