So, you want to be an AI designer

I published a much longer version (~2800 words) for this article on ACM’s <interactions>, grab it here if you are interested.

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AI, Artificial Intelligence — One of the hottest and sexiest words in 2016 and 2017 and the year beyond. But this word makes me nervous — it makes me so nervous that I don’t want to say it loud every time I introduce myself to you.

Designer? AI?! Wow!

YOU: So, what do you do?
ME: I am a designer…
YOU: Cool! Where do you work?
ME: Hmm, I am working at an AI Lab…
YOU: Did you mean “Artificial Intelligence”? Wow!

I said this word “AI” in such a low key. But you still heard it, clearly. I saw the surprise and curiosity in your eyes, lightning; I saw question marks as well as exclamation points in your mind, exploding; I saw your mouth become wider and bigger in an accelerated motion — “Wow!” And then smaller, along with a speedy wind coming out from the gap between your teeth —

Cool!

This is what makes me nervous.

The Truth

I am not cool

I am cool in a lot of ways but not the way in your mind. I don’t consider myself as an AI designer or a…