Design a way for a person to pass as a ‘generative AI’ in an everyday setting
Company
R/GA
Timeline
2 Months
Context
We collaborated with R/GA to “devise a way for humans to pass as a generative AI”. Throughout this project, we employed various research methods, including directed storytelling, body-storming, and artefact analysis, to gain insights into how humans perceive artificial intelligence.
My Role
I was involved throughout the end-to-end design process; from research to final design. I had the opportunity to conduct research; comprising of both traditional and non-traditional methods, that were crucial for making design decisions.
Understanding
Breaking down the brief
Breaking down the brief, revealed our very first task: what is ‘generative AI’? as we had little to no knowledge about it. Consequently, in that very moment the brief seemed very difficult to grasp: what does it mean to be a human? are there any metaphors that come into play? how can something - an intangible concept become tangible?
Breaking dwon of brief in parts to focus on keywords, key points and sentences that could lead the research
Desk Research
So, What is AI? How does it Work?
The secondary research focused on gathering information about AI, how it works and what it means to be a human. It helped us form an understanding about of the technological side of the project.
Analysis
Questions, Questions and more Questions
The research led us into having more questions than statements. The group conversations revolved around, does AI really need to be programmed with social skills. If yes, what would it feel like in terms of sound and feelings - their personality? If AI is generating new work from our existing work, what standards should we be holding ourselves to?
Affinity mapping of insights gained through desk research; the stickies were divided into sub themes that were realised through the research
Problem: How can we make humans pass as generative AI?
Task
Understand Humans, talk to them; what does AI mean to them?
Our research phase included various methods such as directed storytelling, a form on interviews that involves questions that lead to users telling a story/lived experience; in-person surveys, online surveys; and workshops to set out the ideas
A respondent mentioned the spontaneous nature of human responses, emphasising their motivations and desires. Edward Slinerland further highlights this distinction by describing artificial general intelligence (AGI) computers as "directionless intelligences" without inherent desires or motivations (Browning, 2023).
What makes us human? Is it our ability to express emotions? Be spontaneous?
The Saige movie takes over how AI functions and how manipulative it can be if humans interfere with this technology. But don't we already? The film aims to question the blurred lines between what it means to be human and how humane in nature AI technology now is.
Technology is now an essential part of our lives as we know it: It's used for every little thing we know or do. Do humans share the same abilities as AI? I believe we do - it is designed, run by us, and does things we know. So the question is, what standards are we now holding for ourselves with the take of AI into our lives? Watch the movie to learn how
we feel about it
Behind the Scenes
This was such a big learning moment for me: to work with equipment I
never thought I would have a chance to work with. The team and I worked diligently towards the movie, from storyboarding to writing the script, shooting in a studio, and taking 100s shots! A true experience
Learnings
I believe this project had no single solution. There were times when I questioned the project's ethics, but in the end, I think it was more about evoking a sense of security and pondering over what it means to be human in this modern and technological age.​
​
Skill Sharing is essential in design projects.​
​
The team comprised a diverse set of individuals, each from different backgrounds and skills; we had a lighting designer, sound editor, animator, and spatial designer among us. This project was an extensive teaching/learning opportunity for everyone involved, and I believe it is essential to keep learning while on a project; it is so fulfilling!