Category Archives: Technology

Exploring the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Futures Research

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in futures research is becoming increasingly popular as the technology continues to develop and become more accessible. AI can be used to quickly analyze large amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions that would otherwise be impossible. This can significantly reduce the amount of time and resources needed to conduct futures research, making it more efficient and cost-effective. In this article, we will explore how AI can be used in futures research, as well as look at two case studies that demonstrate its potential.

First, it is important to understand the fundamentals of AI and how it works. AI is a field of computer science that enables machines to learn from experience and make decisions without being explicitly programmed. AI systems can be trained using various methods, such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. The most common type of AI used in futures research is supervised learning, which involves using labeled data sets to teach the system how to recognize patterns and make predictions.

Once an AI system is trained, it can be used to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that would otherwise be impossible to detect. This can be used to make predictions about future trends, as well as to identify potential opportunities and risks. AI can also be used to develop scenarios and simulations that can help to anticipate and prepare for future events.

To illustrate the potential of AI in futures research, let’s look at two case studies. The first is a project conducted by the US intelligence community to identify potential terrorist threats. The project used AI to analyze large amounts of data, including social media posts and other online activities, to identify patterns that could indicate the potential for an attack. The AI system was able to accurately identify potential threats and alert the appropriate authorities in a timely manner.

The second case study is from a team at the University of California, Berkeley. The team used AI to develop a simulation of the California energy market. The AI system was able to accurately predict future energy prices and suggest ways that energy companies could optimize their operations. The simulation was highly successful and led to significant cost savings for energy companies.

These two case studies demonstrate the potential of AI in futures research. AI can be used to quickly analyze large amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions that would otherwise be impossible. This can significantly reduce the amount of time and resources needed to conduct futures research, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

Overall, AI is rapidly becoming an invaluable tool for futures research. It can be used to quickly analyze large amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions that would otherwise be impossible. AI can also be used to develop scenarios and simulations that can help to anticipate and prepare for future events. With the continued development of AI technology, there is no doubt that its use in futures research will only continue to grow.

Bottom line: Futurology is not fortune telling. Futurists use a scientific approach to create their deliverables, but a methodology and tools like those in FutureHacking™ can empower anyone to engage in futurology themselves.

Image credit: Unsplash

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Exploring the Role of Media and Technology in Shaping the Future

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GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

The rapid advancement of technology and the ubiquitous presence of media have had a profound impact on the way we live and interact with the world around us. Our lives are now inextricably intertwined with media and technology, and as such, our future is being shaped by the way in which we engage with these two forces. This article will explore the role of media and technology in shaping the future, with a particular focus on two case studies.

The first case study is the impact of social media on the modern world. Social media has had a massive influence on the way we communicate, interact and consume information. For example, it has been credited with creating new forms of political activism, allowing people to organize and create communities around shared ideologies and causes. Social media has also had a tremendous impact on the way businesses operate, allowing companies to reach new customers, build relationships and gain insights into consumer behavior. The role of social media in shaping the future of our society is undeniable, as it continues to influence and shape the way we interact and engage with each other.

The second case study is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on our lives. AI has had a tremendous effect on the way we work, play, and interact with each other. AI-powered algorithms are being used to automate processes and improve efficiency, while AI-powered chatbots are becoming increasingly popular for customer service and support. AI is also being used to create personalized experiences for users, as well as to create intelligent recommendations for products and services. AI has the potential to dramatically change the way we interact with our environment, as well as the way we work, play, and live our lives.

In conclusion, media and technology have had a profound impact on the way we live and interact with the world around us. Our lives are now inextricably intertwined with media and technology, and as such, our future is being shaped by the way in which we engage with these two forces. Two case studies have been explored to illustrate this point, namely the impact of social media and the impact of AI. As technology continues to advance and media continues to be ubiquitous, it is clear that these two forces will continue to shape the future of our society and the way we live our lives.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Exploring the Benefits of Automating Business Processes

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Exploring the Benefits of Automating Business Processes

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Over the last decade, automation technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate. Automation can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline processes, allowing businesses to maximize their profits while minimizing their overhead. Automating business processes can also improve customer service, reduce risk, and increase accuracy. The benefits of automating business processes are numerous, and companies of all sizes are beginning to capitalize on them.

