How an MIT Research Scientist Makes AI Useful

I sit down with Bryan Reimer, Ph.D., a Research Scientist at MIT who leads research on human-centered technology at the intersection of AI, human behavior, mobility, and public policy.Bryan has spent over two decades studying how people actually behave inside complex systems, especially in cars, organizations, and high-stakes environments where “automation” can help… or quietly make things worse.Topics we cover:Why companies rush into “AI strategy” without defining the use case or ROITech-first vs consumer-first thinking and how to design for real humansWhy observation beats assumptions when building for behavior change“Copilot, not autopilot”: how Bryan uses AI without giving up authorshipUsing ChatGPT as a communications teammate for editing, tone, and clarityThe hidden problem of “work slop” and how AI can help interpret messy writingWhy incentivizing AI adoption inside companies actually mattersSkill atrophy: what we lose when we automate too much, and what we should build insteadTools, Platforms, and References Mentioned:ChatGPTOpenAI’s AI Leadership GuideGM Super Cruise, Tesla AutopilotHow to Make AI Useful (book, co-authored with futurist Magnus Lindkvist)Who this episode is for:Founders and operators building AI into products or teamsLeaders trying to create an AI strategy that actually makes senseAnyone navigating trust, safety, and ethics in automationBuilders who care about human behavior, not just featuresLearn more about Bryan Reimer:Book: How to Make AI Useful (available on Amazon)Bryan Reimer on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bryan-reimerReady to cut through the AI overwhelm?Explore all my resources in one place → https://stan.store/BRXSTUDIO Free AI Guide • 45-Minute AI Audit • AI Community • How I AI Companion GPT Support your body against the invisible stress of EMFs with Leela Quantum Tech5% off with affiliate code: BROOKE If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show. Sharing it with a friend who’s AI-curious helps How I AI reach more people.How I AI is now The AI Movement Podcast.LinkedIn: Brooke GramerWebsite: TheAIMovementPodcast.comDisclaimer: This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only, not legal, financial, medical, business, technical, or other professional advice. Guest views are their own. Information may change, and accuracy, safety, or results are not guaranteed. Verify information and consult a qualified professional before acting. To the fullest extent permitted by law, The AI Movement, Brooke Gramer, and EmpowerFlow Strategies LLC disclaim liability arising from reliance on this content.