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Summary
In an environment of UX staff reductions, a focus on tangible design skills and tool expertise, quarterly profits, and angst over what AI means for the future of everyone’s jobs, what place does “theory” have? As designers and researchers we engage in theory every day by hypothesizing: “If we design it like this, then we will have outcome X.” The bigger the problem you’re trying to solve, the more important it becomes to have a theoretical framework about why you’re doing what you’re doing. The breathless parade of AI releases present the biggest challenges (and potential opportunities) in many years. As designers we should have a posture on how to shape how AI is used and its impacts. Much as the mid-century modernists developed coherent frameworks for understanding the relationship between form, function, and human needs, using novel technologies coming out of World War II, we must now articulate theories that help us make sense of this new landscape where intelligence itself has become a design material. Join UX researcher/strategist Adam Richardson and UX design leader Uday Gajendar for an exploration of how we might develop the theoretical foundations designers need to thoughtfully shape AI interactions.
Key Insights
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Design is not just about aesthetics; it's rooted in cultural and historical contexts.
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AI hype poses challenges but also opportunities for rethinking design philosophy.
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Historical design movements offer valuable lessons for addressing contemporary challenges in technology.
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Empathy and human values must be prioritized in design amidst the surge of AI technologies.
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The role of designers is evolving; they must embrace both craft and theory to make meaningful impacts.
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Wicked problems in design require innovative thinking and collective action.
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Participatory design and co-design involve users in the design process, enriching outcomes.
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Theoretical frameworks can counteract the obsession with efficiency that stifles creativity.
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The authenticity of design is derived from the human touch; flaws can convey depth and connection.
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Shifting focus from individual user-centered design to collective human values can prevent societal harm.
Notable Quotes
"We are theorists by nature; if we design something a certain way, we expect specific outcomes."
"The arts and crafts movement was about recapturing humanity in the mass production era."
"Mass production is here to stay, but we must strive to make it more humanistic."
"Modernism sought to create a new society infused with more humanity after the horrors of war."
"Design thinking as a liberal art is a powerful lens for addressing wicked problems."
"Our theoretical ideals must resonate beyond the individual and collectivity is key for movements."
"We shouldn't fetishize nostalgia; instead, we need to look forward with hope and action."
"Craft in design reflects care, attention to detail, and the presence of a maker."
"AI generates knowledge as material, presenting a new frontier for design interaction."
"A movement must not just stand against something; it must represent a collective vision for the future."
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