It was truly delightful to see all of you once again. The event exceeded our expectations, and we were thrilled with the intensity and creativity displayed during the exercises. As with every EPC meet, documenting and sharing all that transpired holds great significance for us. This practice allows us to reflect on our learnings, exchange insights with our fellow designers, and apply these valuable takeaways in our design endeavors. Your active participation has made this gathering a resounding success, and we eagerly anticipate further enriching experiences together.

Preceding the enlightening talk, our captivating event commenced with a thought-provoking clip from the renowned movie 'Her,' immersing us in the intriguing realm of AI. The highlight of the event was an engaging activity, skillfully crafted to unveil the fundamental principles of AI design, as well as to explore the far-reaching implications of its implementation. Through this interactive session, we embarked on a journey of discovery, exploring the myriad possibilities of shaping a brighter and more user-centric world powered by AI.

Here are the observations from the members:

Key ‘Designed objects’ observed in the clip

The manual of voice and emotional response: AI striving to emulate human emotions and responses, leading to a more intimate user experience.
A friendly persona: Redefining AI as a friend rather than a mere machine, fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie.
The power of names: Recognizing the profound impact of how we label AI entities, influencing our expectations and interactions with them.

Unforeseen consequences and ill-effects of AI:

Invasion of privacy: The risk of personal data exposure and misuse, calling for heightened vigilance in safeguarding user information.
Stifling creativity and dependency: Overreliance on AI could potentially hinder human creativity and lead to dependency on technology for essential tasks.
Influence and manipulation: The fine line between AI assistance and overbearing influence, prompts us to reflect on the boundaries we set for AI.
The fear of AI domination: An age-old concern, questioning the balance of power between humans and intelligent machines.

Possible alternate designed objects/approach

Inclusivity through accessibility: Designing AI interfaces that cater to people with disabilities, opening doors for touch-based interactions and interactive holograms.
AI as an assistive, not instructive, tool: A paradigm shift in perceiving AI as an "assistant" rather than a "friend," acknowledging its role in enhancing human capabilities.
Questioning the purpose of AI: A linguistic choice that shapes our perception of AI—friend, guardian, or assistant? Each label yields different expectations and implications.

Other points of discussion

We engaged in thought-provoking discussions on several topics related to technology and its impact on society. We delved into the significance of understanding how social media affects real social interaction and questioned the true essence of being social. Additionally, some of the designers advocated for the inclusive design of tech-forward products, considering the needs of all segments of society, including individuals with disabilities.

We also explored the reasons behind creating machines that perform human tasks, citing benefits such as increased efficiency, access to vast knowledge, and envisioning a world with more leisure time and collaborative innovation.

Amidst the benefits of technology, the discussions acknowledged the various trade-offs, such as the differing perceptions of a "better" life due to technology, the impact on physical and mental well-being, and the stress arising from an abundance of choices.

Despite the downsides, some participants saw potential in AI as a tool for balancing and regulating aspects of life, offering relief from excessive stress in today's technologically-driven world.

FutureBabble with Viraj Joshi

Viraj, a remarkable designer, technologist, and futurist, who took us on an inspiring journey through his fascinating work and experiences. In his captivating talk, Viraj delved into the realm of speculative design, leading us to explore alternative worlds and envision future possibilities. As a service and experience designer at Fjord, Viraj's expertise lies in adding meaningful value to people's lives through innovative design solutions. He shared the intricacies of his work, shedding light on the ways design can profoundly impact the way we live and interact with technology.

Moreover, Viraj is at the forefront of driving design innovation as he leads the design futures community of practice at Accenture. Through this role, he continuously explores groundbreaking methods and frameworks, propelling forward-thinking projects that push the boundaries of design. Not only is Viraj a visionary designer, but he is also a dedicated educator. As a visiting tutor at the Royal College of Art, London, where he also pursued his master's program, he finds immense joy in guiding and witnessing diverse projects unfold, nurturing the next generation of creative minds.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Viraj's artistic talent shines through his captivating weekly cartoon series, "Eliza the Post in Every Machine." During the talk, he share this intriguing aspect of his work, blending the realms of design and fiction as he delves into the fascinating world of machine consciousness.

Design Philosophies, Powerful Messages, and Thought-Provoking Methods from his work

Human-Centricity: Envisioning Futures for People

Viraj's design philosophy revolves around putting people at the heart of futuristic visions. Amidst the technological marvels, he emphasizes the importance of understanding individual preferences and needs. By designing for a future that aligns with users' desires and aspirations, he unlocks the potential of AI to create truly meaningful and transformative experiences.

