Reflection in Action with Jodi Forlizzi

Jodi Forlizzi has taken an unusual path to get where she is today. With an art degree from the University of Arts in Philadelphia, she began working as a technical illustrator at the University of Pennsylvania. Transitioning into UX design as the internet expanded, she pursued a Master's in Interaction Design at Carnegie Mellon University where she is now a professor. Jodi's work focuses on responsible AI and diversity in computer science. Her talk at the upcoming Designing with AI 2024 conference will explore the evolving role of AI in design processes and products. Jodi distinguishes between "designing with AI" and "designing AI," arguing the importance of designers' involvement in the entire product development lifecycle. She highlights the challenges of AI innovation, such as data availability, value generation, customer adoption, and ethical considerations and emphasizes that designers have a place in all realms of AI development. Jodi's interview offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of AI-driven design and the pivotal role of designers in shaping its future. With a blend of historical context, personal anecdotes, and insights, she inspires designers of all stripes to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by AI innovation. What You'll Learn from this Episode: How Jodi went from a Master of Fine Arts degree to working on responsible AI at Carnegie Mellon Why designers are needed in all phases of AI development How careers morph as technologies develop and become obsolete Lessons from history and the “friendly vending machine” Why solving for “Drunk Island” problems is usually more helpful than chasing a loftier issue Quick Reference Guide 0:25 - Introducing Jodi 2:59 - On boundaries around innovating with AI 6:40 – 4 reasons AI models fail 8:07 – The role of designers and the challenge of starting the design process from the middle of the double diamond 11:49 - The role of bridge builders 14:48 - The morphing of careers due to the emergence and prevalence of AI 17:19 - Commercial break - Managing Priorities: How to Create Better Plans and Make Smarter Decisions by Harry Max 18:26 - AI as a design material 21:08 - Constraints and structure on AI as a design material 24:39 - Jodi’s gift for the audience Resources and Links from Today's Episode: Managing Priorities: How to Create Better Plans and Make Smarter Decisions by Harry Max https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/managing-priorities/ Designing with AI 2024, June 4-5 https://rosenfeldmedia.com/events/futures/ Friendly vending machines Quotes: “When you think about innovation, you think about the development of the technology, which is typically done by technologists. But the innovation is where designers take it and make it into a viable desirable product.” “Reflection in action is like the jazz player improvising and making new music, or the potter working with clay. And reflection on action is when we step back and critique what we've done and figure out what steps work.” “There's a lots of opportunity for simple, robust AI to improve things that we need.”