Config 2024: Looking beyond screens (Imran Chaudhri & George Kedenburg III, Humane) | Figma

Summary

The video script discusses the evolution of human-computer interaction, from manual processes to touch interfaces, and the potential of AI-driven systems to further democratize technology. It introduces a new form factor called 'aiin' that aims to provide a contextual and hands-free computing experience, using advanced sensors and AI to understand and respond to user needs, offering a glimpse into a future where screens are no longer a barrier between humans and their experiences.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker, Imran, co-founded a company called Humane, focusing on innovative form factors and products that enhance human-computer interaction beyond traditional screens.
• 📱 Imran's background includes working on impactful projects at Facebook and Instagram, shaping the way people interact with technology on platforms like the iPhone.
• 🤖 The company's vision involves creating a new type of computer with advanced sensors and AI, aiming to provide contextual understanding and a more natural interaction model.
• 🛍️ Humane introduced a product called 'aiin', which is a wearable device designed to bring computing into the world without screens, offering a more integrated and less intrusive user experience.
• 👐 The device uses hand gestures and a laser display for input, allowing users to interact with it in a hands-free and eyes-free manner, emphasizing a new level of freedom and presence.
• 🔍 The development process of 'aiin' involved extensive prototyping and software development to create an intuitive interface that leverages the strengths of dimensional sensing and AI.
• 🗣️ Voice interaction is a key feature of 'aiin', showcasing the capabilities of AI in understanding and responding to user queries in a personalized and contextually appropriate way.
• 🔄 The speaker discusses the iterative nature of innovation, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of feedback and the continuous improvement of the product based on user input.
• 🛠️ The new version of 'aiin' addresses previous feedback, demonstrating the company's commitment to refining their product to better meet user needs and expectations.
• 💡 The script highlights a shift from the 'information age' to an 'intelligence age', where AI and contextual computing could fundamentally change how we interact with technology and access information.
• 🌐 The future envisioned by Humane includes a world where computing is more integrated into daily life, enhancing experiences, and reducing the barriers between people and technology.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the conference presentation?

The main theme of the conference presentation is to look beyond screens, exploring the truth behind screens, the design process, and speculating about the future of human-computer interaction.

Who is Imran and what is his background?

Imran is a designer who has worked on various form factors, conceptualizing and introducing new types of products. He has previously worked at Facebook and Instagram, and later co-founded a company called Humane with his wife, who is the CEO.

What is the name of the new company co-founded by Imran and his wife?

The new company co-founded by Imran and his wife is called Humane.

What is the cultural conversation happening around screens according to the script?

The cultural conversation happening around screens is about the impact of new behaviors emerging from the coexistence of screens, which has raised concerns about emotional health, as stated by the Surgeon General of the US.

What is the Explorer's role in the presentation?

The Explorer is a key character introduced to represent the journey of looking beyond screens, symbolizing the quest for new ways of interacting with technology.

What is the vision from 2017 for a new type of computer that Imran mentioned?

The vision from 2017 for a new type of computer is one that would have new types of sensors allowing for a new way of human-computer interaction that goes beyond keyboards, mice, and touchscreens, utilizing AI for context understanding and guidance.

What is the unique feature of the AIP pin form factor?

The unique feature of the AIP pin form factor is that it turns the world into an interface, not a screen, and overlaps with the user's native field of view without getting in the way, providing a hands-free and eyes-free experience.

What is the significance of the hand gesture input for the AIP pin?

The hand gesture input for the AIP pin is significant because it allows for a transient display that comes and goes as needed, replacing the traditional screen and providing a more intuitive and less intrusive way to interact with the device.

What is the role of AI in the new operating system called Cosmos?

In the new operating system called Cosmos, AI plays a crucial role in understanding context and dynamically building user interfaces based on the user's requests, allowing for a more fluid and contextual interaction with the computer.

What was the feedback on the initial launch of the AIP pin and how was it addressed?

The initial launch of the AIP pin received valid feedback that was tough for the team, but they took it to heart and released a new version that directly addressed all points of feedback, leading to positive responses from users.

What is the potential future of software development as described in the script?

The potential future of software development, as described in the script, is one where the cost and effort of making software approaches zero, allowing for more dynamic and context-aware software creation, and potentially enabling users to create new software features through voice commands and context.