Julia
Julia
Lubarsky
Lubarsky
Overview
Leading an exploratory R&D initiative with 30+ cross-functional team members to prototype next-generation interaction paradigms for enterprise software post-agentic AI.
Role
Date range
What comes after agentic? Designing a next-generation interaction paradigm.
The challenge
When asked by executive to come up with a "next-generation interaction paradigm," I knew this was our opportunity to do something big. With no precedent to follow, I was asked to lead a team to be the tip of the spear, defining how IBM would differentiate its experience in the market.
The solution
The solution was not a polished product but a shared vision: prototypes, vignettes, and interaction models that explored how enterprise software could adapt in context and feel truly intelligent. Our focus was on defining principles and demonstrating possibilities that could guide IBM’s long-term strategy.
Approach
I led this project team different than a typical team.
1 - I sent the team off to play, a two-week experimentation sprint to make as many different concepts as we could, watching movies, going down rabbit holes, and collecting as many ideas as possible.
2 - We converged on the main concepts, choosing which ideas to prioritize first.
3 - We put our point of view on paper: high-level principles of what this system should be.
4 - We put together the core story, vision prototype, and vignettes, demonstrating key concepts like predictive automations, smart focus modes, and multimodal toolbars.
5 - Presented the vision to our executive and technical leadership, getting their buy-in on the direction.
7 - When development resources were tied up, we leaned heavily into new ways of working, spinning up our own working prototypes with AI tools.
My role
As the Project Lead, my role was to lead the interdisciplinary group of 30+ collaborators, giving structure to an exploratory effort and helping teams translate abstract ideas into tangible prototypes.
This was not a straightforward project and required active communication, pivoting, and alignment, both with the team as well as executive stakeholders.
Key features:
Outcomes
Defined a north-star vision that influences ongoing AI strategy.
Secured buy-in from IBM technical VPs, Fellows, and STOs for continued exploration.
Established a new model for cross-product, future-focused design work at IBM.
Positioned design as a driver of innovation in next-generation AI interaction paradigms.