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
