Exploring the Intersection of AI, Democracy, and Culture
On September 13, 2024, we played host to the inaugural Shapeshift Salon event, marking the beginning of a global initiative to address the impact of Artificial Intelligence. Spearheaded by the Institute of Design (ID) at Illinois Tech, we are so proud that RUSH was asked to be one of the global partners, with the aim to explore the profound impact of design and AI on people, practice, and the planet.
The genesis of the Auckland event can be traced back to a serendipitous connection between myself and Albert Shum. We “met” online in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global landscape. I’d read an article penned by Albert for Fast Company, which explored the evolving responsibility of design. The piece resonated, as it articulated a shift from design's traditional focus on form and function to a broader consideration of its societal impact.
This shared interest in design's ethical dimensions laid the foundation for this eventual collaboration on the Shapeshift salon event, exemplifying how professional connections can spark initiatives with far-reaching implications.
The New Zealand contingent of the global series was held at the impressive Auckland marae Te Mahurehure's Taumata o Kupe education centre, bringing together a diverse group of participants from government, business, technology, and design sectors, to focus on democracy and culture.
A Global Initiative with Local Roots
When Anijo Mathew, Dean of the Institute of Design at Illinois Tech, and Albert Shum, former Corporate Vice President of Design at Microsoft, approached me about hosting this event in New Zealand, I was definitely intrigued. They chose Aotearoa because of our reputation on the global stage for open culture and varied conversations. It was an opportunity we couldn't pass up.
The event brought together an incredible mix of people from various sectors - government, business, technology, and design. We even had attendees from as far as Chicago, Mongolia, Christchurch, and the Netherlands. This diversity of perspectives was crucial for tackling the complex challenges posed by AI.
The Heart of the Matter: AI and Democracy
As we brainstormed topics for the event, one theme stood out: the impact of AI on democracy. In a world where algorithms can push us apart and opinions become increasingly divisive, we saw an urgent need to address how AI could either strengthen or undermine our democratic processes.
We posed a challenging question to our participants: How do we design a future where AI turbocharges the democratic process? This question set the tone for a day filled with inspiring presentations, thought-provoking discussions, and collaborative problem-solving.
From Dark to Light: Exploring AI's Potential
The day kicked off with three incredible speakers who set the stage for our discussions:
1. Anijo Mathew introduced the concept of the "innovation gap" between technological advancement and societal needs, emphasizing the role of design in bridging this gap.
2. Roger Dennis, a strategic advisor, gave us a sobering look at the potential dangers of AI in creating and spreading misinformation. His live demonstrations of AI-generated content were both fascinating and concerning.
3. Albert Shum balanced the conversation by showcasing positive applications of AI in weather prediction, healthcare, and education. He emphasized that AI should enhance rather than replace human capabilities.
Designing for Democracy
The highlight of the day was the workshop session, expertly facilitated by Chelsea Pratt from ThoughtFull. Participants were divided into groups representing different citizen profiles - disabled citizens, isolated citizens from remote communities, new citizens to New Zealand, elderly citizens, and first-time voters.
The ideas that emerged were truly inspiring. From a synthetic parliamentary commissioner for disability to an AI-powered platform verifying information sources for first-time voters, the concepts showcased innovative approaches to enhancing democratic participation through AI.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the event, I'm filled with hope and excitement for the future. This salon was just the beginning of a global series that will continue in Tokyo, Pune, and New York City, culminating in a summit in Chicago in May 2025.
The insights and ideas generated here in Auckland will contribute to a worldwide dialogue on responsible AI development. We have the opportunity to shape a future where AI serves as a tool for positive transformation, enhancing human capabilities and improving lives while addressing potential risks and ethical concerns.
I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who participated and made this event a success. Together, we've taken an important step towards ensuring that AI becomes a force for good in our democracies and our world.
The journey has just begun, and I can't wait to see where it leads us.
Find out more about ID’s 2024-25 Global Shapeshift Series.
