A Product and Experience leader with more than 15 years expertise and background in Product Design and Business. Solving complex business challenges, building, maturing and scaling through digital transformations, Customer Experience, Technical innovation and delivering go-to-market strategies with business advantage. With a multi-disciplinary background across customer experience design, research and strategy, business, sustainability, product delivery using agile and lean techniques, through to closing the loop with operations and iterative design. I have experience both as a leader of teams and as a leading voice within them. The scope of my experience covers digital transformation and innovation across CX design for Finance, FMCG, Retail, Tech, Automotive, Government and Entertainment industries, for highly matrixed eco-systems ranging from startups through to major multi-national enterprises. I have experience delivering across the full suite of B2B and B2C, of major technologies and platforms. I have achieved success in these roles by applying a creative but analytical approach to digital transformation across CX, using data signals supported by on the ground research, ensuring I capture the real voice of the customer. Collaborating with cross-functional executive, product, sales, business, development, Q&A, marketing, strategy in globally dispersed environments. I am driven in my career by an eternal curiosity about human experiences, the stories that shape them and the knowledge that valuable insights across customers, that bridges physical and online experiences has the ability to be an instrument of positive transformative change.
Conversational AI is reshaping customer interactions, but designing seamless experiences requires more than just technology—it demands a structured, human-centered approach. In this practical session, Maria Edwards, Head of Experience Design at nbn Australia, will explore how to adapt design frameworks to enhance both product and service experiences, with a strong focus on conversational AI.
Maria will share real-world insights into designing AI-driven applications, from initial research to full ecosystem integration. She’ll highlight key learnings from implementing conversational AI in native applications, optimising checkout experiences, and ensuring AI enhances—rather than hinders—customer interactions. The session will also cover strategic research considerations and futureproofing CX initiatives in an AI-driven world.
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