Road to the future with AI (version: đșđž)
Come with us on this trip!
By Leonardo Pereira and Danilo Granatto
- Esse artigo tambĂ©m foi escrito em PortuguĂȘs. Accesse a versĂŁo em portuguĂȘs aqui.
You know when we really want to travel, but we still donât exactly know the route? We imagine our final destination, all the emotions it holds for us, but we have no idea what we will find along the way. We can make some predictions and trials, but it is a path that needs to be chosen and experienced. It is no different with Artificial Intelligence. We invite you to join us in this experience, learning this new technology along the way. Letâs go!
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its importance
Ever since weâve had access to technology and artificial intelligence resources, our lives havenât been the same. In the â80s, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., made a remarkable statement that can be paraphrased as follows: computers are like bicycles for our minds, allowing us to perform tasks faster. Complementing the idea, Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, says that âthe development of AI is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet and the cell phone. It will change the way people work, learn, travel, get health care and communicate with each other.â
The mathematician and computer scientist and scholar in the field of Artificial Intelligence, John McCarthy, says that AI is one of the areas of computer science that constantly seeks to bring machines closer to qualities that were previously thought exclusive to humans beings.
When consulting ChatGPT-4 itself, we have access to a broad definition of AI, in which subcategories are established. Among them, we can highlight Artificial Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision.
Machine Learning and Algorithms
We cannot talk about AI without mentioning Machine Learning, a discipline that performs a crucial role capable of identifying patterns in big data and predictive analysis. According to ChatGPT-4, Machine Learning is a method of data analysis that uses algorithms (logical instruction sets) to solve challenges related to classification, pattern recognition, and prediction.
The algorithms guide the machines in the execution of specific tasks, enhancing their comprehension capacity and making decisions. Their combination with Machine Learning allows machines to identify complex patterns and gain valuable insights from large datasets.
While AI technologies solve problems, they use different strategies, known as Learning Methods. Among the most mentioned are the Supervised Learning Method, the Unsupervised Learning Method and the Reinforcement Learning Method. Each of these methods has its own features and applications, allowing machines to learn and improve in different ways.
Supervised learning methods
This approach allows machines to learn from examples of data previously classified by us, helping the machine to learn how to identify and classify new data, solving problems using this principle.
This method empowers the algorithm to make accurate predictions and classifications, in real and unknown situations, seeking to identify relevant patterns and relationships between input and output variables, in addition to promoting advances in several areas, facilitating data analysis and automated decision-making.
- Some Walmart and Amazon stores no longer rely exclusively on stock clerks for stock replenishment, as this is carried out by cameras detecting missing products on shelves.
Unsupervised (self-supervised) learning method
Unlike the previous method, in this one the identification of data categories does not use previous examples.
It is an approach that plays a fundamental role in the analysis of large volumes of data, allowing categories, hidden patterns and groupings to be identified that would not be easily noticeable. It is effective for exploring and understanding complex information present in the data.
On Tinder, potential good partners are suggested based on the usersâ preferences and common interests. On LinkedIn, this method is used to recommend specific job openings to applicants, based on their skills, experience and professional characteristics.
Reinforcement learning method
This method is a dynamic approach in which a system learns from trial and error, being rewarded for successful decisions and facing penalties for errors. Reinforcement learning allows systems to adapt and learn based on their own experiences, constantly seeking to maximize rewards and minimize penalties. It has applications in many areas, such as games, robotics and even algorithms that optimize complex processes.
- Example: YouTubeâs platform suggests new videos based on watched content, offering similar options after a video has been watched to the end. If the users donât finish watching the video, YouTube takes a different approach to keep their attention.
Going further with Deep Learning
Now, letâs explore the Deep Learning universe, which works in conjunction with Machine Learning, capable of dealing with large amounts of unstructured and high-dimensional data, in addition to using algorithms that process the data through many layers. It uses neural networks to improve tasks like image recognition, speech, natural language processing and even predictions. Deep Learning allows the machine to learn in a progressive and independent way, executing functions without any specific need of programming for a certain task.
