Which of these pieces looks better in terms of composition and is there anything i can do to improve this render even more? submitted by /u/Revolutionary_Tour65 [link] [comments]

3D Artist Kenichi Nishida showcased this impressively realistic CG portrait of a golden retriever that is indistinguishable from a real photo.Kenichi Nishida crafted the 3D model with Houdini, Maya, Substance 3D Painter, Nuke, and UVLayout. The artist masterfully recreated a dogs appearance and behavior captured in a photo-like image, replicating lifelike proportions and the overall look. The visualization of fur, especially with snowflakes in it, is astounding it looks highly realistic without being overloaded with details.Earlier, Kenichi Nishida shared other highly realistic visualizations of the fluffy friends:Visit Kenichi Nishidas ArtStation page anddont forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our new Discord server, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, and Threads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Take a Look at This Realistic CG Portrait of an Adorable Golden Retriever appeared first on CG SHARES.

Last year, we shared Poly Hammers Meta-Human DNA, an add-on that allows you to seamlessly customize Unreal Engines MetaHumans in Blender. The tool is now officially released, though its still in beta, and some features are yet to be added.What makes it stand out is that the full source code for the add-on is available on GitHub, unlike other MetaHuman customization tools, as you can modify the code to fit your specific needs. If your production pipeline requires unique features, you can implement them yourself or submit a feature request on the repository.Meta-Human DNA for Blender features a fully functional face board that evaluates in real-time, allowing for precise facial adjustments. You can control multiple RigLogic instances at the same time, and the face board also comes with a pose library, simplifying the process of editing expressions. Additionally, it drives bone transforms, shape key values, and wrinkle map masks, providing comprehensive control over facial customization.You can find guides on the main features of Meta-Human DNA on Poly Hammers YouTube channel. Plus, the add-on is currently discounted while its in beta, so be sure to grab it here.Dont forget tojoin our80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us onInstagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Poly Hammers Meta-Human DNA For Blender Is Out Now appeared first on CG SHARES.

My Hero Academia will deliver its final season in the second half of the year. The story inspired by classic superhero comics has attracted a huge number of fans worldwide with its many charismatic characters.

InZOI launched in Early Access to overwhelmingly positive reviews. As a newcomer to the life sim space, InZOIhas the potential to transform the genre in meaningful ways. Many players are excited to see how InZOI will change the life sim space and possibly influence other games like The Sims 4 and the upcoming Paralives.

Im EchoKnightOblivion, a passionate RPG enthusiast and indie developer. Ive spent years exploring the realms of world-building, immersive storytelling, and conceptual design. I'm always on the lookout for fresh ideas and new ways to push the boundaries of storytelling in games.Im excited to join this community and cant wait to dive into discussions, share some of my work, and connect with others who share similar interests. Looking forward to learning from you all

Jagex, the developer of the long-lived massively multiplayer game RuneScape, has announced a new spinoff: RuneScape: Dragonwilds, an open-world survival and crafting game in the style of Valheim, Ark, and Minecraft.RuneScape: Dragonwilds will launch into early access on Steam in spring 2025. Its set in the trad-fantasy world of the cult 2001 MMO, but developed in Unreal Engine 5, so it looks like a modern video game. Jagex describes it as an adventure that blends high fantasy with light RPG elements and iconic RuneScape lore.Dragonwilds is playable solo or with up to three friends, and involves all the survival gameplay you would expect: chopping down trees, building houses, unlocking new skills and crafting recipes, fighting goblins. Theres a focus on magic as players harness a power called Anima to facilitate their survival.All the action takes place on Ashenfall, a forgotten continent on the world of Gielinor thats never been explored before. Dragons have awoken there, and the ultimate goal of the game is to slay their queen.RuneScape is one of the most unlikely success stories in gaming. Coded in the basic programming language Java by brothers Andrew Gower and Paul Gower, it started life as a browser game and didnt get its own client until 2016. But it has persisted for nearly a quarter-century, powered by a nostalgic fanbase, the majority of whom choose to play an older version of the game called Old School RuneScape over its latest iteration. Andrew Gower recently launched his own spiritual successor, a retro cozy MMO called Brighter Shores.

