Leveraging AI Toward the Development of Vector Personas for UX Research

• Claire Lauer

  Arizona State University

  Author

• Danielle Storey

  Arizona State University

  Author

• Romit Soley

  Arizona State University

  Author

Personas, which represent user groups with specific needs and behaviors, are crucial in user experience design. High-quality personas are based on robust user data; otherwise, they may cause more problems than they solve. Generative AI, like ChatGPT, shows potential in enhancing persona development by integrating diverse user data sources. However, its reliability is questionable due to its lack of human contextual understanding and real-life experience. This paper introduces the concept of vector personas, a method that combines AI with traditional qualitative techniques to develop user personas. Our UX team tested our approach by comparing personas created through traditional methods with those personas generated using AI. We employed a structured comparison and triangulated data from user feedback. Our study highlights the benefits and limitations of using AI in persona development. Although AI can enhance efficiency and offer new insights, it cannot replace the depth of understanding provided by real-life user-driven research. The vector persona process optimizes persona development by balancing time investment and information quality through integrating AI outputs with human insights to create comprehensive and accurate user representations.

• Full Text Article PDF

1. Claire Lauer, Arizona State University

   A professor at Arizona State University and UX architect for the $45M Arizona Water Innovation Initiative and the National Science Foundation WaterSIMmersive grant projects, Lauer specializes in user-centered environmental communication, data visualization, artificial intelligence, and mixed reality sustainability experiences.

2. Danielle Storey, Arizona State University

   An associate UX researcher at Arizona State University’s Arizona Water Innovation Initiative, Storey specializes in public perception, data visualization, and web tool testing. She designs effective solutions for complex systems, balancing stakeholder needs with user accessibility and performance, while leveraging a background in real estate and education.

3. Romit Soley, Arizona State University

   A recent graduate of the User Experience master’s program at Arizona State University with over nine years of design expertise, Soley focuses on user-centered solutions across industries, mentoring designers, and collaborating with teams to deliver impactful products by combining technology, business, and design for innovative problem-solving.