Artificial neural networks
Do you know what artificial neural networks are for? Their role is teaching the computer to process information, working in a similar way to our brain. They simulate layers of inter-connected neurons creating an adaptive system, allowing machines to learn from mistakes, which results in a continuous improvement in learning.
We canât talk about neural networks without noting their architecture, which is separated into three main categories: feedforward networks, recurrent neural networks and convolutional neural networks. They are used to summarize documents, perform accurate facial recognition, and many other functions.
AI in our daily life and its performance in the market
Simple everyday activities already use AI, like the Uber and Waze apps, examples that predict trip duration, price, route suggestions and traffic analysis.
On the other hand, Spotify uses AI to provide personalized song and playlist tips, lyrics analysis, audio recognition and quality optimization. Now, if you need help remembering the name of a song and adding it to your playlist on Spotify, Google, in its app, has a very interesting feature called Search a song, just hum or whistle a part, and it will try to identify the melody.
You were probably amazed at the new Generative Fill feature of Adobe Photoshop. With it, we can add, remove or extend images and elements quickly and easily, with just text commands. Although Photoshop already had AI long before this update, such as Neural Filters, which are resources that use neural networks to change images, offering several editing effects, such as styling, object removal, facial adjustments and other automatic recommendations.
The use of AI technologies to increase productivity of our work
Below, we highlight some tools that use AI tech to boost the efficiency, creativity and quality of our work.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT, Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, is a language model developed by OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research company, located in San Francisco, California.
ChatGPT is an LLM (Large Language Model) that can be used to generate text similar to that which is created by us. Users can interact and get answers to their questions, as well as perform natural language tasks and receive information on various topics and in different languages.
It is possible to assume other roles or behaviors, exploring different scenarios while interacting with ChatGPT. Thus, we can use prompts like âAct as,â asking it to âact as a UX Writer,â âact as a Product Managerâ or âact as a Back-end Developer.â This practice gives an adaptable experience to any desired context. It is also important to avoid being satisfied with the first answer; we should always iterate when appropriate.
As Product Designers, we would like to show a template, a hypothetical example of a prompt that has worked in our discoveries. An important tip is to approach different subjects in different chat channels:
- [person or role]
Act as a UX Researcher. - [person or role]
Create a quantitative and qualitative form (being more quantitative) for customers of a pet shop e-commerce app regarding a login feature. - [format and text size]
I want the form to be structured in a questionnaire format, following an architecture and question flow. For multiple choice questions, list the answer options with letters. - [goal]
The goal is to validate hypotheses and comprehend specific relevant points about how customers interact, discern and comprehend how the app login works, what their primary difficulties are, points for improvement, suggestions, evaluations and to ask for recommendations from other competitors. - [information for results]
Be sure to include pertinent points, short questions and answers, and make sure that the form is not too long in order to avoid overwhelming the participants. It is also important to have an introductory message and a thank you message about the survey for these customers. - [tone of answer]
The tone must be friendly, yet professional, using terms that are easy to understand and avoid difficult technical words.
It is important to remember that ChatGPT is a generative/creative AI, which generates content autonomously, in which its system was fed with information about what happened until 2021. Consequently, it can make mistakes, provide erroneous information and produce inconsistent or even hallucinatory results, not reflecting real or personal points of view.
In the work environment, ChatGPT can be used as a strategic tool to improve our workflow, enhance the disposition of activities performed in a logical sequence, accelerate the execution of tasks, improve search tools, as well as reduce the risk of errors.
Therefore, it can serve as a baseline to guide the processes, especially for junior professionals. It can be used in several functions, within the scope of design, in creation processes, discoveries, metrics analysis, benchmarking, DS (Design System) documentation, UI/UX checklist, writing, navigation and accessibility.
A survey carried out by NN/g Nielsen Norman Group tested the productivity levels of 444 professionals from different career fields, with or without the option of ChatGPT aid. It was noted that the professionals who used the AI had an average productivity increase of 59% in the preparation of documents related to their areas of expertise, wherein 70% of the professionals who used the AI had never had contact with the tool before.
Besides measuring productivity, a panel of evaluators reviewed the documentsâ quality, unaware that they were created with the aid of the AI. On a scale of 1 to 7, unaided documents scored 3.8 points. Documents created with the AI had a score of 4.5 points.
