Invisible Machines podcast by UX Magazine

Sarah Gibbons, VP of NN/g, discusses anthropomorphism and generative AI. Kate Moran, VP of Research and Content, delves into interaction design and digital content. The podcast explores the role of AI in UX, convergence of tools, user control in AI and self-driving tech, emotional attachments to computers, employee-customer-shareholder alignment, self-driving cars, design education reform, the impact of company culture, AI in user research, and the transition to new UIs.

As the co-founder of Kayak and GetHuman, Paul English has deep insight into the ways technology can bring people closer to what they're actually looking for. Robb and Josh welcome Paul for an exploration of the ways that conversational AI can become the thin UI layer that obscures all of the messy technology cluttering our lives. Having recently co-founded the Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute at UMass Boston, Paul brings his thinking on how generative AI fits into our technology tapestry to a practical conversation about our changing relationship with machines.

Richard Saul Wurman, creator of TED, discusses the LATCH system for organizing information. The conversation delves into generating mental clarity, societal attitudes towards bodily functions, the significance of first names, effective communication, organizing information, the role of AI in mapping, and idea ownership.

Exploring the complexities of human vs. computer-generated speech, the balance of AI in human conversations, challenges in communication precision, anthropomorphism, naming in design, ethical concerns around AI training, collective decision-making with bots, and designing effective conversations with a focus on cadence, pace, and conversational leadership.

Cathy Pearl, UX Lead on Google Bard and author of Designing Voice User Interfaces, joins hosts Robb and Josh to explore the changing nature of voice interfaces and conversational design. They discuss the evolution of conversational AI, reframing challenging situations, user abuse towards voice assistants, flexibility and context in design, diverse uses of AI systems, and the concept of co-creation.

AI researcher, author, and VP and Fellow at Google Research, Blaise Agüera y Arcas has contributed to research papers cited more than 20,000 times, including a seminal LaMDA paper from 2022. His new book, Who Are We Now?, explores how biology, ecology, sexuality, history, and culture have intertwined to create a dynamic “us” that's neither natural nor artificial. Blaise joins Robb and Josh for a philosophical exploration of identity, collective intelligence, and the ways AI might put us back into balance with nature. A frequent TED speaker and winner of MIT’s TR35 Prize, Blaise brings the perspective of a deeply forward-thinking researcher to our ongoing conversation about AI.

Despite the complexity and sensitivity innate to financial institutions, Morgan Stanley was able to partner with Open AI to create AI @ Morgan Stanley Assistant. Chief Analytics and Data Officer Jeff McMillan describes it as the most advanced personal assistant in the financial sector and he joins Robb and Josh to talk about the design process, which involved working closely with Sam Altman and the team at OpenAI. Jeff's experiences creating a sophisticated automated solution in a heavily regulated industry offer strategy and inspiration to other organizations hoping to make similar transformations.

Discussing systemic change with Sheryl Cababa, they explore educational challenges, algorithms in systems, technology's role in healthcare and education inequities, AI decision-making in systemic issues, and the importance of systems design in technology and design thinking.

In a moment when unprecedented amounts of money are flowing toward projects involving AI, Robb and Josh welcome Jake Saper for a lively exploration of the VC mindset. Since 2003, Emergence Capital has invested in companies collectively worth $450B+, including Salesforce, Box, Yammer, and Zoom. As a General Partner, Jake has embraced the transformative power of generative AI. This conversation explores many different ways these technologies are impacting investor thinking as software becomes cheaper and easier to create.

Brad Stulberg, bestselling author, discusses the impact of AI on individuals, organizations, and society. Topics include rugged flexibility mindset, adaptability in the face of new technologies, work as a source of meaning, core values in navigating change, and the impact of social media on human connectivity.