Computer scientist Molly Mielke joins Mark and Adam to discuss co-creation between humans and computers. They explore product design as a fusion of creativity and analytics and the conflict between consumer preferences and the vision of computing. They also touch upon emerging social norms in collaborative software and the revival of skeuomorphism.
The lack of interoperability and standardization between digital tools restricts creative work to specific platforms, hindering collaboration and creativity.
Digital creative tools have the potential to act as co-creators, augmenting human creativity and collaboration.
To foster optimal human innovation, digital creative tools should prioritize interoperability, adaptability, efficiency, abstraction, and community-driven features.
Deep dives
Lack of interoperability hinders creativity and collaboration
The lack of interoperability and standardization between digital tools restricts creative work to specific platforms, hindering collaboration and creativity. This confinement within individual tools goes against the collaborative aspects of creativity.
The role of digital creative tools as co-creators
Digital creative tools have the potential to act as co-creators, augmenting human creativity and collaboration. By viewing computers as partners, tools can provide support and help amplify human action and thought. This approach fosters a more harmonious and empowering relationship between humans and computers.
Optimizing digital creative tools for human innovation
To foster optimal human innovation, digital creative tools should prioritize interoperability, allowing for seamless communication between different tools. These tools should also be moldable, providing customizable features that adapt to different phases and complexities of the creative process. Additionally, efficiency and abstraction should be emphasized to accommodate various levels of complexity at different stages. Lastly, community-driven features can inspire and support creators in their creative journey.
The Importance of Vibes in Creative Software
The episode discusses the emerging importance of vibes in creative software. With advancements in technology and increased competition, creative tools can now focus on creating a more playful and respectful user experience. The personality and attitude of the software, reflected in its visuals and interactions, can differentiate it in the crowded landscape of creative tools and attract users who identify with its vibe.
The Need for Interoperability in Digital Tools
The podcast highlights the lack of interoperability and standardization between digital tools as a barrier to creativity and collaboration. Currently, work created in a tool remains confined to that specific tool, limiting the potential for collaboration and growth. The episode emphasizes the importance of tools that can communicate and work together, allowing for projects to transcend the limitations of any single tool. However, achieving interoperability faces challenges due to conflicting business models and the need for companies to collaborate and agree upon standards.
Great tools can enable co-creation between humans and computers. Molly Mielke joins Mark and Adam to talk about her thesis on the subject. They discuss product design as a fusion of creative and analytical; how consumer preferences may conflict with the Engelbart/Kay vision of computing; the emerging social norms of collaborative software; and why we should bring back skeuomorphism.