Kraftful
This is a tool that offers a variety of useful features through comparative analysis of the usersâ feedback and feelings. With it, you can collect and summarize app reviews, concisely highlighting the main positive and negative aspects based on the frequency found in these reviews.
Watch the video below for more information.
Dovetail
This software helps with research, making it possible to list all of the feedback, divided by categories, such as positive and negative feelings about a certain product.
See more details in the video below:
Midjourney
This is an AI tool used to generate high quality images. The approach of interacting with this system is through a prompt, where the commands typed by the users are used to direct the actions it performs.
After sending the commands, the system is able to translate them into specific images. This approach allows for more direct and personalized interaction, letting us express what we need and receive responses via Midjourney. So, the more details we provide, the greater the chances of success in the interpretation of the idea. On the other hand, the less information that is described, the greater the openness of interpretation that will be given to Midjourney.
Here is an image illustrating the structure of a prompt for Midjourney, along with an explanation below:
â[image prompts]
Image URLs can be added to a prompt to influence the style and content of the finished result.[text prompts (prompts de texto)]
The text description of what image you want to generate.[parameters]
Parameters change how an image generates. Parameters can change aspect ratios, models, upscalers, and lots more.â
See the example of a prompt written by Ahmed Osman with the aid of ChatGPT, which circulated through social networks, where the elements of a food photograph and the technical specifications of photography were precisely described:
âA tantalizing, mouthwatering photograph of a delectable sushi combo plate, featuring eight perfectly crafted, golden-fried pieces. The scrumptious assortment is expertly arranged on an elegant plate, with each piece standing out and inviting the viewer to indulge in its exquisite flavor. The photograph is skillfully captured using a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera, paired with an EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens, renowned for its ability to capture stunning, lifelike detail in close-up food photography. The camera settings are meticulously chosen to highlight the textures and colors of the sushi, with an aperture of f/4, ISO 200, and a shutter speed of 1/125 sec. The scene is illuminated by a soft, natural light source, which casts a gentle glow on the succulent, crispy sushi pieces, accentuating their appealing golden hue and emphasizing the delicate ingredients within. The shallow depth of field ensures the focus remains on the sushi, while the background is subtly blurred, further drawing attention to the irresistible culinary masterpiece before the viewer. â ar 4:5 -q 2â
The Israeli Product Designer, Nick Babich, in his article UI Design using Midjourney, suggests the application of Midjourney in the context of UI Design. Throughout the text, he raises relevant questions about replacing professionals with this AI tool and analyzes its importance, as we can see in the excerpts below:
âCan Midjourney Replace UI Designers?
No. At least not right now. The outputs the tools generate are very rough and often require refinement from designers. Midjourney is also very dependent on the prompt (the quality of output it provides can depend drastically on the prompts you provide).
Does it mean this tool has no place in the designerâs toolkit?
No. The tool can be beneficial during the early phases of a product design process, such as ideation and visual exploration. Midjourney can be especially useful for moodboarding. It can help a team to compare a lot of visual styles before they can commit to one particular style.â
See an example of image output according to the level of detail of the prompts:
Like ChatGPT, Midjourney has also shown itself to be extremely sophisticated, increasing its ability to generate more refined outputs. In the image below we can see its evolution, and the most impressive thing is the short period of time in which it took place.
Moreover, it proves to be very useful for professionals who work with social media and digital design due to its ability to avoid the repetition of images commonly used in different contexts, such as those found in image databases. Therefore, pieces produced by Midjourney can offer a more authentic and unique result. Midjourney also plays an important role in democratizing access. For example, when using the tool, someone without the buying power to buy certain professional equipment can achieve a result similar to that seen in the example of the food photography prompt.
Uizard
Uizard is a rapid prototyping software that has huge potential for impact by offering an efficient and automatic way to create and transform wireframes into navigable, high-fidelity prototypes, in addition to enabling the creation of full flows. Its customization capacity allows for the creation of style guides, providing visual consistency throughout the project.
See a video demonstrating the tool below.
