Synthesis Map & Service Design: Bias in Emerging Technology

Project: Synthesis Map: Bias in Emerging Tech
Program/Class: Understanding Systems Thinking, MDes, OCAD U
Date: April 2021
Responsibilities: Map the systems of the AI industry, service design brief (focus on start-up funding)

Systems thinking allows us to zoom in and out, and map the interconnectedness of the world, whether biological or socio-technical. Through using systemic design tools, my group explored how bias may be embedded in emerging technologies, specifically artificial intelligence. We developed Causal Loop Diagrams, systemigrams, actors maps, and conducted a Three Horizon’s model for a pathway towards ethical AI.

Our research question:

How might we use a systemic approach to explore the AI ecosystem in order to suggest possible interventions to reduce bias and make the technology more equitable?

We developed four leverage points for intervention, which are included in our service design brief:

• Equitable Government-Supported Funding
• Diverse Hiring and company Culture
• Ethics Review Association
• Public Education and Awareness

Class synthesis maps will be hosted on OCAD’s Strategic Innovation Lab.