A design prof researching
How can A.I. Transform Voice Language Analysis?
Master of Graphic & Experience Design (MGXD) students recently collaborated with the Laboratory of Analytic Sciences (LAS) here at NC State to explore the potential of machine learning to assist in voice language analysis tasks. As AI/ML technologies becomes more prevalent in modern workflows, new conveniences emerge even as some cognitive burdens increase. The advent…
Personalizing the Shopper’s Journey with REI Co-op
NC State Graphic & Experience Design seniors in Professor Armstrong's studio worked with REI to explore possible avenues of personalizing the shopper journey. By leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence mechanisms, businesses like REI can deliver personalized, efficient, accurate, and relevant shopping experiences to customers. Personalizing experiences have the potential to make interactions more “useful,…
Available Now: Big Data. Big Design
My new book: Big Data. Big Design: Why Designers Should Care about A.I. . Order here . What does this topic have to do with you? Designers stand at the verge of a great professional opportunity: artificial intelligence. This technology enables computers to study the world and make predictions using unstructured data. We can speak to machines—and machines can…
How Can ML Help Knowledge Workers to Efficiently Enter Their Workflow?
Master of Graphic Design (MGXD) students collaborated with the Laboratory of Analytic Sciences (LAS) here at NC State to explore the potential of a Tailored Daily Report (TLDR)—an intelligent, interactive interface that might assist intelligence analysts as they begin their day. Students moved through a human-centered research process to determine current analyst needs and opportunities…
Autonomous Vehicles as Mobile Data Collection Devices
Seniors in our GD400 course spent 9 weeks digging into autonomous vehicles and data collection with Red Hat. The Central Research Question: How can the data collected by an AV benefit human passengers and communities in ways unrelated to the functionality of the car? The project asked students to consider topics like data privacy and…
Machine Learning for Speculative Futures Workshop
Last spring, I led a workshop at The Maryland Institute College of Art focusing on Machine Learning + Interface Design. Using a modified version of Stuart Candy's Thing from the Future game, students were asked to design for the future: "Imagine for a moment that you fell asleep and woke up in a strange future.…
Using Knowledge Graphs to Make Critical Decisions
In the midst of the pandemic, The NC State Laboratory for Analytic Sciences (LAS) partnered with our master’s students in the NCSU College of Design’s Graphic Design Department to tackle the potential for a knowledge graph to support the work of intelligence analysts. Over a 9 week period, the grad students collaborated with LAS to…
Solving Challenges for Chief Data Officers with A.I.
Fall 2020, seniors at NC State worked with a team at SAS Analytics for 9 weeks to design an experience within SAS Information Catalog that utilizes Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve challenges for a Political Data Team or Chief Data Officer. The Results Team 1: Asumi Hasan, Andrew Thornton, Lily Reed…
Interested in discussing machine learning & design with your class? Here’s a two part lecture.
Here is a two part lecture series to initiate a discussion of machine learning with your design students. I'm happy to lead a Q&A followup if you contact me. Please forgive that this is not a polished recording. I hope this is helpful in your classrooms during this stressful time. Machine Learning Lecture: Part One…
“Who’s Afraid of A.I.” Cards
I created a set of cards to help design students explore the potential functionality of machine learning, while considering the ethical implications of use. Both grads and undergrads used the cards to take on the role of A.I. in design practice. Instructions for using the deck, along with additional resources, can be found at the…
What Role Might Machine Learning Ethically Play in Retail Spaces?
Last spring, grad students in the Master's in Graphic Design Program at North Carolina State University partnered with an auto parts company to explore this question. The company was particularly concerned with protecting the privacy and agency of their customers. The project research question: How might an auto parts company ethically leverage machine learning in…
How Can We Support Data Literacy in Middle Schoolers?
As decisions become increasingly data-driven, the ability to interrogate data is emerging as a key skill for self-advocacy. Unfortunately, marginalized communities most heavy impacted by algorithmic decision making are often those least prepared to question those decisions. With this issue in mind, my graphic design advanced studio worked with SAS to design data literacy tools…
Books
Check out my books to find out more about my research.
