How do you inspire and engage people who have grown up with conversational interfaces all around them? Do they already know way more than we can tell them? Together with my colleague Jurgen Gravestein, I had the privilege of doing two guest lectures at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
We shared our view on the current landscape of conversational AI - from the existing NLU based corporate chatbots all the way through to examples of generative AI powered ‘social companions’. Highlighting successes and failures alike – from ChatGPT to the Humane Pin and Rabbit R1.
Tellingly, almost the entire group felt really uneasy watching the advert for the forthcoming ‘Friend’ digital assistant. An interesting insight, as it would seem that this group is almost exactly the target demographic!
In all, our audience of first year Smart Media students proved eager to learn how AI is reshaping the way we design digital interactions, what the future of conversation design looks like, and how to get started in the field – be it as a conversation designer, AI trainer, prompt engineer or consultant.
We know the demand is there, as the Smart Media program has grown from 14 first year students three years ago to more than 100+ bright minds this year.
Smart questions
The students posed some thoughtful questions, ranging from curiosity about both bias and censorship in generative AI, to what a day in the life of a conversation designer looks like. We were impressed with the ease with which they grasped conceptual ideas around the abilities and limitations of generative AI.
They seemed most fascinated by the central tenet that a generative AI itself has no concept of factual correctness. An issue that we in the field have come to recognize poses the greatest challenge to the practical application of LLMs for business purposes.
Perhaps it is this very generation of bright young minds that will find a solution – rather than a work-around – to this challenge!
On course
The guest lecture formed the start of a 10-week program, where students have to work with real clients and design real solutions, led by their amazing HvA teachers. Students have also received access to the course material of Conversation Design Institute and can gain a certificate of completion at the end of the 10-week program.
It was an honor to educate and inspire a new generation of designers. It sure looks like the future of conversation design is in good hands.
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