In this episode of Data Hurdles, hosts Mike Burke and Chris Detzel interview Jeremy Merle, founder and partner at Craft, a digital product design studio. Jeremy shares his background in design and user experience, having worked with various Fortune 500 companies and startups, including his role as a founding designer at Brightcove, an online video platform.

The conversation delves into Kraft's mission and vision, particularly in relation to AI. Jeremy explains how his company is investing in AI education and training for their team, as well as developing user experience principles based on their work with AI-focused products. He emphasizes the importance of creating exceptional user experiences and the need for a shared understanding of goals between Kraft and their clients.

Jeremy discusses the early stages of AI integration in product design and the challenges that come with it, such as meeting users where they are in terms of their familiarity with the technology. He also touches on the potential for AI to automate certain tasks, allowing designers to focus on more strategic and conceptual work.

The hosts and Jeremy explore the future of AI-powered user experiences, including personalized AI assistants that understand individual communication styles and needs. They also discuss the complexity of designing for such experiences, considering factors like security and user control.

Throughout the episode, Jeremy emphasizes the importance of experimentation, challenging assumptions, and expanding one's network to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The conversation also touches on the potential for startups to lead the way in AI integration, with larger companies potentially acquiring them to stay competitive.

Overall, the episode provides insights into the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for digital product design, highlighting the need for designers to adapt and evolve their practices to create exceptional user experiences in an AI-driven world.