Empathy First means starting from real user problems, not from the technology. And it is trainable. I built this pathway with Built for Mars, Peter Ramsey's UX research library: twelve pieces of fieldwork on trust, clarity, and real human needs. Work through them in order. Then watch the same principle running in shipped AI products, recorded by aiverse.design. Pathways for all HAX Principles will be shared in our Courses and Workshops.
Locked pathways open with a Learner Materials login.
See how understanding real motivations shaped stronger adoption than leading with technology alone.
Learn how honest expectations can build trust and reduce disappointment with AI products.
See how subtle reassurance can reduce uncertainty and make complex experiences feel more human.
Learn how confusing systems can exclude users when products ignore emotional and knowledge gaps.
See how transparency around personalisation can make data collection feel more respectful and valuable.
Learn how small emotional moments can explain behaviour naturally without overwhelming onboarding.
See why growth can hide harmful experiences that damage trust and fairness over time.
Learn how empathy and reassurance can make onboarding feel supportive instead of judgmental.
See how clearer language helps people understand value without relying on confusing AI buzzwords.
Learn how different product choices shape trust, familiarity, and confidence in everyday decisions.
See why showing real outcomes builds stronger understanding than talking about AI capabilities.
Learn how low-pressure experiences can build trust before asking users for deeper commitment.
Empathy First maps to three interaction patterns in the aiverse.design library: here is each pattern, and the products doing it today.
"Jumpstart user engagement with smart and context-aware preset actions."
The blank prompt box is a terrible host. Context-aware starting points lower the activation barrier and meet users where they already are.
"Enabling users to interact with their voice, have a conversation or take actions."
People speak faster than they type. Voice lets users express intent the way humans naturally communicate, before syntax gets in the way.
Pattern guide: 12 recorded examples →"Let users attach images, screenshots, or other visuals as part of the input."
Pointing at the problem beats describing it. Screenshots and sketches carry the user's context without forcing them to translate it into words.
Pattern guide: 19 recorded examples →Sources: pathway content from Built for Mars (UX research by Peter Ramsey) · product recordings from aiverse.design