Concurrents: Navigating Human Authenticity in the Digital Age
The word “conference” can bring a range of emotions – some are excited to network, while others feel dread from tedious presentations, and still others have hope for new perspectives. Last weekend, IIDA South Florida held a personal and professional development conference in Miami called “New Year, New You.” The theme, “human excellence in a digital age,” focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and the disruption of the ordinary.
Keynote speakers, Alex Schwartz and Nate Thompson of The Disrupted Workforce gave an incredible overview of AI’s impact on our world and design industry, specific tools, and ways generative AI can be used as an assistant, strategist, or creator. It was a compelling case for being continual learners and adapters, while weaving in the importance of our personal stories and the need for human connection and compassion. There were many panelists including designers, students, engineers and community activists who discussed their hopes and fears over AI’s impact on our work and industry.
As far as conferences go, it was a great balance of new ideas, growth through discomfort, and impactful small group discussion. My two significant takeaways from the weekend include:
- There is no replacement for human connection.
A theme that recurred in all the speeches and breakout sessions was that the beauty of humanity lies in our imperfection. Our human quirks, weirdness and creativity makes us special. We often strive for perfection (however unattainable), but being imperfectly human is the beauty in our equation that AI cannot take away.
For me, the most impactful part of the day (after having our minds blown by robots and speed of information) was when we were asked to picture the face of the person who has most significantly impacted our lives. In small group breakout sessions, we shared and listened to personal stories about loved ones, teachers, and significant others who have left a mark on each of our stories.
Can a robot give you a warm hug and look you in the eye? Technically yes, but, it’s the connection of knowing someone through time and trials that makes the hug and smile so special. It’s the living, breathing, feeling, empathizing person who shares your likeness and emotion that is irreplaceable to work and personal relationships. Human connection is powerful.
- Those who utilize AI will be the winners in our industry.
One of the big fears about AI is about how it will change our lives. People don’t like change, but it’s inevitable. How will AI affect our jobs, the future of work and the future of our profession? There are many valid questions and fears. Wherever you are on the AI journey, I valued this question from The Disrupted Workforce: Is disruption making us better; and is it possible that disruption is a gift?
According to consulting firm Accenture, AI could boost work productivity by up to 40% by 2035. Perhaps by ridding our work of the most monotonous and dreaded tasks, AI will make us faster and more proficient so we can focus on the important details, human interactions, and activities we enjoy. Those unique moments of connection and the imperfectly human quirks may be the newfound differentiator to win the job or design the most impact.
There is still a long way to go for AI to become the perfect assistant that we all need, but there is value in learning, adapting, and using technology as a teammate. The Disrupted Workforce gave a growth challenge valuable to all: utilize generative AI for 10 minutes every day for the next 30 days. Whether ChatGPT or a myriad of other platforms, experiment with how it may create efficiencies for you as an assistant, strategist, or creator. You plus AI is powerful.
It was clear from this conference that we need to embrace technology with curious minds and eager keyboards, while recognizing that genuine connection and human imperfection create an irreplaceable touch. Cheryl Durst, IIDA’s executive vice president and CEO, stressed the importance of preserving our human “authentic intelligence” as we design for human activity. With both authentic and artificial intelligence in our grasp, let’s embrace the challenge. As Cheryl put it: “Design requires all of our heart, soul and brain.” Heart and soul are where humans excel, and perhaps the additional brain power from this disruption will prove to be a gift.
Maria VanDeman, NCIDQ, IIDA, is an accomplished workplace advisor at OFS, interior designer, published children’s book author and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. With a passion for helping people and designing for human needs, Maria strives to make a positive impact on the world through her work and mentorship. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mariavandeman