Future Visualization: The Role of Speculative Design in Shaping Tomorrow

By engaging in the creation of preferred future visualizations for city councils Viraj highlights the essential role of speculative design in envisioning various scenarios and outcomes. He focused on the importance of critical thinking and discussions about the future trajectory of cities and municipalities. He explored how technology can shape various aspects of society, such as urban energy, sustainable logistics, and future retail spaces.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Blending Design, Technology, and Futures Thinking

In his multidimensional work, Viraj seamlessly integrates design, technology, and futures thinking. This interdisciplinary approach enables a holistic exploration of future scenarios, culminating in creative solutions that are both imaginative and feasible.

Human-Centered Narratives: Thought-Provoking Projects

One of Viraj's notable projects, "Postcards from the Future," weaves human-centered narratives that challenge societal values and provoke meaningful discussions. While the scenarios might not represent practical innovations, they serve as potent thought experiments that enrich our understanding of the future.

Design Fiction as a Provocation: Envisioning Alternative Futures

Design fiction, a subset of speculative design, is a powerful tool for Viraj that helps explore potential advancements and societal changes. Through captivating scenarios and objects, he prompts contemplation about the implications and consequences of future technologies. Design fiction, a subset of speculative design, becomes a powerful tool for Viraj to explore potential advancements and societal changes. Through captivating scenarios and objects, he prompts contemplation about the implications and consequences of future technologies.

Evidence-Based Futures: Grounding Speculative Work

Viraj's forward-thinking designs are rooted in evidence and research, leveraging real-world trends and early signals to craft poignant visions of the future.

Collaborative Exploration: Fostering Cross-Disciplinary Insights

Engaging with diverse collaborators, including designers, technologists, historians, writers, and sustainability experts, enriches Viraj's projects, generating cross-disciplinary perspectives that elevate the exploration of future scenarios.

Preceding Technology through Design: Shaping Visions of Innovation

Viraj showcases how design can precede technology, stimulating technological advancements that bring fictional ideas to life. Through design thinking, he explores alternative ways of living, interacting, and experiencing the world.

Making Absurdity Sound Mundane: A Creative Reflection

In his captivating cartoon series, "Eliza, the Ghost in Every Machine," Viraj humorously reflects on technology's pervasive presence in our lives. The little ghost residing in our devices subtly reminds us of the curious impact technology has on our privacy and human connections.

Exploring the Dark Side of AI: Balancing Human Creativity

Viraj delves into the darker aspects of AI, highlighting the importance of retaining human creativity and authenticity amidst technological advancements.

Framing Questions for Ethical Consideration: Designing Responsibly

Design fiction prompts us to address ethical questions about technology's role, data privacy, and societal consequences. Responsible design involves anticipating potential unintended outcomes and ensuring a sustainable future.

Entertainment as a Vehicle for Exploration: Thought-Provoking Scenarios

Fictional scenarios and designs serve as entertaining vehicles for exploring potential futures. They help raise questions, challenge assumptions, and open conversations about the impact of technology on society and individual lives.

The Power of Speculative Inquiry: Shaping Futures with Imagination

Speculating about the future empowers designers to explore new possibilities and test design implications. It fosters a better understanding of the world, identifies preferable futures, and shapes technological advancements. The talk questions the hype around the metaverse and virtual reality, emphasizing a more critical approach to designing for emerging trends. Eliza's leadership inspires designers to ask challenging questions and reevaluate the purpose and impact of their design solutions.

Designing Futures: Balancing Provocation and Innovation

Striking a balance between provocative yet not necessarily innovative designs and designs that are both provocative and innovative involves starting with provocations as aspirational concepts. Gradually working towards reality through roadmaps, considering feasibility and desirability, allows envisioning desirable futures. Viraj strikes a harmonious balance between provocative yet not necessarily innovative designs and those that are both provocative and innovative. He starts with aspirational concepts and gradually works towards practicality, envisioning desirable futures.

