Future Ideations Camp vol.1
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“Super Saiyan AI, like an alien. It’s so different” was how John Maeda described the currently emerging AI.
He gave an overview of the unprecedented revolutions in technology and also shared his ideas on how we might navigate ourselves through this new terrain. Maeda suggested that man-made machine learning is actually biased and therefore may cause unintentional exclusion, so it is important to be aware that AI is not all-inclusive.
Via the Zoom screen, we saw Maeda use the whiteboard behind him but we also each participated in his online poll on mentimeter.com. This incredibly interactive lecture was shared by nearly 350 viewers throughout the world.

The first day of our 5-day camp, the 25 participants gathered at CCBT and welcomed Golan Levin for his 3-hour workshop that involved the participants to think about the principles of algorithms and computational thinking IRL. Under specific rules by Levin, the exercises involved participants to 1) create human flocking, 2) collaborate in drawing, and 3) partake in word-play.
In the evening, we welcomed architect Toyoda Keisuke and artist Seo Hyo-jung to their joint keynote presentation. Toyoda spoke about how computational design opens up the digital, physical, and informational spheres in the field of architecture. Presenting works by Seo that branch out from daily coding into digital signages, the discussion evolved into how computer art and design can unfold into our cityscapes.

Participants introduced themselves and also a selection of their projects. The wide range of participants with different backgrounds each shared their motivations behind their projects, and then dived into the “Body Drawing” workshop led by Seo.
Using NodeBox 3 and PoseOSC, the paired participants developed games and systems of drawing that digitized human poses imported from their laptops. Then, each pair presented their products and tried them out, creating a riot at CCBT.
A quick anecdote that exemplifies what a camp is all about: one of the participants found a bug on PoseOSC and others removed the error and shared the correct version with everyone on Discord. A wonderful instance of the spirit of DIY and share-culture.

A total of 10 lecturers and facilitators gathered again to kick-start the participants’ Group Work. Participants were divided into 6 groups whereby each 2 groups were given a theme to work on presented by the lecturers. The 3 themes were therefore: Digital Signage as a Public Space, Gakki as instrumental tools for children, and Clocks and Systems.
After brainstorming and testing devices, the groups presented their ideas for feedback, adding enthusiasm as well as nerves for them.

The final day and Discord showed participants working until 5am in the morning. The mood at CCBT was on edge with everyone working on their prototypes, final presentations, and exhibits. The technical crew from YCAM joined at the last minute to help with the installation.
Unlike Day 1, there was more feedback among the participants during each of their group presentations and the positivity was exactly what the Program Directors had envisioned: this camp was not a competition but a collaboration.
We hope the skills and findings born from this 5-day camp leads to new collaborations in the future. Great work, everyone!