Will Ryan
Will Ryan
Design Manager, IBM
Will is a UX leader and manager building organizational capability in research, design, and UX strategy. Will views the user experience as an opportunity to provide not just delight, but a more meaningful context surrounding the work that users do or the products they consume. Will currently works in the modernization effort in IBM Z System Mainframes, where he specializes in the intersection of UX, AI, and Accessibility.
Previously, Will held roles at CBORD, NCR, and many startups and has also taught research and design methods at Indiana University and Ithaca College. He has authored dozens of published peer-reviewed articles on design methods, learning-to-use novel technology, game design, and social media.
Redefining UX Design in the Age of Generative AI
Numerous professions are facing a coming reckoning due to the influence of AI, ML, and generative technology. Design is by no means immune. While generative AI is still in its infancy and designers can't be strictly bypassed by running to ChatGPT, Bard, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, and so forth, those who choose to remain in this profession will need to position themselves through a skillset that these platforms will *always* struggle to model.
Will’s lightning talk will explore these platforms and what they do now, what they may do soon, and where the sweet spot is that they will always struggle with.