Designers play a vital role in shaping the future, and we recognize the importance of a mindful contribution. During the EPC event, we pledged to be architects of a Utopian future, prioritizing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in our work. This pledge underscores the profound impact designers can have on society and the responsibility we bear. We commit to continuous improvement, seeking creative solutions that drive positive change. Together, we aspire to build a future where technology enhances human potential, design becomes a force for good, and collaboration transcends boundaries. This pledge serves as a constant reminder of our shared commitment to shaping a brighter, more sustainable world through responsible design and ethical innovation. Here are the pledges from our dedicated members:

Anu

I pledge to put user first embracing their needs and feedback to create ethical and inclusive solutions and leave a legacy behind.

Rajiv

I pledge to design sensible childhoods for all, as a responsible guardians.

Munira

My "Pledge for the future” revolves around inclusivity and ethical practices. I advocate for knowledge, collaboration, openness, remaining adaptable and resilient, while respecting cultural heritage. Above all, I aim to inspire joy and positivity, leaving a meaningful and lasting impact on the world.

Abhinav

Whatever I think, create, imagine, discover, innovate, break or make, I will always Keep our history in mind. I will make sure that the efforts and the thought process behind it is always remembered. so that everyone knows that the human brain is what has made it all possible and not a he machine!

Aniruddh

"As a designer, I pledge to always be curious about the world around us and how I can solve problems using design as my strength in an ethical manner. I am committed to putting the user at the core of every problem I solve, considering the environmental impact of my designs, and making conscious choices for a sustainable future. I pledge to be a conscious designer, prioritising inclusivity and diversity. I recognise that my designs have the power to shape how people interact with technology, and I will use that power responsibly.

Grishma

"As a designer, I aim to solve simple yet complex problems through designs and never miss out on my design instincts. I aim to educate people about what design is and how important it is in every little thing that is being created or maintained. I aim to also improve my hands-on crafts so that those basic principles could be applied in daily design activities, which is always inspirational and helps in keeping the creativity flowing. My last aim is to continue connecting and building my design community so that I don't miss out on myself being a designer in the corporate world."

Ayushi

As a designer, I pledge my unwavering dedication to my craft and audience. I wholeheartedly reject plagiarism and promise to source inspiration thoughtfully from people and objects around me. Additionally, I vow to foster effective collaboration and communication, while embracing creativity and innovation in my work. Furthermore, I am committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in my designs.

Rahul

I pledge to build products that create an impact, my promise is to shape and create products that matter. I commit to connect, understand and build products that address real needs and make life more efficient.

Shyamali

I pledge to work and create content that my conscious allows and flourishes in :) work that helps young hearts and minds come together to explore the expansive, limitlessness of who they are!

Soumyashree

Safe App - where user don’t have to think twice about the data hack or the Security. I design for different user group / target group.

Meenakshi

I pledge to seek and share inspiration, growing as a timeless designer in a dynamic world. As I deepen my expertise, I shall preserve my ability to remain a deliberate amateur, embracing humility and keen observation, learning from diverse contexts. My conscious decisions will consider the lasting impact on people and the planet, transcending the present for a greater universal legacy.

Anant

As a designer or creator or problem solver I want to grow as a person where I can expand my abilities to understand this world more with each parting day and I try to create balance believe the tech and security

Ashwin

I pledge I will question any design which I feel can harm human, animal or the environment in any manner.

Vipul

Talk to the past and it will echo you the future.

Gurpreet

As a designer, I commit to being a conscious designer who actively avoid creating problems and instead focus on understanding the purpose of my work. I strive, empathetic and approach my work with emotional investment, ensuring that I am mindful of the impact my work have on others.

Pravin

I want to Fly high for the discipline I am in, whatever obstacles or negativity i face, i want to find a way to overcome it and still stay true to the purpose. Keep my inner child alive.

Sonam

As a designer, I pledge to prioritize knowledge-seeking and adopt practices that carefully consider the impact on humanity and nature, both for the present and future generations. I commit to being a responsible designer, actively working towards preserving the legacy we have inherited from previous generations and our natural environment whenever and wherever I can.

Shanmukh

As a designer, I pledge to harness the power of craft by uncovering timeless truths and embracing a broader perspective. I believe in creating solutions that extend beyond immediate needs, while carefully avoiding unintended consequences. My aim is to make a remarkable impact on the system, benefiting all those involved. I am dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of every stakeholder, leaving behind a lasting legacy that serves as an inspiration for future generations.

During the event, we also engaged in a storytelling activity where we imagined various utopian and dystopian scenarios for a specific situation. We then explored different domains and envisioned future possibilities along with potential innovations and their adverse effects.