Exploring and reimagining a world through Design Research where emerging tech encourages people to prosper socially, culturally, economically, environmentally and locally.
In this 2-hour interactive workshop, we will reimagine a world through Design Research where AI aligns with our most coveted values and encourages people to prosper socially, culturally, economically, environmentally and locally. In groups, participants will REBOOT how AI is currently being applied in our lives to respect what we find important. We will then collectively brainstorm how to REIMAGINE a new reality, defining who, what, why and how to reach this vision – returning a sense of agency to our futures with AI.
This session is an extension of the REBOOT IoT: Regain Trust / Refresh Hope publication by the OpenDOTT Consortium. This book is about trust and hope in relation to technology. It brings together local stories of tech tinkering, imagination and agency, and offers a springboard for innovators and policy makers to listen and act, to reimagine a world where IoT encourages people to prosper. A limited number of publications will be available at the session.
Host
Geke van Dijk
Geke (Pronounced “Hey-kuh”) is STBY’s jetpack. As STBY’s Strategy Director, she is well versed in steering research projects on challenging topics and leading us to explore fresh contexts with new clients. She is a pioneer in Service Design since she published her PhD on co-producing service experiences in 2007. Geke loves setting the right circumstances for highly collaborative teamwork with colleagues, clients and international partners, while also making sure to maintain a shared focus on meaningful change.
Geke clicks to focus on the big social and ecological issues of our time, and tries to make a difference by contributing to systemic change processes that are ultimately the focus of our projects at STBY. As a pioneer and seasoned design researcher, Geke is keen to help others flourish through mentoring and coaching. Developing toolkits and playbooks is also a way she likes to combine her pioneering spirit and passion for capacity building and knowledge sharing.
When she is not driving the team forward, you can find Geke surging ahead in the swimming pool. If she wasn’t a design researcher, Geke would be a Gardener or a Ninja.
Katy Barnard
Katy is passionate about understanding humans and working to create a more sustainable, ethical and empathetic world. They do this by creating safe spaces for open conversation and exploration. They love design research because of its powerful and unique ability to help people reach new perspectives. Katy particularly enjoys employing creative research methods with tangible elements because it incorporates their excitement for arts and crafts in the quest for the “why”.
Katy began their career as a photographer which lead them into the visual and interaction design world and then to design research, as they sought for deeper meaning in their work. During their Master’s in Digital Design at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Katy focused their studies on design ethics and design research. The theme that has stayed true throughout their diverse career endeavours is that they remained dedicated to doing work that connects people, creates meaning and values well-being. Katy approaches every project with generous curiosity, an open mind and space for spontaneity.
Katy sees the world through a lens of optimism for change and believes that every effort, big or small, can make a difference. You can often find them getting into conversations about technology’s effect on mental health, frustration about single-use plastics, ideas on slow living or different kinds of soup recipes. If they weren’t a design researcher they’d be a musician playing acoustic folk music on small, intimate stages around the world.
Bas Raijmakers
Bas is our tall pillar of wisdom. He is a pioneer in the more visual approaches to Design Research, having published his PhD on Design Documentaries. As STBY’s Creative Director, Bas always seeks to create compelling, highly visual narratives to support empathic understandings and conversations. He thrives in networks, and finds energy in making and fostering connections with people across the globe. As such, Bas is a lead player in the Reach Network and enjoys bringing researchers from around the world together to teach, learn and laugh.
Bas continues to push the boundaries of the field by developing more-than-human design and research. He cares deeply for the planet and its natural ecosystems, and feels that Design Researchers can play an impactful role in creating systemic change toward more sustainable ways of living.
When he is not day-dreaming at the studio, you can find him at an obscure film festival or doing Tai Chi. If he was not a Design Researcher, he would be an Architect or a Mage.