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Summary
Interaction designer and educator, Erin Malone, takes a look back to the days of the emergent graphical user interface in her new book In Through the Side Door, Fifty Years of Women in Interaction Design. While discussing the new personal computer and some of the women involved in defining these new experiences, she recalls the disruption this new tool made to the world of graphic design and publishing with tools like the Macintosh, Adobe Photoshop, Quark Express and Adobe Illustrator. It was a time of existential change to an industry. Not unlike what we are experiencing today with the emergence of AI in all our tools. What lessons might be learned from the past as we look to the future? How might we future-proof ourselves in this new world? Join a lively discussion reflecting on the past to shape our future.
Key Insights
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Design and technology are at a turning point; AI may revolutionize the field as desktop publishing did in the past.
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AI is perceived as both a threat and an opportunity for UX professionals.
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The historical context of women's roles in design reveals significant progress yet persistent challenges.
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Understanding user needs and creative insights are irreplaceable skills in design, even with advancing technology.
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Preparing students for a rapidly evolving job landscape requires adapting educational curriculum towards emerging technologies.
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AI can automate certain design tasks but cannot create the innovative ideas that human designers generate.
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Past shifts in design offer valuable lessons on responding to technological advances.
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Research in design still requires deep human insight despite advancements in AI capabilities.
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The importance of inclusive practices in AI development to avoid bias and ensure equitable tools.
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Rebranding and repositioning the role of designers is crucial as tasks evolve with AI. It's essential to articulate the unique value that humans bring.
Notable Quotes
"We can all do it; creation is messy and art isn't perfect"
"AI is an existential threat, but it's also an opportunity"
"If we think about making versus planning, the making is at risk"
"Each designer's story needs to be repackaged and re-promoted in this new landscape"
"Desktop publishing democratized access to design but also displaced many jobs"
"In the '80s, many roles and lines of work were decimated in design as technology evolved"
"What do we need to do to position ourselves correctly for the future?"
"Research teams getting let go is very shortsighted; it disregards the human insight needed in design"
"Tech is changing rapidly, and we need to keep up with what that looks like for our students"
"The stories of the women in design history reflect our current struggles and future paths."
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