Navigating Tech with Hannah Hyatt: UX, AI, and Sustainability

Hannah Hyatt , Senior UX Researcher at Dell, shares her thoughts on user experience, sustainability, AI ethics, and accessibility.

How did you get into UX research at Dell?

UX research connects technology with human needs, promoting inclusivity.

"My job is making things easier for people to use," Hannah explains. She began as an anthropology graduate conducting ethnographies, later earning a Master’s in Human Factors Information Design at Bentley University. An internship at Dell cemented her focus on UX research.

Her passion lies in creating intuitive, inclusive technology and empowering others in STEM, particularly through the Grace Hopper Celebration.

What excites you about cloud computing and sustainability?

Reducing cloud computing's environmental impact requires collective and personal efforts.

"Even storing documents leaves a carbon trail," Hannah points out. Learning about the energy demands of data centers inspired her to rethink digital habits and explore energy-efficient designs and decarbonization.

The concept of a "personal cloud carbon footprint" reminds her that individual choices also impact the environment.

How can we use AI ethically and sustainably?

Ethical AI relies on balancing innovation with sustainability and accountability.

"Every 20 to 25 ChatGPT queries consume about a liter of water," says Hannah, highlighting the hidden environmental toll of AI. She emphasizes responsible AI use, balancing innovation with resource conservation.

Ethically, she calls attention to managing misinformation and welcoming unexpected outcomes, which often drive progress. "The most exciting innovations come from surprises," she notes.

How is AI transforming accessibility?

AI’s advancements in accessibility highlight the importance of inclusive design.

"Some of the best ideas come from unexpected perspectives," Hannah observes. She describes how generative AI is enabling tools for individuals with visual, auditory, or tactile impairments.

Though challenges remain, she is optimistic about AI's potential to make technology more inclusive by incorporating diverse user needs.

What excites you most about AI and sustainability?

AI and sustainability offer endless possibilities for meaningful innovations.

“Some of the best innovations in history have come from unexpected outcomes,” Hannah reiterates. She sees the intersection of AI and sustainability as a space for creativity and discovery, driven by curiosity and collaboration.

Final Thoughts

Hannah Hyatt exemplifies a commitment to making technology inclusive, user-friendly, and environmentally conscious. Her philosophy—“I always feel better when I have more information”—urges the thoughtful use of technology for the greater good.

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