In the audiovisual context
AI can also be used as a tool for creating films and advertisements, introducing significant advances to the industry. It has the potential to convert live-action videos into different aesthetics, allowing for the creation of numerous visual styles. It is also possible to translate and adapt dialogs to different languages, facilitating global understanding and accessibility, assisting with human interactions. Although the content generated is in a kind of uncanny valley, if these technologies evolve as quickly as previously seen in the case of Midjourney, these innovations can expand the limits of film storytelling and provide new possibilities.
Below is a compilation of some of these software tools:
And now, an example of these technologies being used in different scenarios:
In conclusion, an officially released work based on video generation AI:
The dangers of misuse
To the extent that AI technologies are becoming more and more popular, some problems are being identified; such as biases, security, privacy issues, data leaks, among others. This causes concerns in the public and private sectors.
The need for AI to overcome bias in society
At different times, it has been observed that AI technologies can manifest partial biases and reproduce prejudiced tendencies. Since the technology itself is constructed in specific social contexts, it can express undesirable tendencies resulting in issues related to prejudiced biases. Since current AI technologies acts based on human data, there is a possibility of inadvertent representation negative behaviors like the reproduction of social and gender inequalities, racism and different types of discrimination.
These facts lead to important debates about the existence of prejudices and discrimination in algorithms and emphasize the need to develop more fair and impartial systems. This makes us reflect on whether such problems are exclusive to AI technologies or if they are relevant to our society, since these technologies learn based on the behavior in which they are inserted. It is vital that we think of ways to ensure that AI technologies respect the rights of women, black people, LGBTQIA+ and other minorities, in order to avoid the perpetuation of oppression and inequality. We must work to promote social justice using AI as a tool that contributes to the empowerment of minorities and the construction of a more inclusive and just society.
We would once again like to highlight the words of the renowned expert, Ălvaro Dias, about some of his concerns with respect to the consequences of the misuse of AI technologies, in the video below. His reflections invite us to consider the importance of identifying and implementing measures that can inhibit the inappropriate use of these technologies. Only through a collective and conscious effort can we prevent As from being used in harmful ways and promote its potential benefits to society as a whole.
AI in the news
Nowadays, we are experiencing a huge avalanche of news on this topic, covering a wide range of matters, ranging from scientific breakthroughs capable of making great improvements in our lives, to the growing challenge of the condemnable fake news, where malicious individuals spread disinformation on a large scale, using AI technologies.
See the picture below with a compilation of some of the main news to date:
What to expect from the future?
We need to be alert, not only to the news, but also to how these AI technologies will affect our future. It is a debate that raises fundamental questions about advances in artificial intelligence and its implications for the interaction between humans and machines.
Released on March 22, the letter reported concerns about the potential for certain types of AI technologies to present serious harm to humanity. A cautious approach of government intervention was suggested, if companies fail to take voluntary actions. They argued that the development of these systems should only continue when there is full confidence regarding the real impacts they can have on society.
This episode highlights the importance of responsible reflection on the ethics and safety of AI technologies in order to ensure a positive and beneficial future for all.
Immediate impacts
AI technologies would only achieve excellence if they were fed with data responsibly. These tools have an immediate impact in terms of cognitive revolution, as, in addition to assisting us with the democratization of knowledge, they offer an assimilation that helps us to perform faster intellectual activities. See what the IETF futurist, engineer, graduate in Marketing and Design, Masterâs and PhD in Arts and three-time bestselling author, Martha Gabriel, says about the immediate impacts of AI technologies on our lives:
Artists X AI
Can the use of images generated by AI technologies be considered illegal? There are different trains of thought on this issue, each one raising important arguments to be discussed. When investigating the data used to train Midjourney, it was found that it utilized images from both the databases of artists that have authorization for sharing, and from those that do not. Thatâs why there is a disagreement regarding the consent of the generated images.
