▩▩▩▩▩▩▩ WEEK 3 ▩▩▩▩▩▩▩

Narrowing my Scope

Ever since the mind mapping exercise, I've found myself immersed in contemplation about ethical dilemmas. The term struck a chord with my peers, and I became deeply engrossed in exploring it further. I dedicated extensive time to searching for methods to design scenarios that incorporate ethical dilemmas and delving into past design fiction projects to understand how they effectively provoke critical reflection. This process led me into a spiral of confusion as I found myself constantly shifting between researching for my dissertation and my graduation project. Despite my attempts to remind myself that my research will inform my application, I struggled to separate the two in my mind. This constant anxiety lingered, fuelled by doubts that my research might not lead to a satisfying application. To regain clarity, I recognized the need to temporarily set aside the application aspect and realign my focus with my topic. With a clear mind, I took a step back and began reviewing the materials in my reading list.

During the reading session, I came across the term 'algorithmic curation,' which had been in my lexicon but wasn't very apparent to me until now. It dawned on me that instead of centering my search on 'hyperpersonalisation creative algorithms,' it would be more relevant to use 'algorithmic curation' as my primary search term. Previously, the former term had led my searches to yield numerous papers related to marketing, a topic I had no interest in exploring. There’s a difference between creating an ethical dilemma with a design object/narrative (which is what I’m trying to do) and ethical dilemmas caused by AI algorithms. This distinction allowed me to pinpoint the issue at the heart of my research (algorithmic curation) and prompt me to think deeper about my course of action.

Most of the materials addressing the mitigation of the negative implications of algorithmic curation were primarily from the standpoint of algorithmic designers or programmers, lacking a designer's perspective. This prompted me to ponder how I, as a designer, could contribute value to this issue. This question had crossed my mind previously and eventually led me to the idea of utilizing speculative design. Speculative design serves as a potent tool for stimulating critical reflection—a process that can lead to a deeper understanding, societal change, or even the development of informed policies. Hence, I believe that pursuing speculative design is a highly relevant course of action for me.

Further explorations w/ ASCII 1/2

Further explorations w/ ASCII 2/2

Pillars

In the first week, Andreas advised on identifying 3 pillars for our research. Speculative design and algorithmic curation were the 2 clear pillars for my topic, but I needed to find the 3rd one to bridge them.

I found myself torn between two potential research pillars: 'User Behavior and Engagement' and 'Ethical Frameworks and Guidelines.' Both pillars offered valuable opportunities to bridge the gap between my existing research focal points. However, I ultimately felt that 'User Behavior and Engagement' would be particularly beneficial during the experimental phase of my research. This decision would assist me in shaping the structure of my experiments and properly evaluating the results of my user testing.

The Problem

I need to gain insight into the ethical concerns associated with this practice, such as algorithmic bias, filter bubbles, discrimination, and the impact on user autonomy. Recognizing these issues is the first step in addressing them effectively. I would also need to understand how algorithms select, filter, and recommend content to users. Additionally, it's crucial to understand the mechanics behind how algorithms select, filter, and recommend content to users. Furthermore, considering the potential long-term effects of continued exposure to these ethical concerns will help me substantiate the importance of addressing this topic.

The Method

I have to find out how to craft narratives, scenarios, or prototypes that effectively challenge the status quo. Additionally, to develop frameworks for testing these scenarios/prototypes with users to assess their reactions and make sense of the data. Ultimately, I must determine how my experiments can create a dilemma for users and prompt critical reflection.

The Bridge

To effectively bridge this pillar with the two, I have to understand how the user behaves and what they experience within algorithmically curated environments. This entails understanding how users perceive and engage with content presented to them, as well as the role of personalisation in their content consumption habits.

The Problem

The Method

The Bridge

Critical Journal Workshop

During the workshop, Gideon provided valuable insights into practice-based research, particularly in the context of design. For designers, this research approach involves three key elements: thinking through design, documenting the creative process in writing, and engaging in reflective practices during and after the making process. These insights greatly enhanced my understanding of practice-based research, especially in relation to design.

The examples that he provided proved to be really helpful in clarifying my doubts about the critical journal approach. I came to realize that this approach primarily centers on the acquisition of knowledge and the serendipitous discoveries that often arise during the creative process. It relies more on personal experiences and on-site observations than on searching for digital resources to validate predefined hypotheses.

While I initially leaned towards the critical journal approach, especially considering its relevancy with speculative design, Gideon recommended exploring case studies as my method instead, citing the relative lack of exploration in this area of design. He proposed that conducting case studies on existing speculative design projects and evaluating their effectiveness in addressing specific issues could be more helpful to my research topic.

Upon reflection, I do agree that case studies would align better with my current research objectives. However, my goal remains the discovery of fresh insights through experimentation - which I believe warrants a critical journal approach. As a result, I intend to rephrase my project title to better reflect this nuanced approach within my research topic.

Gideon's Critical journal workshop

Encounters Exhibition

The exhibition's theme became immediately apparent to me as I walked in, given that my research has been centered around the theme of 'futures.’ From the exhibition projects, I could kind of see the concerns of designers regarding the future. 3 projects particularly stood out to me.

Craft Futures

The growing emphasis on adapting current design practices to the future, at the same time utilizing the process as a catalyst for innovation.

Design an Immersive Reality for a more inclusive world

Designers deliberately seek to address pressing societal issues through their creations. They envision solutions that not only address immediate challenges but also have the potential to transform systems and structures for the better.

Inter Connected: Bridging Nature and Technology

Collaboration with AI technology is fundamentally changing the way creatives approach their work. Instead of viewing AI as a threat to their creative autonomy, many artists, designers, and professionals in various creative fields are actively seeking ways to embrace AI as a valuable collaborator and tool in their creative process.

As I contemplate aligning my design practice with the evolving landscape of future trends, I find myself feeling uncertain. The fast-paced advancement of technology, particularly in AI, demands a proactive stance. I understand that incorporating these technologies into my design process is essential, but it's not without its ethical intricacies.

While I aim to keep my skills and knowledge up-to-date, I often question whether I'm doing enough. It's not just about adopting new tools, it's also about understanding the broader implications, both positive and negative. Sustainability and societal well-being are paramount considerations, and I sometimes wonder if I'm fully grasping their significance.

Collaboration with future technology feels both exciting and challenging. Engaging with AI and cross-disciplinary experts opens up a world of possibilities, but it also requires adaptability. I can't help but wonder if I'm prepared to navigate the future effectively. In the end, I do need to trust my current process of aligning my design practice with future technological trends and the journey of continuous reflection, learning, and adaptation.

While aesthetics and functionality will always be significant, us designers need to recognize that we have a part to play in addressing these ethical dilemmas. We need to ensure that our creations align not only with visual and functional appeal but also with ethical principles, sustainability imperatives, and the urgent needs of society in the near future.

However, this shift is not without its challenges and complexities. It raises questions about how to strike the right balance between aesthetics and ethics, how to navigate this evolving landscape of societal values, and how to ensure that our designs genuinely benefit society. Beneath all these uncertainty, I believe that designers need to keep an open mind. It's a path where we may stumble and make mistakes, but it's also one filled with the potential to make a meaningful impact on world issues.

Gideon's Critical journal workshop