Exploring Human-Centered Design Barriers in AI Powered MVPs: A Study from Emerging Market Startups

This research examines the challenges designers face when adhering to human-centered design principles during the design and implementation of AI-based Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) in digital startups across Pakistan. Startups in emerging economies utilize tools such as chatbots, recommendation engines, and predictive software in the initial stages of product development. A lack of advancement in AI design, issues related to data quality, and infrastructure limitations can impede the delivery of functional and ethical AI based solution. A survey of 108 expert professionals identified integration issues between AI models and frontend design, limited availability of quality training data, low digital or AI literacy among target users, High cost of AI tools or platforms and balancing simplicity with AI functionality as the primary obstacles. The findings suggest that interdisciplinary collaboration, understanding of user needs, feedback and iterative development and low-cost prototyping techniques are essential. This research offers practical recommendations for startups and advocates for further studies on the evolution of AI design in various contexts over time.