Below, we will show a video with excerpts from Anderson Gaveta, a content creator, video editor and founding partner of the Gaveta Filmes company, sharing his opinion about the approach of these new technologies. In the video, Gaveta clearly gives his opinion on generative AI:
Although some artists disapprove of the use of their art to feed the AI, there are artists who already make images available in databases, some of which are free and others paid. They support the idea that for AI to achieve results of the highest quality, it needs to be fed with an extensive range of references, just as humans experience throughout their lives. Check out some additional perspectives on the topic below:
Ronaldo Souza:
âJob Alert
I am looking for AI ARTISTS who create professional images using artificial intelligence
(Itâs for an experimental project that will be distributed internally)
For more details, please send your portfolio or your experience to the email: contatogalactico@gmail.com
Thank youâ
Felipe Castanhari:
âArtist and AI in the same sentence? Someone who types a prompt is not an artist, man. My ten-year-old cousin can write and press enter. If you want his contact infoâŠâ
Says in the Twitter thread above Ronaldo Azevedo Souza (cartoon artist, owner of the Gato Galactico channel, one of the biggest channel for kids in Brazil) and Felipe Castanhari (director and host of Mundo e Mistério / Netflix, owner of the Nostalgia channel) both being two of the most famous digital influencers in Brazil.
Said Lee Unkrich in an interview, acclaimed director of films such as âCocoâ and âToy Story 3â (winners of the Oscar for Best Picture), known for his extraordinary career at Pixar, where he worked as a director, and is now involved in different creative projects, including his own dedicated Instagram page, where he performs experiments in AI.
The latest software innovations: Releases and beta versions
The Artificial Intelligence field is constantly growing and already offers job opportunities and services all over the world. More and more companies have been admitting the importance of these tools, hiring professionals in our career field who have mastered them. Training to become proficient in using these tools can be a significant competitive advantage for those who want to stand out in the technology market.
See the video below of a compilation of some applications with artificial intelligence that are being announced, launched or in beta, describing the state of the art in optimization of the execution of numerous tasks. In addition, a tip is to always keep an eye on the Product Hunt portal, because they constantly show different news and new software tools:
Innovation in focus
Every year we are impressed by the myriad of important events held by Big Tech, such as Google I/O (Googleâs annual conference), WWDC (Appleâs annual developer conference), Config (Figmaâs annual conference), among others.
It is very important to highlight Google I/O, which presented its latest technological innovations, products and services. This yearâs event included sessions, lectures and demonstrations about different features related to machine learning, development and improvements in their software and virtual assistants.
AI was in fact the greatest protagonist of the event, it was referred to more than 140 times during the two-hour event. Moreover, during Google I/O, its conversational chatbot, Bard, with generative artificial intelligence was announced, with PaLM2 (Pathways Language Model) being the technology behind it.
Watch the video below featuring some of the confirmed updates at Google IO:
We would also like to emphasize the WWDC, where Apple, even without explicitly mentioning âartificial intelligenceâ during the presentations, announced features that utilize AI to enhance the user experience across its product lines. The updates included iOS 17, macOS, iPadOS, as well as new functionalities in AirPods, and the most remarkable of all, the Vision Pro (its mixed reality headset)
Check out Marques Brownleeâs review, as he was one of the few individuals who had the opportunity to test the device at the event.
In addition to the updates presented at WWDC, Apple has been releasing a series of Design Kits for its systems on Figma, including for VisionOS, which we just highlighted.
Speaking of Figma, during the last Config, significant announcements were made, including Developer Mode, Variables, Advanced Prototyping, new features in Auto Layout, and finally, the acquisition of Diagram (creator of Genius, featured in the software compilation video above), a company focused on AI solutions that will bring its technologies to Figma and other products from the same company, which you can see below in a brief demonstration of the AI technologies presented during the event:
These innovations make clear the intent of these big tech companies to make progress in the field of AI and provide increasingly sophisticated experiences for users.
To wrapp up: AI technologiess and our professional careers
Itâs undeniable that the results of using AI tools are directly connected to the experience of the person operating them. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the quality of input data and information in order to obtain reliable and accurate results. This involves a careful data collection, verification and validation process, with the aim of ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the information in the context where they are to be applied. In other words, by prioritizing the input quality , we can get high-quality output that satisfactorily meets our needs and expectations.
