The Promise and Perils of AI for Product Managers
Jason Hong, Professor, Carnegie Mellon University
kHUB post date: April 23, 2026
Watch time: 60 minutes
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The goal of this talk is to give realistic expectations about the potential of AI, its limitations, common misconceptions, significant risks that product teams and upper management need to be aware of, and major design issues for products. Upper management tends to overestimate what AI can do and underestimate its development and operating costs. This session will help product managers navigate the hype, better understand the underlying context that AI systems operate in, and make more responsible and effective product decisions.
This talk is based on Professor Hong’s and his colleagues’ research at Carnegie Mellon University, as well as courses taught there on UX Design and Responsible AI.
Key Takeaways:
- Develop realistic expectations about what AI can and cannot do — including its true costs.
- Understand the context in which AI operates and why that context matters.
- Make intentional decisions about whether AI should replace people or augment them.
- Identify and mitigate risks such as algorithmic bias.
- Measure success beyond dollars — including satisfaction, well-being, and human dignity.
About the Presenter
Jason Hong is a professor in the Human Computer Interaction Institute, part of the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University. His research is in the areas of usability, mobility, privacy, security, and Responsible AI. He is co-author of the book The Design of Sites, and helped found CMU's Master's of Product Management program. He was also a co-founder of Wombat Security Technologies, which was acquired by Proofpoint.