Carla Diana - Human-Centered Robots and the Future of Design

In this episode of Brave UX, host Brendan Jarvis interviews designer, author, and educator Carla Diana, a leader in human-centered product design and technology. Carla is the D Designer-in-Residence and Head of Program at the Cranbrook Academy of Art and works part-time as the Design Advisor at Diligent Robotics.

Join Carla and Brendan as they explore the future of smart technologies, including Carla’s work on humanizing healthcare robots and her project "Mobility Town," which reimagines public transportation in Detroit. Carla also discusses the challenges of designing relatable robots, societal misconceptions about AI, and the ethical implications of technology. The conversation delves into the roles of designers in shaping how people interact with technology innovations like autonomous systems and social robots, urging a thoughtful consideration of technology’s impact on society.

 

Highlights include:

• 00:00 - Getting to Know Carla Diana
• 05:31 - The Importance of Critical Engagement
• 12:01 -  Mobility Town: Reimagining Transportation in Detroit
• 18:01 - The Social Aspects of Public Transport
• 24:01 - The Narrative Around Robots
• 30:01 - Designing Relatable Robots
• 36:01 - Ethical Implications of Design
• 42:01 - The Role of AI in Robotics
• 48:01 - Autonomous Vehicles and Society's Responsibility
• 55:01 - Reflections on Design Education and Technology

Who is Carla Diana

Carla Diana is a highly influential designer, author, and educator known for her work at the intersection of technology and human-centered product design. She is the founder and designer-in-residence of the Interaction Design Programme at Cranbrook Academy of Art, where she leads an innovative exploration into smart objects, immersive environments, and intelligent systems. Carla also serves as a design advisor at Diligent Robotics, shaping healthcare robots to assist workers better. 

Her extensive experience includes roles at Smart Design and Frog Design, where she worked on diverse products, from robots to connected home appliances. Carla authored "Leo, The Maker Prince," the first children’s book about 3D printing, and "My Robot Gets Me," which focused on intuitive design for intelligent technologies. She’s a frequent speaker at prominent events like TEDx SXSW, and her writing has been featured in Fast Company, The New York Times, and Popular Science.

Find Carla Diana Here

• Carla Diana on LinkedIn
• Cranbrook Academy of Art Website
• Diligent Robotics Website

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