People of AI Building human-centered AI products with Ovetta Sampson
Jan 17, 2025
Ovetta Sampson, Director of UX for AI compute enablement at Google, has a rich background in journalism that informs her approach to AI. She discusses the critical role of human-centered design in developing accessible AI products. Ovetta emphasizes the ethical implications of AI, advocating for responsible technology that prioritizes human needs. She shares insights on integrating creativity with technology and the necessity of fostering AI literacy in society, particularly among younger generations, to harness technology for the greater good.
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Early Influences
- Ovetta Sampson's interest in technology began at age nine when her dad, studying COBOL and FORTRAN, bought her a Commodore 64.
- This sparked her fascination with programming, alongside her passion for writing, nurtured by her fourth-grade teacher.
College Experience
- In college, Sampson honed her journalism and design skills, becoming the editor of her school newspaper.
- She also designed with Quark and Unisys, gaining early exposure to design programs.
Web Pioneer
- Sampson's first real coding experience was in 1994, translating newspaper content to web pages at the St. Joseph News-Press.
- This was a rare opportunity to work on the web during its nascent stage.