Maze vs User Intuition

The difference between Maze's AI and User Intuition's AI is the difference between a chatbot and a researcher.

Executive Summary: The Critical Differences

User Intuition delivers 98% participant satisfaction through natural 32-minute AI-moderated conversations with YOUR actual customers, using McKinsey-grade methodology and 5-7 level laddering to uncover the identity drivers that predict behavior.

Maze offers prototype testing and usability studies with their new "AI Moderator" (2024) limited to open-ended questions only, cannot test stimuli during AI sessions—a UX testing platform trying to add AI conversations.

Platform Capabilities: Complete Comparison

Capability User Intuition Maze Winner
Platform Capabilities: Complete Comparison
AI Moderation ✓ Best in Class — Full AI conversations Limited AI moderator (2024) User Intuition
Video Interviews ✓ AI-moderated video Human-moderated only User Intuition
Audio Interviews ✓ Natural 32-min AI conversations Human-moderated only User Intuition
Screen Sharing ✓ Best in Class — Live observation ✓ Screen recording capability Tie
Screen Vision ✓ AI sees and understands ❌ Not in AI mode User Intuition
Central Insights Hub ✓ Unique — Searchable forever Per-project silos User Intuition
Time Series Studies ✓ Unique — Track without fatigue ❌ Not supported User Intuition
Multilingual Support 50+ languages Limited in AI mode User Intuition
Prototype Testing Through conversation ✓ Core capability Maze
THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze’s “AI Moderator” can only ask open-ended questions and cannot test stimuli. User Intuition’s AI handles everything a human can.
The Fundamental Difference: UX Testing vs Customer Understanding
AI Capability Full AI moderation Limited to Q&A only User Intuition
Stimuli Testing in AI ✓ Images, prototypes, videos ❌ Cannot test anything User Intuition
Primary Method Natural conversations Task-based usability Depends on need
Dynamic Probing 5–7 levels deep Basic follow-ups User Intuition
AI Availability All plans Business/Org plans only User Intuition
Panel Dependency YOUR customers 5M+ panel participants User Intuition
Real AI? ✓ Yes — full capabilities Partial — very limited User Intuition
THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze’s AI can’t even show a prototype during interviews. User Intuition’s AI can — plus it probes deeply to uncover the “why.”
Research Outcomes: Tasks vs Conversations
Participant Satisfaction 98% (n>1,000) — Published Not disclosed User Intuition
Conversation Quality Natural AI dialogue Limited Q&A only User Intuition
Laddering Depth 5–7 levels systematic Surface level only User Intuition
Participant Drop-off Low (single session) High (documented issue) User Intuition
Prototype Crashes N/A — conversation based Frequent (especially mobile) User Intuition
Knowledge Retention Searchable hub forever Per-study silos User Intuition
Real-time Analysis AI-powered insights Manual review required User Intuition
THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze users report prototype crashes and drop-offs. User Intuition users report 98% satisfaction and deep understanding.
Recruitment & Support: Panel Problems vs Your Customers
Focus YOUR actual customers 5M+ panel participants User Intuition
Participant Quality Real product users “Rush through” complaints User Intuition
Geographic Reach Global capability 150 countries Comparable
Language Coverage 50+ languages Limited in AI mode User Intuition
Support Availability Modern support model Business hours primary User Intuition
Weekend Research Full capability Limited availability User Intuition
THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze reviewers cite rushed panel behavior. User Intuition engages YOUR customers in thoughtful conversation.
Methodology & Analysis: Usability Metrics vs Strategic Intelligence
Methodology Foundation McKinsey Fortune 500 Usability testing focus User Intuition
Setup Process AI-assisted (<5 min) Template selection User Intuition
Dynamic Adaptation AI adjusts in real-time Fixed task flows User Intuition
Analysis Approach AI-powered synthesis AI summaries (limited) User Intuition
Learning Capability Improves over time Static templates User Intuition
Insight Depth 5–7 strategic levels Task completion metrics User Intuition
THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze measures if users can complete tasks. User Intuition uncovers why they make choices.
Speed & Scale: The Setup Complexity Problem
Setup Time <5 minutes with AI Complex maze building User Intuition
Learning Curve Minimal “Steep” per reviews User Intuition
Concurrent Sessions Unlimited AI Limited by plan User Intuition
Time to Launch Immediate 24/7 Setup and QA required User Intuition
Template Dependency AI generates guides 55 templates only User Intuition
Integration Required None — standalone Figma/Sketch required User Intuition
THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze needs design tool integration and complex setup. User Intuition starts conversations in minutes.
Pricing & Value: Tier Confusion vs Transparent Simplicity
Platform Cost Starting at $1,000 $99/mo to $15K+/year Depends on need
AI Access All plans Business/Org only ($15K+) User Intuition
Feature Access Everything included Features locked by tier User Intuition
Free Plan Limits N/A Very restricted User Intuition
Panel Costs Your customers (free/low) Panel fees add up User Intuition
True AI Cost Starting at $1,000 $15,000+ minimum User Intuition
THE BOTTOM LINE: Maze’s AI Moderator requires the $15K+ plan. User Intuition starts at $1,000 — a 15× difference.

Key Differentiators: Why User Intuition Wins

Differentiator Maze User Intuition Impact
AI Completeness Q&A only, no stimuli Full capabilities Partial vs complete
AI Plan Access $15K+ only Starting at $1,000 15× price difference
Customer Focus Panel participants YOUR customers Generic vs specific
Prototype Reliability Frequent crashes N/A — conversation based Frustration vs flow
Depth Achieved Surface usability 5–7 levels of why Tasks vs understanding
98% Satisfaction Not disclosed Published metric Hidden vs proven

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose Maze If:

  • Prototype usability testing is primary need
  • $15,000+ budget for AI features
  • Panel participants acceptable
  • Task completion metrics sufficient
  • Design tool integration available
  • Surface-level feedback enough
  • Complex setup acceptable

Choose User Intuition If:

  • Deep customer understanding needed
  • Budget conscious (15x savings)
  • AI conversations with stimuli required
  • YOUR actual customers matter
  • 5-7 levels of "why" needed
  • 98% satisfaction indicates quality
  • Simple, fast setup appeals

The Verdict: Limited Testing vs Complete Intelligence

Maze is a prototype testing platform that added a limited "AI Moderator" in 2024 that can only ask questions (no stimuli), hidden behind a $15,000 paywall—a UX tool pretending to do AI research.

User Intuition is purpose-built AI research delivering complete conversational capabilities including stimuli testing, deep laddering, and full interaction—everything you need to understand customers, not just watch them click.

If you want to test prototypes with panel participants and have $15,000 for basic AI Q&A without the ability to show anything, Maze provides traditional usability testing with AI lipstick.

If you want AI conducting complete conversations with YOUR actual customers, testing everything from concepts to prototypes while laddering 5-7 levels deep—User Intuition provides real AI research.

Your Next Step

Ask yourself:

  • Do I need AI that can only ask questions or actually test things?
  • Is $15,000 for limited AI or $1,000 for full AI the better value?
  • Do I want panel participants rushing through or MY customers engaged?
  • Do I need task metrics or customer understanding?

Start with User Intuition: Real AI, real capabilities, real insights from real customers.

The difference between Maze's AI and User Intuition's AI is the difference between a chatbot and a researcher. One asks questions. The other conducts research.