Understanding Agentic AI and Its Impact on UX Research and Professionals
- Philip Burgess
- Dec 16, 2025
- 3 min read
By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader
Agentic AI is changing how we think about artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional AI that follows strict instructions, agentic AI acts with a degree of autonomy, making decisions and taking actions to achieve goals. This shift has significant implications for UX research and the professionals who shape user experiences.
What Is Agentic AI?
Agentic AI refers to systems designed to operate independently, with the ability to set objectives, plan, and adapt without constant human input. These AI agents can interact with environments, learn from feedback, and make choices that influence outcomes.
For example, an agentic AI in a smart home system might adjust lighting, temperature, and security settings based on observed user habits and preferences, without needing explicit commands every time.
This autonomy contrasts with traditional AI models that require detailed programming for each task. Agentic AI’s ability to act proactively opens new possibilities but also raises challenges for UX researchers.
How Agentic AI Changes UX Research
User experience research focuses on understanding how people interact with products and services to improve usability and satisfaction. Agentic AI introduces new dynamics that UX researchers must consider:
1. New User Behaviors to Study
Agentic AI can behave unpredictably from a user’s perspective. Users may not always understand why the AI takes certain actions, which affects trust and satisfaction. UX researchers need to explore:
How users perceive AI autonomy
What expectations users have for AI decision-making
How users respond to AI errors or unexpected behaviors
2. Complex Interaction Patterns
With agentic AI, interactions are no longer linear. The AI might initiate actions or change its behavior based on context. This complexity requires UX researchers to:
Develop new methods to capture and analyze dynamic interactions
Use longitudinal studies to observe AI-user relationships over time
Employ simulations or prototypes that reflect agentic behavior
3. Ethical and Transparency Concerns
Users want to understand how AI decisions are made. UX research must address transparency by:
Testing how explanations of AI actions affect user trust
Designing interfaces that reveal AI reasoning without overwhelming users
Balancing autonomy with user control options
Impact on UX Professionals’ Roles
Agentic AI affects not only research but also the daily work of UX professionals. Here are some key changes:
Designing for Autonomy
UX designers must create experiences that accommodate AI-driven actions. This means:
Building interfaces that allow users to guide or override AI decisions
Designing feedback systems that keep users informed about AI activity
Considering how AI autonomy changes user goals and workflows
Collaborating with AI Developers
UX professionals will work more closely with AI engineers to:
Understand AI capabilities and limitations
Align AI behavior with user needs and expectations
Iterate designs based on AI performance and user feedback
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Agentic AI systems evolve over time. UX teams must:
Monitor AI behavior in real-world use
Update designs to address emerging issues or opportunities
Use data-driven insights to refine AI-user interactions
Practical Examples of Agentic AI in UX Research
Voice Assistants
Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant increasingly use agentic AI to anticipate user needs. UX researchers study how users react when the assistant suggests actions without being asked, such as reminding about appointments or adjusting settings.
Personalized Learning Platforms
Educational apps use agentic AI to adapt lessons based on student progress. UX research focuses on how students engage with adaptive content and how much control they want over the AI’s choices.
Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars rely on agentic AI to make real-time decisions. UX researchers explore how passengers feel about AI control, safety perceptions, and how interfaces communicate AI decisions during travel.
Preparing for the Future of UX with Agentic AI
UX researchers and professionals can take steps to adapt to agentic AI’s rise:
Invest in new research tools that capture complex AI-user interactions
Focus on transparency and explainability in AI design
Develop skills in AI technology to better collaborate with developers
Prioritize user trust and control in autonomous systems
Understanding agentic AI’s impact helps UX professionals create experiences that feel natural, trustworthy, and empowering, even as AI takes on more independent roles.
Agentic AI is not just a technical advancement; it reshapes how users and machines interact. UX research will play a crucial role in guiding this transformation to ensure AI serves people effectively.
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