Generative AI: A Major Transformation Catalyst
What if your next user... was an AI?
In the digital realm, the projected decrease (up to 25%) in Google search volumes by 2026 is more than just a statistic: it signals a major shift toward more diverse usage patterns (chatbots, specialized platforms, voice assistants, etc.). At the same time, agent-based AI is emerging, allowing agents to perform tasks on our behalf. The result? Fewer direct interactions with traditional user interfaces (UI) and a growing number of automatic integrations driven by AI.
Toward a 25% Drop in Google Search Volumes: A Powerful Sign of Change
According to Gartner, Google may lose up to 25% of its search volume by 2026. In other words, this channel’s dominance is waning, while new access and discovery points (conversational apps, alternative search engines, vertical platforms) gain ground. This fragmentation of search goes hand in hand with the rise of agent-based AI, which enables many queries and processes to be automated.
In response, businesses must transition from a “Google-centric” SEO strategy to an approach called “Search Everywhere Optimization,” meaning they must optimize their presence across multiple channels, including those powered by AI. This shift profoundly affects digital strategy: instead of relying on a single entry point, organizations now need to ensure a presence on a range of platforms and potential agents.
From UI to AX: A Profound Transformation
Until now, most efforts focused on continuous improvement of user interfaces (UI). But the Agent eXperience (AX) phenomenon is changing the game. Now, a user can submit a request to an AI agent, which in turn accesses our services (via APIs) without ever using the screen we originally designed.
This does not mean the UI disappears entirely: some audiences still prefer a visual, explicit journey. Nevertheless, being “agent-compatible” has become crucial. Put differently, our digital products must be exposed and structured (data, APIs, permissions) so that an AI agent can easily connect.
A Renewed Role for Product/UI Teams
This evolution does not invalidate the importance of Product/UX/UI teams—it expands it. They will:
Maintain and enhance direct user experiences for those who want or need a traditional interface;
Design the conditions for smooth interaction with AI: how our services are described, “broken down,” and controlled so an agent can connect reliably.
Ultimately, the business value still lies in our products; only the access method changes. Fluidity, consistency, and reliability of the response (even via an agent) remain at the heart of these teams’ responsibilities.
The Platform Foundation: A Strategic Pillar in the Age of Agent-Based AI
To handle both fragmented search and agent-based usage, organizations must rely on a robust, interoperable platform foundation (architecture, APIs, data, cloud). Key considerations include:
A growing share of users bypasses Google, turning to other channels or AI integrations;
AI agents require strong, consistent, and secure APIs with continuously updated data;
In a fragmented journey, a user might begin their search via a voice assistant and then continue or confirm it through a different engine.
Over time, achieving “Search Everywhere Optimization” means treating our data and services as true internal “products,” exposed via documented APIs that are easy to integrate. In a Lean context, this entails identifying inefficiencies (slowness, redundancy, poor data quality) and continuously pursuing technical excellence, all to support seamless connections to various agents.
Team Topologies and Lean: Keys to a Responsive Organization
This transition toward AX is not just a technical challenge; it also requires organizational agility. Team Topologies and Lean principles play a crucial role here. On one side, “stream-aligned” teams focus on value creation (UI, conversational flows, APIs), while “platform” teams provide shared infrastructure. On the other, Lean principles (continuous improvement, user focus, respect for people) ensure rapid adaptation without causing upheaval.
In practice, close collaboration between Product and Tech speeds adjustments: if the agent struggles with something, the team detects and fixes it. Pull flow and experimentation help refine APIs or user journeys incrementally, rather than attempting a risky big-bang change. Likewise, skill development becomes essential, as orchestrating AI calls for new expertise in conversational API design, permissions management, and multi-channel oversight.
Lean: A Core Value System for Navigating Major Change
Embracing Lean thinking during this pivotal shift brings multiple advantages:
Quickly identifying user needs and how they evolve (greater AI usage, fewer manual steps);
Iterating in small increments to test agent compatibility, measure outcomes, then improve;
Removing barriers (latency, poor data structure, redundant interfaces) to smooth the transition;
Engaging teams at ground level (Product, Tech, UX, Data) in ongoing improvement cycles.
In a world where everything intertwines (multiple search engines, conversational apps, generative AI), only a Lean-based approach allows fast response, real value delivery, and consistent oversight.
Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift
Ultimately, the possible drop in Google Search (up to 25%) is merely a symptom: search itself is evolving, fragmenting, and sometimes happening invisibly via agents. AX (Agent eXperience) is becoming a channel in its own right, and the role of Product/UI teams is now to design “invisible” experiences for users—activated through AI.
In concrete terms, this calls for:
Robust platforms and APIs presented via a “productized” model;
Product/UX teams with AI knowledge, able to craft content or processes consumable by an agent;
A Lean, modular organization that adjusts priorities based on feedback and emerging opportunities.
This is no longer a mere evolution, but a fundamental change in paradigm. By embracing this dynamic—being present across all touchpoints (classic search engines, AI ecosystems, vertical platforms, conversational interfaces)—those who anticipate and orchestrate “Search Everywhere Optimization” will gain a competitive edge, driving both innovation and relevance in tomorrow’s digital landscape.