Even though the new AI tools are appearing and developing quickly, it is important to understand that their implementation will not be instantaneous, but will be gradual. Thiago Hassu, designer, founder and CEO of MEIUCA, stated in MEIUCAâs DS and Ops annual report, âMostra tua Caraâ vol. 2:
âThese extreme automation solutions will not be implemented overnight. Either due to cultural aspects, or some flaws in the tools themselves when faced with real scenarios, or even because of the lack of a source of standards to be consumed. In other words, we will have time to adapt.â
We often hear comparisons between disruptive moments in our history, such as the Industrial Revolution or the transition from the horse cart to the car, with the present time. In any case, as in some situations in the past, we are living in a time of great changes. Inevitably, the AI technologies are already shaping the way services are provided and the integration of these tools into our routines.; According to recent statistics, in the USA, approximately 92% of developers are already using artificial intelligence in their projects.
So, it is crucial that we empathize with those who do mechanical jobs that will one day become automated. The scope of work may change, different positions and specialists will appear and, unfortunately, some activities will become obsolete.
Despite so many changes and developments, none of this is so different from what has been happening in the job market in recent years. Therefore, you must always be up to date with your studies and tuned in to the news, precisely to avoid being replaced in your job one day, and use the specialistsâ point of view to refine and work on the outputs generated by AI technologies.
Finally, while it is indispensable that we carefully consider the context, origins and characteristics of each individual, and the work involved, reflecting on the social and professional layer in which the already popular phrase that follows, which has become a cliché, fits, it still carries a valuable message that, in our view, should not be ignored. Your job will not be replaced by AI, but by humans who know how to use AI. Particularly because we are professionals in the field of technology, it is essential to use AI technologies for our own benefit, like allies, so that they leverage and maximize our abilities.
We all need to chill out sometimes =D
As two big fans of pop culture, we would like to share a short list of works that approach the subject of AI in different and interesting ways. Here are some suggestions of games, TV shows and movies that are special to us.
1 | Detroit: Become Human (2018) â Action-adventure game set in a dystopian future, where androids fight for rights in a divided society.
2 | Tales from the Loop (2020) â Amazon sci-fi series featuring connecting stories about a secret project called The Loop.
3 | Love Death + Robots (2019) â Netflix animated anthology series that explores different perspectives on futures with intelligent machines.
4 | Ex Machina (2014) Sci-fi and action film about a programmer involved in an experiment with a humanoid artificial intelligence.
5 | Her (2013) â Romance sci-fi film about a lonely writer who falls in love with an AI-powered operating system.
6 | Blade Runner â The Androids Hunter (1982) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017) â Science fiction and action films in a dystopian future with a rivalry between humans and androids.
7 | I Am Mother (2019) â Sci-fi thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world, where a teenager questions her robot creator.
8 | Ronâs Gone Wrong (2021) â Animated film about a world where robots become childrenâs best friends, but Ron finds out that his robot friend doesnât work very well.
Donât forget to give us a hand
This is our first article. We worked hard to provide all this material and content to explain and help you understand the whole panorama regarding AI technologies. If you liked it, donât forget to đđ clap for the story to show your appreciation (if possible, the more the better), so that other people can also read it. We would be very grateful!
Special thanks
We could not forget to express our immense gratitude to all those who contributed in some way to this content. They became true sources of inspiration along this journey and performed a crucial role in the result accomplished. We thank all the people cited throughout the text and also those who helped us to better understand the topic through their materials. Eduarda Guerra (for her help in structuring the article), Hans VonStetten (for help in English proofreading), Ălvaro Dias (whom we personally thank), Martha Gabriel, Atila Iamarino and Anderson Gaveta. We also express our deep gratitude to some of our mentors along our professional path, for helping us to get here, Diego Lucas, Maria Ortiz and, currently, Maria Rosa, to whom we are extremely grateful for encouraging us in the theoretical exploration and practice of artificial intelligence. (Opening parentheses, I, Leonardo, would especially like to thank my fiancĂ©e, Ărica Felipe, and my parents, for their unconditional support). (I, Danilo, would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to my wife, Bianca, and my family, for all the support they have given me). As two great friends, technology enthusiasts since childhood, it was a great honor to write this article! đ
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