South SFV Today

Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley, directors at Stanford University’s d.school, explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and societal impact in their new book "Assembling Tomorrow" (Penguin Random House, 2024). The book addresses the challenge of creating without causing harm and instead focuses on healing.

Carter and Doorley examine how rapid advancements in AI and other technologies influence our lives. They argue for using creativity to design products and policies that unite rather than divide. The authors emphasize a design mindset that includes noticing, planning, and acting resourcefully.

"We are in a special moment," they write. "AI takes on cognitive tasks, challenging what it means to be human, while synthetic biology enables artificial evolution." They describe this era as one of “runaway design,” where technologies have autonomy and can make decisions independently.

Doorley explains runaway design as an unpredictable mix of technologies like algorithms or CRISPR gene editing. These “mischievous materials” have immense potential but also significant risks due to our limited understanding of them.

The book stresses that emotions play a crucial role in innovation. While businesses often prioritize data, feelings drive design by shifting attention and guiding inspiration. An example given is C.L. Peckham's creation of the strip mall out of frustration over parking issues.

Carter and Doorley suggest three ways to tackle the climate crisis through design: embracing limits to lead to better designs; anticipating breakage to improve resilience; and acknowledging the environmental impact of every action.

"Assembling Tomorrow" offers a hopeful vision by highlighting risks and proposing solutions for smarter designs that mitigate potential catastrophes.

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