"People don’t buy technology; they buy what it enables them to do." This simple truth highlights why GenAI, like many technologies before it, has such high failure rates. In fact, a Rand report estimates up to 80% of GenAI projects fail largely due companies focus on the latest tech rather than solving real problems for their users. I examine the five root causes of AI project failures and how design can mitigate these risks, accelerating adoption and long-term success.

Cognitive architectures are simply computational models, described with familiar (albeit misapplied) human characteristics. How can design bridge the gap and bring humanity to these systems. Ensuring these architectures are aligned the desires, behaviors, needs, and emotions that come with being human? How can design ensure AI enhances our creativity, productivity, and decision-making rather than attempt to compete with it?

The need to include design leadership in the definition of company strategy is well understood, however design can play an even more significant role; defining the organizational culture. Design’s values and practices are the ideal cornerstones of a company’s culture.