The document outlines 10 trends related to technology and its impact on society: 1) Visual communication through images and pictograms, 2) Messaging and conversational bots, 3) Generative design using algorithms, 4) Increased adoption of subscription models, 5) Quantified self through sensors and data tracking, 6) Affective computing that recognizes emotions, 7) Declining trust in media due to deepfakes, 8) Integration of digital and physical worlds through IoT, 9) Customization and hacking of physical objects, 10) Increased connectivity but loss of control through IoT. It also provides additional discussion topics and prompts to consider the societal impact of these trends.

1. 10 Trends
Daniel C. Robbins
Artist, husband, designer, father,
burner

3. Visual Communication
Is interaction actually better when it’s just via images?
 Pictograms aren’t
new but now
they’re throwaway.
 Punctuation of the
future

4. Messaging and bots
Who are we really talking with?
 Microsoft TAY
 Facebook M

5. Generative Design
How do designers inject the human touch into algorithmic
design?
 Autodesk Within
 Grasshopper 3D

6. Subscriptions
What if I hardly ever have to shop again?
 Almost everything,
from services, to
healthcare, to dry
goods will migrate
to subscriptions.
 Amazon Subscribe
& Save

7. Quantified Life
How do I feel about myself when I know how I compare to
everyone else?
 Sensors and
analysis bring
tracking and
evaluation to
everyday activities.
 Embeddable
Motion Software

8. Affective Computing
How does that billboard know I’m sad today?
 AI will gain
traction as robust
emotion and
interest sensing
permeate media
and advertising.
 Empatica
 Microsoft
Cognitive Services

9. Truthiness
What happens when I can’t believe anything I see anymore?
 Everyone will be
able to create
photorealistic
synthetic realities.
 Removing people
from video

10. Digital + Physical
Who is in control when every object has a digital life?
 Everyday tools and
toys will be
augmented with
networking,
sensors, and
intelligence.
 Disney PlayMation
 Samsung IoT

11. Hack the World
What is a brand when objects can be remixed?
 The built world will
broaden to include
end-user
customization,
local micro-
manufacturing,
and extended
lifespans.
 Smati Turtle

12. IoT
Why did my car suddenly slow down?
 We will never fully
own anything
anymore since the
seller can always
take back control.
 Remote control
and kill switches to
punish late
payments

13. Questions and Prompts

14. Identity Juggling
How do I keep up with my kids when they can change their identity as often as they
want?

15. Objects with Agency
Is my life better when the objects in my world are always fixing and updating
themselves?

16. Communities and Trust
Do I feel more connected when I know how all my neighbors are feeling?

17. Conquering Mystery
Is life easier for me when my phone recognizes everything it can see?

18. Planning and Optimization
Do I miss spontaneity when I know what I am doing on Tuesday, 2018 at 3:30pm?

19. Perfect Agents
How delightful is it that I can always buy the perfect gift?

20. Digital Life
How can I know when AIs are talking about me behind my back?

21. On-demand Economy
What happens when everything is “just-in-time” but I’m not?

22. Digital Relationships
Can I trust a system that I can’t quit?

23. Echo-chambers
What happens when my system only shows me what I like to see?

24. Gaming Ourselves
When should my digital agent lie to me?

25. What happens when it’s too easy to use the bomb?
But “what going smaller does,” he acknowledged, “is to make the weapon more
thinkable.”

26. Further Reading
• Who is Dan? (PPT)
• Visualization for job searches (PPT)