Writer Kij Johnson has always used animals to tell the stories of people. Thats how the writer and designer of Kobold Press upcoming tabletop role-playing game RiverBank put it to me in our recent email exchange. Like the novel its inspired by The River Bank, Johnsons 2017 sequel to Kenneth Grahames The Wind in the Willows the main characters of this game are not orcs or halflings or even humans, but fuzzy, adorable anthropomorphic critters and creatures in dapper outfits.Animals are in almost every story I have written, Johnson said. I guess it makes sense that, if I was going to write a game, it would also have animals at its center.The aesthetic of the game alone sets it apart from Kobolds typical lineup of advanced Dungeons & Dragons campaigns and its own 5th-edition-compatible RPG, Tales of the Valiant. The work of artist Kathleen Jennings, who also illustrated The River Bank book, puts woodland fauna and pond dwellers on two legs and in clothing fit for an afternoon picnic in the meadow. It only makes sense that theyre bipedal foxes in suspenders and hens in suits alike because theres a lot to do in the world of RiverBank, which launches on BackerKit Monday.I designed RiverBank with friction and chaos in mind, all the ways that things go wrong with our plans and intentions, and this includes foes. Arguments, funny exchanges, lifelong rivalries, and even cutlass battles are possible, but its a cozy world, and a foe interaction probably isnt going to end up with anyone dead, Johnson said. For many of the animals of the River Bank, death would be preferable to (for instance) being dragged away from your friends to escort your awful great-uncle to a spa for his health.That type of emergent storytelling is central to RiverBanks gameplay, which is designed for three to five players and uses three dice: one d4, one d6, and one d12. Combat is possible, Johnson said, but its not a requirement. It really depends what story you want to explore with your characters which does not mean the game is simpler than any other 5e-compatible game.Its got simple, consistent mechanics; the complexity comes from the various ways the game subverts the mechanics, Johnson said. Storylines are likely to be driven not by movement through spaces but by interactions with NPCs, randomizers, and situational complications and simplifiers. Ive tried to give them a lot of tools for handling this, including a bit of structural and pacing theory for generating and playing narratives.For newcomers and gamemasters alike, Johnson said the game is designed for anyone who likes to emphasize the roleplaying part of RPGs. That includes the mechanics and the GM, who should be able to pick up most of the necessary references after just a session or two.Nonetheless, like any good TTRPG, the game is what you make it. While the world is cozy, and death is unlikely, Johnson designed the game with friction and chaos in mind.Arguments, funny exchanges, lifelong rivalries, and even cutlass battles are possible, Johnson said. So dont be surprised if your fuzzy little rabbit ends up dueling with a toad in culottes.

