Research and article done in collaboration with Isabella Kuo Why do we yell at our computer when it struggles to work? Why do some cars look like they’re smiling? Why does your guitar seem free-spirited? This is because of our innate human tendency for anthropomorphism: the ascription of humanlike characteristics, intentions or emotions in nonhuman […]
Zeke ran the squeegee methodically across the porthole, stealing glances at the watery ruins of South street as he wiped away the soapy film. From his perspective inside of the Old Slip Plaza, he could see schools of fish winding their ways around old recycling bins and past street signs reading “One Way”. The room […]
To think, or not to think, that is the question. Technological advancements have nearly always come with the promise of making our lives easier, taking a burden off our shoulders, and freeing up more time and mindshare for us to use as we see fit. As the current wave of automation technologies (AI, robotics, IoT, […]
In the mid-90s, there was research going on at Stanford that would change the way we think about computers. The Media Equation experiments were simple but profound; participants were asked to interact with a computer that acted socially for a few minutes after which, they were asked to give feedback on the computer in one […]
It’s the day Doug hates; his yearly tune up. It’s not painful or anything, it’s the med-shop. It’s such an awkward, rough environment that reminds him of the accident and what he lost. Granted through the miracle of this modern technology, Doug was able to walk again after being a double-amputee, but after the novelty […]
On January 19, 2023, we launched Artificial Futures. The evening was the culmination of months of planning and years of experience. An amazing crew of humans was on hand to support the launch and during the evening, founder Shane Saunderson gave a presentation about the company’s vision, mission, and offerings. If you want to know […]
The history of User Experience (UX) is a reactive one. Long before the term was coined, let alone developed into a robust set of tools and frameworks, people were fighting back against the cold, dehumanizing doctrines of Taylorism and Ford’s assembly line. These methods treated people like cogs in a machine. Yet due to their […]
As a researcher in Human-Robot Interaction, a lecturer in digital transformation, and a historian of all things automated, I am constantly surprised by the consistent failure of organizations deploying automation. I speak broadly here of automation: technologies that execute multi-step processes with minimal human intervention. More colloquially, I’m talking about robots, AI, IoT, chatbots, computerization, […]
Today I want to write a bit about the two sides of the artificial intelligence debate. The bulk of this piece – save some fun thoughts at the end – is going to be nothing new to those in the know, but there’s a lot of important prerequisite here that, since most of you aren’t […]
Artificial Futures
Artificial Futures