Thoughts on AI agents and Jakob Nielsen’s article saying goodbye UI design and RIP accessibility
It’s an exciting time with AI agents, but let’s closely monitor their progress before jumping the gun.
After reading the article by Jakob Nielsen titled “Hello AI Agents: Goodbye UI Design, RIP Accessibility,” I found myself thinking if a pioneer like Jakob is talking about UI design and accessibility going away, I must investigate.
After all, UI design and accessibility are the bread and butter for UX designers, and if they're going to go away, where must we pivot, and what immediate actions can we take?
But first, let’s think through this a little more before deciding that this is a future certainty and that we must start preparing for it.
First, technology takes a long time to be adopted at a mass level. AI is scurrying, but people take their sweet time to adapt to new technologies.
I still remember back in 2016 when I was being taught Python, thinking that it must be a new technology that the University was teaching me. I realized later that Python came back in 1994, but it’s only being used now.
When new technologies come out, early adopters start thinking of their applications. However, only when a compelling use case is figured out does everyone begin to utilize and see its potential. I am looking at you, AR/VR.
Second, there are too many security concerns and fears around AI, which suggests fully autonomous AI agents will take a long time.
We have seen what could happen with overreliance on technology thanks to movies like Terminator, Alien, and the Black Mirror series.
However, partially autonomous agents requiring human intervention at sensitive points in the journey will become mainstream soon. Many digital interfaces today require users to go through cookie-cutter steps for security, identification, and legal purposes, which can easily be eliminated and save precious time for users, especially screen reader users. And even to implement them, many rules must be established for AI agents to ensure we don’t lose control of the situation.
Thirdly, there is also a possibility that another revolutionary technology will come in and sweep this entire debate away.
We all know how blockchain, AR/VR, Metaverse, and crypto were portrayed as being the technology of the future. But, as soon as Open AI released its first AI model, everyone forgot about these technologies as if they were not cool anymore. Billions of dollars of investments, poof.
I think there are some significant use cases of AI in the life of an ordinary person that won’t go away like that. Still, it is always possible that Open AI itself comes up with something more extraordinary that makes AI agents obsolete.
Now, let’s discuss what we can do to prepare for it because you can never be a bystander when such a revolution is happening around you.
Step 1: Follow people talking about AI
Figure out who the thought leaders in AI are and start following them on LinkedIn or X or subscribe to their blogs. Start here, and I’d include Jakob Nielsen on that list.
Step 2: Be an experimenter.
Whenever someone shares their thoughts, there is an inherent bias to what they are saying based on the context and surroundings, which differs vastly from their readers. Plus, we need more people to share their diverse opinions on AI so we can be aware of any applications or consequences we can be mindful of.
A good way to do this is to start replacing your existing applications and use available AI solutions to solve your use case first. For example, before using Google search, use Perplexity to search for something. Before writing a draft on a topic, ask Claude to share its thoughts. Before watching a YouTube video, tell ChatGPT to summarize.
Step 3: Subscribe to some AI newsletters, even if you’re not interested in AI or skeptical about it.
Rather than reading them thoroughly, I’d recommend just knowing what is being released and how it will impact you. It can at least prepare you enough to know when to jump ship.
Closing thoughts
I am still very much excited about the world of AI agents and what they can do. Progress is being made at an unprecedented level, and this is a great time to be alive as a technology enthusiast. So let’s keep a close watch and be prepared.
I’d love to read your comments sharing how you are preparing yourself for this revolution.
That’s all for now, folks. Keep experimenting. Ciao!
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.
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