Conference Agenda

Service Design, like many other realms, is undergoing a transformative shift with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), evolving from a disruptive force to a pivotal companion in fostering innovation and efficiency. However, the lack of tailored guidelines for structuring these interactions presents challenges, especially for those with limited AI expertise. The proposed model leverages specific versions of ChatGPT-4, known as GPTs, to create custom AIs that seamlessly integrate into various contexts, simplifying AI development by eliminating the need for in-depth coding knowledge. This paper outlines a three-stage introductory tutorial for developing an AI Service Design Teammate: i) Human-AI Teaming (HAIT) as the foundation, ii) a model proposal guideline, and iii) strategies to enhance adoption.

"Dehumanization or Last of the Mohicans Revisited" presents a thought-provoking exploration of the intricate relationship between evolution, design, and AI technology by putting the human kind at the very center. Starting with an inspiration from Douglas Adams's set of rules regarding people’s reactions to technology and envisioning Charles Darwin the text contemplates whether evolutionary principles similar to natural selection would emerge for artificial nature of AI Technologies with respect to design(ing). The text emphasizes the exponential growth of the artificial designed world, surpassing the quantity of living organisms, and navigates through evolutionary principles from Malthus and Darwin. The text proposes an evolutionary approach rooted not only in Darwinian principles but also in quantum physics, highlighting the dynamic movement encompassing the entire universe. Addressing the societal impact of evolving technologies, especially in information and communication technologies (ICT) and AI, the narrative predicts a future where conscious choices in science, technology, and design become paramount. The integration of human nerves with artificial computer systems and the increasing interdependence between individuals and technology are contemplated, raising questions about the potential impact on everyday life.

Rooted in Herbert Simon’s design definition of “courses of action aimed at changing existing situations into preferred ones.” (Herbert Simon, 1969) and expanding on the implications of evolution, the text introduces the concept of intentionality and preferences, emphasizing humanity's transformative role in shaping the future through design. It underscores the significance of human abstraction and design ability as powerful forces deviating cultural patterns from natural standards. Furthermore, the text explores the evolving nature of technology, reflecting on the rapid obsolescence of designs and scientific knowledge. It also draws attention to the intergenerational gap in technology adoption by comparing evolutionary inorganic and biological examples with very recent developments in AI and VR Technologies putting the human kind at the very center as an operator where design preferences are the major drives and motives.

The text prompts consideration of the impact of these design preferences and technological advancements on anonymous well-being with qualitative and quantitative data of positive and negative implications. The integration of natural human capabilities with artificial systems is also going to be discussed, hinting at a potential alteration in the nature of human existence and interactions. The text points to the transformative effects of interactive AI technologies projecting a future where these technologies form complex and advanced "organisms" with systemic operations and processes, signaling a convergence between humans and AI, by referring to the anonymous characteristics of AI. In the context of evolving AI technologies, the text encourages reflection on the dependency of products and services on complex technological systems. From smart appliances that prompt user actions to cars equipped with network technology enforcing traffic rules, the interconnection of individual components within a broader technological network is presented as a multifaceted concern. In short, "Dehumanization or Last of the Mohicans Revisited" urges design community to contemplate the conscious role of humanity in shaping its future through intentional design and technological preferences, while also raising awareness about the potential impact on anonymous well-being and the transformative influence of artificial intelligence networks in the evolving landscape nature of technology where humans are part of.

The foundation of design thinking is building empathy with those you are entrusted to help. Using design thinking for social impact projects provides undergraduate university students the opportunity to engage in meaningful project work that can be life-changing for both student and project partner. However, stakeholders are not always in close proximity, which can pose complications to conducting ethnographic research to build empathy with stakeholders and to ultimately develop meaningful solutions. This study engaged students at an American university in a semester-long project collaborating with a vocational school in rural Northern Uganda, a least developed country, situated over 8,000 miles away. Students completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) survey to measure their perceived level of empathy before the start of the course and at the end of the course, after engaging in project work that included a mix of ethnographic methods including digital, analogue, and an in-person immersion for a small subset (14.8%) of the sample size. On average, findings demonstrate an increase in three of the four IRI empathy constructs (Fantasy, Empathic Concern, and Perspective Taking) over the course of the semester for all participants, and a more significant increase in Perspective Taking for those that completed the immersion.