Starting the new month with a little inspiration boost thats the idea behind our monthly wallpapers series which has been going on for more than fourteen years already. Each month, the wallpapers are created by the community for the community, and everyone who has an idea for a design is welcome to join in experienced designers just like aspiring artists. Of course, it wasnt any different this time around.For this edition, creative folks from all across the globe once again got their ideas flowing to bring some good vibes to your screens. Youll find their wallpapers compiled below, along with a selection of timeless April favorites from our archives that are just too good to be forgotten. A huge thank-you to everyone who shared their designs with us this month youre smashing!If you too would like to get featured in one of our upcoming wallpapers posts, please dont hesitate to submit your design. We cant wait to see what youll come up with! Happy April!You can click on every image to see a larger preview.We respect and carefully consider the ideas and motivation behind each and every artists work. This is why we give all artists the full freedom to explore their creativity and express emotions and experience through their works. This is also why the themes of the wallpapers werent anyhow influenced by us but rather designed from scratch by the artists themselves.April Blooms And Easter JoyApril bursts with color, joy, and the magic of new beginnings. As spring awakens, Easter fills the air with wonder bunnies paint playful masterpieces on eggs, and laughter weaves through cherished traditions. Its a season to embrace warmth, kindness, and the simple beauty of blooming days. Designed by LibraFire from Serbia.previewwith calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Walking Among ChimpanzeesIts April, and were heading to Tanzania with Jane Goodall, her chimpanzees, and her reflection that we are all important: Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference. Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440EggcitedDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x21602001Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160Swing Into SpringOur April calendar needs not mark any special occasion April itself is a reason to celebrate. It was a breeze creating this minimal, pastel-colored calendar design with a custom lettering font and plant pattern for the ultimate spring feel. Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.preview320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Spring AwakensWe all look forward to the awakening of a life that spreads its wings after a dormant winter and opens its petals to greet us. Long live spring, long live life. Designed by LibraFire from Serbia.preview320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Inspiring BlossomSweet spring is your time is my time is our time for springtime is lovetime and viva sweet love, wrote E. E. Cummings. And we have a question for you: Is there anything more refreshing, reviving, and recharging than nature in blossom? Let it inspire us all to rise up, hold our heads high, and show the world what we are made of. Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440DreamingThe moment when you just walk and your imagination fills up your mind with thoughts. Designed by Gal Shir from Israel.preview 340x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Clover FieldDesigned by Nathalie Ouederni from France.preview 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1200, 2560x1440Rainy DayDesigned by Xenia Latii from Berlin, Germany.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440A Time For ReflectionWere all equal before a wave. (Laird Hamilton) Designed by Shawna Armstrong from the United States.preview 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Purple RainThis month is International Guitar Month! Time to get out your guitar and play. As a graphic designer/illustrator seeing all the variations of guitar shapes begs to be used for a fun design. Search the guitar shapes represented and see if you see one similar to yours, or see if you can identify some of the different styles that some famous guitarists have played (BTW, Princes guitar is in there and purple is just a cool color). Designed by Karen Frolo from the United States.preview 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Wildest DreamsWe love the art direction, story, and overall cinematography of the Wildest Dreams music video by Taylor Swift. It inspired us to create this illustration. Hope it will look good on your desktops. Designed by Kasra Design from Malaysia.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440SakuraSpring is finally here with its sweet Sakura flowers, which remind me of my trip to Japan. Designed by Laurence Vagner from France.preview 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 2560x1440April FoxDesigned by MasterBundles from the United States.preview 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440FairytaleA tribute to Hans Christian Andersen. Happy Birthday! Designed by Roxi Nastase from Romania.preview 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Coffee MorningDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.preview 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160The Loneliest House In The WorldMarch 26 was Solitude Day. To celebrate it, here is the picture about the loneliest house in the world. It is a real house, I found it on Youtube. Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.preview 800x480, 800x600, 1024x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1440x960, 1600x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 2560x1600, 2880x1800, 3072x1920, 3840x2160, 5120x2880The Perpetual CircleInspired by the Black Forest, which is beginning right behind our office windows, so we can watch the perpetual circle of nature when we take a look outside. Designed by Nils Kunath from Germany.preview 320x480, 640x480, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Ready For AprilIt is very common that it rains in April. This year, I am not sure But whatever we are just prepared! Designed by Vernica Valenzuela from Spain.preview 800x480, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1440x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 2560x1440Happy EasterDesigned by Tazi Design from Australia.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x960, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440In The RiverSpring is here! Crocodiles search the hot and stay in the river. Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.preview 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Springtime SageSpring and fresh herbs always feel like they compliment each other. Keeping it light and fresh with this wallpaper welcomes a new season! Designed by Susan Chiang from the United States.preview 320x480, 1024x768, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1400x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1200, 1920x1440Citrus PassionDesigned by Nathalie Ouederni from France.preview 320x480, 1024x768, 1200x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1200, 1920x1200, 2560x1440Walking To The WizardWe walked to Oz with our friends. The road is long, but we follow the yellow bricks. Are you coming with us? Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.preview 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Hello!Designed by Rachel from the United States.preview 640x1136, 1080x1920, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1600x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 2048x2048, 2560x1440Oceanic WondersCelebrate National Dolphin Day on April 14th by acknowledging the captivating beauty and importance of dolphins in our oceans! Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Playful AlienEverything would be more fun if a little alien had the controllers. Designed by Maria Keller from Mexico.preview 320x480, 640x480, 640x1136, 750x1334, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1242x2208, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 2880x1800Good DaySome pretty flowers and spring time always make for a good day. Designed by Amalia Van Bloom from the United States.preview 640x1136, 1024x768, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1920x1200, 2560x1440April ShowersDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.preview 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440FusionDesigned by Rio Creativo from Poland.preview 1280x800, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 2560x1440Do DoodlingDesigned by Design Studio from India.preview 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Ipoh Hor FunMissing my hometowns delicious Kai See Hor Fun (in Cantonese) that literally translates to Shredded Chicken Flat Rice Noodles. It is served in a clear chicken and prawn soup with chicken shreds, prawns, spring onions, and noodles. Designed by Lew Su Ann from Brunei.preview 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440

