On Jan. 27, the workshop, Democratizing AI Futures Through Community Centred Design, is being held at OCAD U as part of this year’s DesignTO.
This session is being led by Chair of Industrial Design Dr. Peter Coppin and his team, which includes David Barter, Aileen Dong, Amin Forootan Zainab Husain, Hana Kidwai, Saraf Raidah and Senthurri Thiruchenthooran.
OCAD U caught up with Dr. Peter Coppin to learn more about the workshop, which is free and takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 27 at 205 Richmond St. W.
What does “democratizing AI” mean in practical terms, and how does this event translate that idea into real action for communities?
This workshop aims to “democratize AI” through creating a free, welcoming space for Toronto residents of all education levels, experience, and abilities to learn about AI, share concerns, and imagine human-centered uses for the technology.
Participants are invited to brainstorm and design possible futures involving this technology and ideate on any interventions that may be required to ensure its safe and ethical use. By learning more about the technology, participants will have more agency in deciding how they choose to engage with it.
What specific challenges or inequities in current AI systems does this event aim to address, and why are they important to tackle now?
Consumer facing AI is being deployed at a rapid scale. AI features are being integrated into many of our everyday products and devices.
However, perspectives of diverse users are needed during the technologies’ development to ensure that the technology has long term benefits for all types of users and their needs.
People from different educational backgrounds and life experiences, outside of the tech bubble, must be informed and involved. For example, teachers must be involved in how AI will impact education and the guidelines for its use in educational settings.
This event responds to this gap by bringing more stakeholders into the conversation. Participants will consider how adoption of this technology will impact their daily life, including work and home life and those around them.
What tangible outcomes or takeaways will participants leave with—such as tools, frameworks, partnerships, or policy recommendations?
Participants will leave with practical knowledge and hands-on experience. They will learn common AI terms, then apply the design process (problem identification, ideation, storyboarding, and prototyping) to develop their own concepts.
Attendees will also experiment with accessible AI tools, such as Google’s Teachable Machine, and create a simple prototype (for example, a basic image classifier). The goal is for people to leave feeling more confident discussing AI and better equipped to participate in future community, organizational, or policy conversations.
How does this event fit into broader efforts by the University to use art and design to influence technology, policy, and social impact beyond the campus?
This event reflects OCAD University’s broader approach of using art and design to examine technology’s real-world consequences and help shape more responsible futures. A holistic, creative lens is essential for anticipating indirect impacts (e.g. social, cultural, and ethical) that technical development alone can miss.
The workshop also creates space to discuss timely issues such as intellectual property, authorship, and fair compensation for creative work in the age of AI.
By convening artists, designers, and community members alongside emerging technologies, the University helps inform future guidelines and policies around this technology that better reflect the public interest.