From data to experience: Framework for managing artificial intelligence system development projects

• Develops a DCXD framework that integrates experience design with data-centered project management for AI system development. • Employs a sequential multi-phase research design to identify practice gaps and validate framework utility in cross-functional project teams. • Proposes three strategic mindsets (human, object, experience) to coordinate behavioral and experiential considerations in project-level decision-making. • Articulates professional skillsets across individual, project team, and organizational levels to bridge gaps between design and data science. • Positions DCXD as a strategic governance tool that enhances project agility, evidence-based decision-making, and long-term value creation. Recent advances in artificial intelligence transform how organizations design digital products, but project management frameworks integrating data-centered methods with experience design remain scarce. This study addresses this gap by developing a structured framework that harmonizes experience design with data-centered project management in artificial intelligence system development. Through a sequential multi-phase research design involving expert interviews, content analysis, and validation across four field cases, the research develops the Data-Centered Experience Design framework. The framework proposes three strategic mindsets encompassing human, object , and experience , along with professional skillsets across individual, project team , and organizational levels . Beyond providing procedural guidance, this study contributes to management theory by extending the discourse on cross-functional collaboration and capability integration in technology-driven environments. By operationalizing the interplay between data science and design, the framework offers a novel perspective on project-based innovation, shifting the focus from technical execution to a strategic governance model for long-term value creation.