Data Futures
Parsons, School of Art, Media, and Technology (AMT) · Spring 2019
Co-taught by Chris Woebken and Daniel Goddemeyer
Interviews, fictional scenarios and embodied prototypes examine the social consequences of everyday AI and the designer’s responsibility in shaping them.
Course outline
Course inquiry
The course examines the designer’s responsibilities when working with data, machine learning and AI. Students combine theoretical research, interviews, scenario building and embodied prototypes to explore the social implications of everyday AI.
Course sequence
- Interview people about their perceptions and associations with data and AI.
- Investigate the capabilities and implications of data-driven technologies.
- Generate ideas through designed situations and experimental prototypes.
- Develop and refine a final project proposal around a social or cultural question.
- Produce prototypes, visual assets and documentation that communicate the design inquiry.
- Publish the project and document the discussions and reactions it generates.
Final work
A project title and 300-word description, three photographs or animations proposing relationships to AI in everyday life, and artifacts documenting public reactions.
Interviews, fictional scenarios and embodied prototypes examine the social consequences of everyday AI and the designer’s responsibility in shaping them.
PSAM 5600 · Chris Woebken — Co-instructor · elective · graduate · Daniel Goddemeyer — Co-instructor · Course syllabus