AI research & strategy

Clarity for product, UX, and AI.

I help teams understand where AI creates real value and how to build the right product around it.

From early explorations to shipped features, I support the decisions that matter most.

Book an intro call (25 min) See how I can help
Experience includes work with:
Google Meta Amazon Native Instruments
Portrait of Aaron Kagan
Aaron Kagan PhD
AI Systems Strategist
& Usability Expert

What I do

I help teams understand what their AI systems are really doing, what’s possible next, and how to move forward with confidence.

AI strategy & decision support

Clarify where AI fits, what’s worth building, and how to invest without chasing hype.

Product & UX research for AI

Mixed-methods research on how people actually use, mis-use, and experience AI-powered tools.

Team alignment & executive clarity

Mapping, facilitation, and narratives that get leaders and teams seeing the same system.

How I work

A lightweight, structured process that brings order to complex AI questions.

  1. Diagnose

    Stakeholder conversations, artifact review, and mapping to understand where decisions are stuck.

  2. Design

    Research, frameworks, and scenarios that reveal options, trade-offs, and likely impact.

  3. Deliver

    Clear recommendations, working sessions, and decision materials your team can act on.

See the whole system, not just the model.

A lot of AI work gets stuck at the level of demos and features. I help teams see how AI shows up across people, tools, and workflows — then move forward with clear, grounded priorities.

What you get

Clear AI direction

Know what’s worth building — and what can wait — with recommendations grounded in how your systems and users actually work.

Better decisions

Frameworks that make trade-offs, risks, and upside visible so leaders can choose deliberately instead of reactively.

Aligned teams

A shared picture of users, workflows, and constraints so PMs, designers, and engineers are pulling in the same direction.

De-risked initiatives

Fewer false starts, tighter scope, and clearer measures of success for the AI work you decide to invest in.

What it looks like to work together

Most of the value comes from focused working sessions — mapping systems on a whiteboard, pressure-testing decisions, and translating research into next steps your team can act on.

  • Collaborative sessions with the people closest to the work.
  • Living artifacts your team can actually use.
  • Space to ask hard questions about AI, risk, and impact.

Why leaders hire me

  • 15+ years across AI, UX research, and cognitive science.
  • Staff-level research roles at Google, Meta, and X/Loon.
  • Deep focus on human–AI interaction and system behavior.
  • Trusted partner to PMs, designers, engineers, and executives.
  • Clear, honest communication — no AI hype, just grounded direction.

Not an agency. Not a prompt shop. A strategic partner to help you see the system and move with confidence.

More about my background →

Selected work

Much of my work is confidential, but these examples show the kinds of outcomes I help teams reach.

Loon logo
Google Search logo
Native Instruments logo

Explore all case studies →

Start a conversation

If your team is navigating complex AI decisions and needs clearer direction, an intro call is the best place to start.

Intro call (25 minutes)
Best if you’re exploring a potential project.
Schedule an intro call

Clarity call (15 minutes)
For quick questions or early-stage ideas.
Book a 15-minute clarity call

or browse all available sessions .