Master´s thesis – Understanding and Designing for User Intent in Industrial AI Interfaces

Technology, Data & Digital · Software & Web Development · Software Engineering · UI/UX Design

In short

Master's thesis project at ABB in Västerås, Sweden, focusing on user intent in industrial AI interfaces. The project aims to reduce the "articulation barrier" by investigating how operators formulate and communicate intentions, and how UX design can support this. Suitable for students interested in interaction design, HCI, and AI.

Responsibilities

Conduct a literature review covering how to support user intent communication and interaction with an agentic AI system in an industrial context
Do user research through interviews, workshops, contextual studies, or discussions with ABB experts and/or end users
Identify user needs, pain points, and use cases
Formulate and summarize important factors to consider during design to lower the interaction barriers
Investigate relevant market solutions for the industrial market, designed to support capture of user intent during interaction
Develop concepts and user experience visions for future human-agent interaction with focus on user intent
Create interactive mid-fidelity prototypes demonstrating selected concepts and use cases
Evaluate concepts with users or domain experts and collect feedback
Summarize findings and provide design recommendations for intent-supporting human-agent interaction

Requirements

Motivated master's students interested in designing future industrial user experiences and digital solutions
Academic background in Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX) Design, Industrial Design Engineering, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Cognitive Science or Cognitive Systems, or Media Technology
Interest in user-centered design, digital product development, and emerging technologies
Ability to conduct qualitative user research and translate findings into requirements, concepts, and design recommendations
Experience creating prototypes and visual concepts using tools such as Figma or similar
Ability to work independently and creatively in an exploratory research environment

Desired Qualifications

Interest in industrial automation, process industries, AI-assisted systems, or industrial digitalization is considered a strong merit

Benefits

Thesis project in collaboration with ABB
Focus on advanced AI and user experience
Opportunity to work in Västerås
Possibility for hybrid workplace
Spring 2027, commonly between Jan-July
30 ECTS/högskolepoäng (hp)
For 1-2 students

Skills

Interaction DesignHuman-Computer InteractionUX DesignFigmaAI

#AI#User Intent#Industrial AI#Interfaces#User Experience#Master Thesis#Research#Design#Human-Computer Interaction#HCI#UX Design#Interaction Design#Human Factors#Computer Science#Cognitive Science#Media Technology#Prototyping

About ABB

We are a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com\nPrivacy notice & house rules: https://social.abb/social-media-information\n\nBefore applying for a job at ABB , please read our Fraud Warning:…

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