Why 95% of AI Projects Fail | Cognizant Global Head on UX, Business & Leadership

Why are most AI projects failing today?
In this conversation at UX India 2025, Mohan Krishnaraj, Global Head of Design at Cognizant, shares powerful insights on why AI alone is not enough — and how design, emotion, and business strategy play a critical role in success.
Despite the rapid rise of AI, many organizations struggle to deliver meaningful user experiences. The missing piece is often human-centered design and emotional intelligence.
This discussion explores how design is evolving from a visual function to a strategic business driver in the age of AI.
In this conversation, we cover:
• Why 95% of AI projects fail
• The importance of emotional design in AI systems
• Why AI must include a human-centered approach
• The shift from linear journeys to “moments” in UX
• How designers must adapt in the AI era
• UX as a business strategy, not just visual design
• Responsible AI and ethical considerations
• Why storytelling and emotional integrity matter
• How designers can stay relevant in an AI-driven world
• The evolution of the design industry in India
• Building high-value design teams and business impact
• Advice for young designers entering the field
Mohan also shares his journey of building design teams, transforming UX into a high-value business function, and helping organizations understand the real impact of design.
This conversation is for:
UX Designers
Product Designers
Design Leaders
Business Leaders
Startup Founders
AI Professionals
If you want to understand how design connects with business, AI, and leadership, this session offers deep, practical insights.
Watch till the end to learn how designers can move beyond execution and become strategic leaders in the AI era.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:12 Meet Mohan Krishnaraj – Cognizant Global Head
01:02 The Book: Balancing User Expectations & Experience
01:30 AI Expectations vs Reality
02:06 Why 95% of AI Projects Fail
02:30 Emotional Design in AI Systems
03:00 The End of Linear UX
03:20 Designing for “Moments”
04:00 AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
04:30 How Designers Should Prepare for AI
05:00 The Oil Analogy: AI & Industry Evolution
05:40 Responsible AI & Ethical Design
06:20 UX as a Business Strategy
06:40 Changing Organizational Mindsets
07:10 Role of Designers in AI: Automation vs Augmentation
08:30 Mohan’s Journey in Design Leadership
09:30 Growth of Design Industry in India
10:30 Building High-Value Design Teams
11:00 Advice for Young Designers
11:30 Design + Business Mindset
12:00 Rapid Fire Round
Join the Discussion
Do you think AI is failing because of poor design?
Should designers play a bigger role in business strategy?
Share your thoughts in the comments.

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