Five Future of Work Trends From SXSW

A view on SXSW in Austin — it’s where the magic happens

The Search for Inspiration

Being able to absorb broader megatrends and external insights allows us to better understand the complexities of the world today, and possibilities of tomorrow. In search of inspiration, in March I headed off to Austin Texas, my first South By.

South by Southwest (SXSW) founded in 1987, is an annual event ultimately dedicated to helping creative people achieve their goals. It is an annual convergence of music, film and interactive industries. The size and scale of screenings, exhibitions, talks, meet-ups and showcases can only be understood through first-hand experience, an overwhelming amount of stimulus coupled with a true sensory overload. It is said, “SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together”, and I couldn’t agree more.

5 Key Takeaways

The sheer size and scale means means I’d be writing for a long tone in order to share everything I took away, from the intricacies of blockchain, to biohacking, but here are 5 key insights which stuck with me:

1. Automation is making progress; but humanistic traits are lacking — In spectacular style, Google Home was showcased through an immersive experience, set up in every room of a show home. There was no doubt that automation is clearly making huge progress, the kit was able to do many things simply through voice activation. Google Home can make your margarita as you sit back and kick off your shoes after a hard day’s work. It can create the perfect ambience to nurse you through a hangover, dimming the lights, closing the blinds and starting your “hangover playlist” on Spotify as a drawer opens with paracetamol inside. It is even able to connect you to your dog whilst your at work by projecting you voice into the house, and feeding your dog remotely. In provided a window into what could be, yet despite the cool technology, it was apparent that even the coolest tech cannot provide humanistic traits. Empathy, love, affection which fills a house, still cannot be recreated.
2. Robots will not take away all our jobs — The fear-mongering which often populates the discussion around the future of work is counterproductive. As I watched roboticists, novelists and academics discuss the realities of where we truly are with robotics and AI capabilities, it is clear we are a long way off from robot taking over our jobs in full. What must be questioned is the way in which the media shapes and portrays our options on technology, and how are we genuinely thinking about the ethical and societal implications? A robot won’t take you job, a human will.
3. AI is a brain extender — Ray Kurzweil Google’s Director or Engineering and well know futurist has made many prediction of the direction of AI. He predicts that by 2029 artificial intelligence will pass the Turing test (meaning it will match and exceed human intelligence in every area). In a similar vein to the point above, he sees the potential of AI not as a product of alien invasion, but more of an extension to the human brain. It will provide us with the ability to intensify human intelligence and enable us to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. Essentially augmented brain power is in sight!
4. We must design responsibility — Sadiq Khan’s keynote was both refreshing and though provoking. In brief he called for us all to ensure that advances in technology are used to benefit society as a whole. We can use the debate to improve lives and reduce inequality. It is the responsibility of business, society and government alike to design ethically and responsibly.
5. The future is human — Esther Perel delivered what can only be decided as a mesmerising keynote. A renowned therapist, bravely called out one of the key implications that amongst the dazzling tech and immersive experiences appeared to be missing; the most important concept, the future of relationships. As we focus on the connectivity, seamlessness and immediacy which modern technology provides us, we are also losing sight that, such advancement can corrode the intimacy of one on one relationships. Relationships are equally going through a complex cultural shift and need to ensure we are equipped to always have a difficult conversation, strew then our ability to conform the difficult and truly listen. The future is human, lets not forget it.

Our Role in the Future of Work

As disruption continues to take hold of our businesses, industries and society as a whole, innovation, divergent thinking and creativity is a critical success factor underpinning business evolution and long term viability. The corporate world is merging subtly with that of the creative, and producing fascinating insights.

There is no doubt that vibrancy, creativity and technology centricity provides a fascinating environment to learn and be inspired. After all, it’s a place where serendipity happens! Discovery is key in creating the future we build.

There is huge scope to ameliorate our work, our lives, yet we have a responsibility to design consciously and ethically. As we focus on the advancements technology brings, let’s also ensure we think about the role and importance of humans.

There’s huge opportunity — we need to grasp it and consciously create our future.