Innovating Accessibility with Mind's Eye: A Collaboration with Smartbox, Eye-Tracking, and Human-Centered Design

In today's episode, we are delving into the groundbreaking world of AI art expression for those with Motor Neuron Disease (or MND) such as ALS. We spoke with guests Franklin Williams and Evan Schmidt from the AREA 23 Agency, along with Richard Cave from the MND Association.

Richard Cave is a Speech and Language Therapist, working with the MND Association and also with Google, providing specialist Speech Therapy consultancy to the technology teams.

He is also PhD candidate at University College London, national adviser to Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists for voice banking and 2022 Allied Professional of the Year recipient from the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations.

Then from Area 23, we have Franklin Williams and Evan Schmidt. As EVP, Executive Director of Experience Design, Franklin is an ideal blend of creativity, user experience, and technology, and has been using his passion for innovation to elevate the importance of experience design in the advertising industry for nearly 20 years. 

Along with Franklin we also have Evan Schmidt, Associate Creative Director (Art) at AREA 23. Evan is a dynamic creative fueled by an unwavering passion for AI art. With a background in illustration and a flair for innovation, he seamlessly integrates AI algorithms into his artistic vision, crafting visually stunning and thought-provoking pieces. Together with the team at AREA 23 an IPG Health Company, Evan helped to develop the Mind’s Eye app. 

Mind’s Eye is the world’s first AI art expression tool for people with MND/ALS. As an Associate Creative Director, Evan inspires his team to embrace the transformative power of AI, creating a new era of visually captivating and intellectually stimulating experiences.

In our conversation, we unravelled the journey behind Mind's Eye, exploring its purpose, unique features, and the impact it has on the lives of its users. We also uncover the synergy between Mind's Eye and the Smart Eye assistive technology partner Smartbox (who use our eye tracking to help give a voice to those who are unable to) the pivotal role of eye tracking technology, and hear inspiring user stories. Evan has an exciting call-to-action for our listeners—try Mind's Eye in Grid with a 60-day free trial for Windows or a 30-day free trial for iPad at thinksmartbox.com/try-grid. Get ready for a deep dive into the transformative realm of Mind's Eye and the evolution of human-centric AI!

Links of interest: 

• [Try it] Try Mind's Eye in Grid with a 60-day free trial:  thinksmartbox.com/try-grid 
• [Watch] Mind’s Eye: https://minds-eye.app/home/
• [Read] Smartbox: https://thinksmartbox.com/products/eye-gaze/
• [Get] Smart Eye Smartbox Case Study: https://smarteye.se/testimonials/empowering-people-with-disabilities-with-eye-tracking-technology-a-smartbox-and-smart-eye-collaboration/