We built an AI chatbot nobody needed

When generative AI became the biggest topic inside the company, we decided our e-commerce product needed an AI shopping assistant.

We started with the technology rather than with a customer problem. The team spent weeks designing conversational discovery while most users simply wanted better filters, clearer product information, and faster search.

We launched the assistant to a small audience. Usage was low, conversations were short, and customers frequently returned to traditional search immediately afterwards.

Never start with “Where can we add AI?” Start with “Where are users losing time or getting stuck?”