Erin May sits down with Alec Levin, CEO and Co-Founder of Learners, to explore how researchers can navigate the rapid changes reshaping their field. Alec shares his vision for how AI and automation are creating unprecedented opportunities for research teams willing to step up and lead.

Alec argues that while AI can handle routine tasks like usability testing and surveys, researchers have a chance to focus on higher-value discovery work that includes prototyping and coding. He emphasizes that this is a critical moment for researchers to define their own future rather than letting executives decide their role. The conversation covers practical examples of AI-powered research workflows, the importance of cross-functional collaboration, and why researchers need to be more proactive in pitching their vision internally.

Highlights

• 03:40 Balance sheeting thinking for change
• 06:15 Connecting researchers through community
• 13:11 Discovery research importance
• 15:02 Vision needed for researcher evolution
• 24:08 Automated research workflows emerging
• 31:16 Human elements AI can't replace

Resources

• AI for User Research 101 Workshop
• What is the New AI in Research Risk Cascade?
• Assessing the ROI of AI in UX Research Webinar
• AI Context Engineering for Research Course