Summary
What we design is changing; therefore, how we design is also changing. Design innovation is being affected by emerging AI technologies. In this talk, I will set the context for the role of design in creating purposeful and pragmatic technology, both historically and today. I will talk about some of the problems with AI innovation and I will show some examples from our research showing the impact of design in creating, developing, and deploying AI systems, with the goal of creating better social systems, better economic relations, and a better world in which to live.
Key Insights
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AI and data are dramatically changing design processes and expectations.
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Designers must adapt to AI as a material, similar to traditional design mediums.
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The hospitality industry faces job displacement due to automation, affecting vulnerable workers.
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Many AI products fail due to poor data, lack of user desirability, or ethical issues.
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Innovation in AI requires prioritizing design early in the development process to align with user needs.
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Product and service design are increasingly blending into hybrid forms.
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Datafication opens new opportunities for innovative products and services.
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Designers should consider the multi-stakeholder impacts of their creations.
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Increased focus on privacy and ethical implications is essential in AI product development.
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Practical frameworks are needed to guide designers in leveraging AI effectively.
Notable Quotes
"Design is changing in the face of technology and AI."
"AI is poised to have a similar impact as electricity did historically."
"Data has been described as the new oil, enabling new economies."
"We must think about AI responsibly or it will burn us in ways we cannot control."
"The innovation gap in AI is significant, with 80% of products failing before market release."
"User-centered design must adapt when working with AI, often starting with data sets instead of users."
"We cannot automate social and emotional labor without losing something crucial."
"Successful design innovations often come from areas where moderate AI performance creates value."
"The impact of automation on worker wellbeing is complex, particularly in service sectors like hospitality."
"We need to empower workers and involve them in the design process to create better outcomes."
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