Conversational Prototyping project

We are working on a new project on using Large Language Models (LLMs) to prototype physical products. The project is called Conversational Prototyping: Leveraging generative AI to support iterative device production and testing and is funded by the UKRI pro² network+. The project is a collaboration with Poppe and Partners in Amsterdam, and we are working with two external partners: Datalink Electronics in Loughborough and Electric Circus in Amsterdam.

In the projects, we are trying to harness the power of LLMs in a new way, by letting them perform different functions in a physical product, that are developed in a conversation with the designer. This is inspired by the idea of Intelligence on Tap, which considers artificial intelligence as a new design material. By working with two different partners - an electronics device manufacturer, and a robotic performance group - we will create entirely new ways to dynamically prototype new and exciting functionality in these products.

You can read more about Conversational Prototyping as well as the other projects that have been funded by the pro² network+ here!

Two new Professor positions at NTU School of Art and Design

We are excited to announce two new positions at Nottingham Trent University, School of Art and Design! We are growing our research rapidly and there are fantastic opportunities for cross-disciplinary projects, including our Digital, Technology and Creative strategic research theme.

We are looking for a Professor in Creative Industries to work across disciplines spanning fine art, graphic design, illustration, animation, photography, filmmaking, gaming, visual effects and design for stage and screen, exploring the application and impact of digital technologies in areas such as the metaverse, virtual/augmented/ mixed reality and immersive experiences.

We are also looking for a Professor in Advanced Textiles, who will be joining a strong and dedicated team of academics, researchers and technicians with excellent technical facilities to facilitate interdisciplinary and collaborative research.

Feel free to contact me at lars.holmquist@ntu.ac.uk for more information and please share in your network!

Job title: Professor - Creative Industries

Job reference: 551326

https://vacancies.ntu.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=1356

Job title: Professor - Advanced Textiles

Job reference: 551327

https://vacancies.ntu.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?JobId=1357

Welcome new PhD student Seher Singh!

Seher Singh is a new PhD student at the Nottingham School of Art and Design. She has an interdisciplinary background that consists of a MSc in Human Computer Interaction from the University of Nottingham and a BSc in Psychology from the University of Bath. She enjoys designing and conducting research studies; and her current areas of interest include Mixed Reality and User Experience. Her current work is all about Blending Real and Physical Interaction in Immersive Experiences. 

This PhD will investigate the combination of immersive displays (virtual reality) and rapid manufacturing (such as 3D printing) to create blended virtual-physical environments. Usually, everything in VR is completely virtual, but she will investigate using 3D printing, laser cutting and other low-cost, rapid fabrication processes to physically manufacture parts of the environment; then track and seamlessly integrate the physical components into the virtual environment. While this approach has been tried in several domains already, such as training and games, in this project she will take a fundamental principles approach, aiming to create a toolkit for creating and integrating physical and virtual environments. The research methods will involve human-computer interaction design, co-creation with users, iterative design and prototyping, qualitative and quantitative experiential testing in labs.

Study Creative Technologies at NTU

The new Creative Technologies MSc is open for applications at the School of Art and Design, Nottingham Trent University! You will have access to cutting-edge facilities at the Design & Digital Arts building, and a strong network of academic and industry experts. Members of the Connected Experiences Lab are involved in the program both as instructors and collaborators. We hope to meet the next generation of creative technologists!

Full information on how to apply can be found here:

https://www.ntu.ac.uk/course/art-and-design/pg/msc-creative-technologies

PhD studentships in Digital, Technology and Creative

Nottingham Trent University is offering 8 funded PhD studentships aligned to the Digital, Technology and Creative Strategic Research Theme, led by Prof. Lars Erik Holmquist and Prof. Eiman Kanjo. The studentships cover digital creativity and heritage, and several will be aligned to the CXL research group and the new Design & Digital Arts building in the city centre.

Click this link for full details on how to apply.

Talk at The Collective on Irresponsible AI

The Collective is bringing together creative & digital innovators, thought leaders & industry professionals from across the East Midlands to share, learn, connect, hatch plans & collaborate through a series of regular events & talks.

Professor Lars Erik Holmquist will give a talk at the next event:

Wednesday 9 October 2024, 1700-1930 at Belgrave Postgraduate Centre, Nottingham Trent University. 

Irresponsible AI: Why artists and creatives must take control of the means of generation

Generative artificial intelligence has quickly become an important tool in the creative industries. It is now possible to create high-quality text, images, music and even videos from just a simple text prompt. However, the most accessible AI models are currently firmly in the hands of a few very large companies in the tech industry, who are wary of any controverses that can affect their stock price. While safety and ethics are important, art thrives on uniqueness and breaking boundaries, and there is a danger that when the generative models are controlled and owned by a small number of actors, this will stifle creativity. In the worst case, it can lead to bland and generic outputs, and even become a form of pre-censorship. I will discuss how users of AI, in particular artists and creatives, need to take matters of technology in their own hands – in other words, take control of this means of generation.

BOOK HERE!

AI commentary on ITV news

Professor Lars Erik Holmquist appeared in an ITV television special on artificial intelligence and on ITV News on October 3. He talked about artificial intelligence and creativity, and how generative AI is already used in many creative fields such as music and filmmaking. But his prediction is that in the workplace, AI is only taking over "low-level" tasks like writing office memos and producing diagrams. For work that requires real human quality, AI is just another new tool that will help creatives to maximise their potential.

Watch the special on ITV below. The segment on creativity and AI starts at 11:30. There are also some nice views of NTU's new Design & Digital Arts building!