With AI upon us, companies have recently been turning their attention to synthetic user testing AI-driven research that replaces UX research. There, questions are answered by AI-generated customers, human tasks performed by AI agents.However, its not just for desk research or discovery that AI is used for; its an actual usability testing with AI personas that mimic human behavior of actual customers within the actual product. Its like UX research, just well, without the users.If this sounds worrying, confusing, and outlandish, it is but this doesnt stop companies from adopting AI research to drive business decisions. Although, unsurprisingly, the undertaking can be dangerous, risky, and expensive and usually diminishes user value.This article is part of our ongoing series on UX. You can find more details on design patterns and UX strategy in Smart Interface Design Patterns with live UX training coming up soon. Free preview.Fast, Cheap, Easy And ImaginaryErika Hall famously noted that design is only as human-centered as the business model allows. If a company is heavily driven by hunches, assumptions, and strong opinions, there will be little to no interest in properly-done UX research in the first place.But unlike UX research, AI research (conveniently called synthetic testing) is fast, cheap, and easy to re-run. It doesnt raise uncomfortable questions, and it doesnt flag wrong assumptions. It doesnt require user recruitment, much time, or long-winded debates.And: it can manage thousands of AI personas at once. By studying AI-generated output, we can discover common journeys, navigation patterns, and common expectations. We can anticipate how people behave and what they would do.Well, thats the big promise. And thats where we start running into big problems.LLMs Are People PleasersGood UX research has roots in what actually happened, not what might have happened or what might happen in the future.By nature, LLMs are trained to provide the most plausible or most likely output based on patterns captured in its training data. These patterns, however, emerge from expected behaviors by statistically average profiles extracted from content on the web. But these people dont exist, they never have.By default, user segments are not scoped and not curated. They dont represent the customer base of any product. So to be useful, we must eloquently prompt AI by explaining who users are, what they do, and how they behave. Otherwise, the output wont match user needs and wont apply to our users.When producing user insights, LLMs cant generate unexpected things beyond what were already asking about.In comparison, researchers are only able to define whats relevant as the process unfolds. In actual user testing, insights can help shift priorities or radically reimagine the problem were trying to solve, as well as potential business outcomes.Real insights come from unexpected behavior, from reading behavioral clues and emotions, from observing a person doing the opposite of what they said. We cant replicate it with LLMs.AI User Research Isnt Better Than NothingPavel Samsonov articulates that things that sound like customers might say them are worthless. But things that customers actually have said, done, or experienced carry inherent value (although they could be exaggerated). We just need to interpret them correctly.AI user research isnt better than nothing or more effective. It creates an illusion of customer experiences that never happened and are at best good guesses but at worst misleading and non-applicable. Relying on AI-generated insights alone isnt much different than reading tea leaves.The Cost Of Mechanical DecisionsWe often hear about the breakthrough of automation and knowledge generation with AI. Yet we often forget that automation often comes at a cost: the cost of mechanical decisions that are typically indiscriminate, favor uniformity, and erode quality.As Maria Rosala and Kate Moran write, the problem with AI research is that it most certainly will be misrepresentative, and without real research, you won't catch and correct those inaccuracies. Making decisions without talking to real customers is dangerous, harmful, and expensive.Beyond that, synthetic testing assumes that people fit in well-defined boxes, which is rarely true. Human behavior is shaped by our experiences, situations, habits that cant be replicated by text generation alone. AI strengthens biases, supports hunches, and amplifies stereotypes.Triangulate Insights Instead Of Verifying ThemOf course AI can provide useful starting points to explore early in the process. But inherently it also invites false impressions and unverified conclusions presented with an incredible level of confidence and certainty.Starting with human research conducted with real customers using a real product is just much more reliable. After doing so, we can still apply AI to see if we perhaps missed something critical in user interviews. AI can enhance but not replace UX research.Also, when we do use AI for desk research, it can be tempting to try to validate AI insights with actual user testing. However, once we plant a seed of insight in our head, its easy to recognize its signs everywhere even if it really isnt there.Instead, we study actual customers, then triangulate data: track clusters or most heavily trafficked parts of the product. It might be that analytics and AI desk research confirm your hypothesis. That would give you a much stronger standing to move forward in the process. Wrapping UpI might sound like a broken record, but I keep wondering why we feel the urgency to replace UX work with automated AI tools. Good design requires a good amount of critical thinking, observation, and planning.To me personally, cleaning up after AI-generated output takes way more time than doing the actual work. There is an incredible value in talking to people who actually use your product.I would always choose one day with a real customer instead of one hour with 1,000 synthetic users pretending to be humans.Useful ResourcesSynthetic Users, by Maria Rosala, Kate MoranSynthetic Users: The Next Revolution in UX Research?, by Carolina GuimaresAI Users Are Neither AI Nor Users, by Debbie LevittPlanning Research with Generative AI, by Maria RosalaSynthetic Testing, by Stphanie Walter, Nikki Anderson, MAThe Dark Side of Synthetic AI Research, by Greg NudelmanNew: How To Measure UX And Design ImpactMeet Measure UX & Design Impact (8h), a new practical guide for designers and UX leads to measure and show your UX impact on business. Use the code IMPACT to save 20% off today. Jump to the details. Video + UX TrainingVideo onlyVideo + UX Training$495.00 $799.00Get Video + UX Training25 video lessons (8h) + Live UX Training.100 days money-back-guarantee.Video only$250.00$395.00Get the video course25 video lessons (8h). Updated yearly.Also available as a UX Bundle with 2 video courses.