What does it mean that many are captivated by occult and cosmic-horror narratives surrounding AI? This edition investigates the metaphysical dimensions of AI through a speculative prototype, linking it to the cultural roots of South Bay California. It presents a collection of signals and reflections on the occult, the Lovecraft Shoggoth meme, and the enigmatic energy of our current AI landscape. The discussion highlights how traditional conversations about AI often overlook deeper psychological and cultural implications, suggesting that...

This week explores the intersection of design and AI tooling, highlighting a recent initiative at Atlassian aimed at integrating product development with design processes. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between human creativity and machine efficiency to foster innovation. A fireside chat with Jay Hasbrouck from Google is announced, focusing on cultivating imagination as a practical capability within organizations. The discussion will address balancing speed in innovation with the need to recognize novel opportunities. Additionally, artifacts from a...

This edition explores the intersection of technology and society through various lenses, including wearable technology, magnetic data destruction, and rethinking AI futures. It discusses Quartz's innovative approach to trust via on-ring cryptography, highlighting the importance of physical rituals in verification. The newsletter also examines the historical context of resistance to technology, referencing Thomas Dekeyser's book "Techno-Negative," which categorizes forms of revolt against technological systems. Additionally, it presents a new perspective on AI development, advocating for Actor Network Theory...

A recent discussion on the "right to access" in AI draws parallels to the early internet's promise of broadband, now replaced by the concept of "constitutional AI." This newsletter explores the implications of developing and enforcing AI constitutions, posing questions about the roles, responsibilities, and qualifications needed for such positions. It previews an upcoming General Seminar focused on constitutional AI, where participants will investigate how these frameworks can align AI systems with human values. The seminar aims to...

The TR-808 drum machine, initially dismissed by its creators, transformed into a cultural icon as artists embraced its unique sound, illustrating a key lesson in innovation management: early forms often fail under existing evaluation systems. This newsletter explores the importance of speculative prototyping, allowing organizations to protect and test unconventional ideas without immediate commitment. It also highlights an upcoming seminar on AI governance, discussing the fragmented nature of AI regulation and the implications of private companies drafting constitutions...

The word of the week is "Brain Fry," a term capturing the mental exhaustion from information overload and cognitive strain. This edition introduces a new feature, "Signals," aimed at fostering strategic thinking about the future through short workbooks. Readers are encouraged to participate in the upcoming workshop, "Pitch, Picture, Prototype," designed to help materialize ideas and practices. The newsletter also reflects on the author's ongoing project, which has evolved into a book-like artifact that explores the integration of...