One of the most prominent benefits of automating business processes is improved efficiency. Automation can automate mundane tasks such as data entry or customer service inquiries, freeing up employees to focus on more important tasks. Automation can also reduce the time needed to complete certain tasks, and can even reduce the number of steps involved in completing certain processes. Automation can also improve accuracy, as automated systems are less likely to make mistakes than humans.

Another benefit of automating business processes is cost reduction. Automation can reduce the need for manual labor, resulting in lower labor costs. Additionally, automated systems are often more efficient than manual processes, resulting in fewer resources being used and therefore lower costs. Automation can also reduce the time needed to complete certain processes, resulting in reduced overhead costs.

Automation can also improve customer service. Automation can automate mundane tasks such as data entry or customer service inquiries, freeing up employees to focus on more important tasks. Automation can also reduce the time needed to complete certain tasks, resulting in faster response times and better customer service. Automation can also improve accuracy, as automated systems are less likely to make mistakes than humans.

Finally, automating business processes can reduce risk. Automation can automate processes that involve risk, such as accounts receivable or payroll. Automating such processes can reduce the risk of mistakes and help ensure accuracy. Automation can also reduce the risk of data loss or theft, as automated systems are often more secure than manual processes.

Case Study – Amazon:

One company that has successfully leveraged the benefits of automation is Amazon. Amazon has automated many of its processes, from its inventory management system to its customer service platform. Automating these processes has allowed Amazon to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service. Amazon has also been able to reduce the risk of mistakes, as automated systems are less likely to make errors than humans.

Case Study – Microsoft:

Another company that has successfully leveraged the benefits of automation is Microsoft. Microsoft has automated many of its processes, from its software development process to its customer service platform. Automating these processes has allowed Microsoft to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service. Additionally, automating processes has allowed Microsoft to reduce the risk of mistakes, as automated systems are less likely to make errors than humans.

Conclusion

Overall, businesses of all sizes can benefit from automating their processes. Automation can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline processes, allowing businesses to maximize their profits while minimizing their overhead. Automation can also improve customer service, reduce risk, and increase accuracy. The benefits of automating business processes are numerous, and companies of all sizes are beginning to capitalize on them.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Unpacking the Impact of 5G on the Future of Connectivity

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Unpacking the Impact of 5G on the Future of Connectivity

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for faster, more reliable communication technology is becoming more pressing than ever. In the past decade, we have seen the rise of 4G networks, which have enabled faster data speeds and improved network reliability. Now, the world is turning its attention to 5G, the next generation of mobile technology that promises even faster speeds and greater reliability than 4G. But what is the real impact of 5G on the future of connectivity?

To begin, it is important to understand the technical aspects of 5G. 5G networks operate on higher frequency radio waves than their 4G predecessors, which enables them to deliver data at up to 20 times the speed of 4G. This means that 5G networks can provide faster speeds and more reliable connections, even in high-density areas. Additionally, 5G networks can accommodate more connected devices without compromising performance, making them ideal for applications such as the Internet of Things.

The impact of 5G on the future of connectivity can be seen in many different contexts. On a consumer level, 5G networks are expected to revolutionize the way people access the internet. By providing faster speeds and more reliable connections, 5G networks have the potential to bring internet access to previously underserved areas and to make web-based services more accessible to everyone.

On a business level, 5G networks can enable companies to communicate more effectively and leverage the power of the cloud. With faster speeds and greater reliability, businesses can use 5G networks to easily transfer large amounts of data, collaborate with remote teams, and access cloud-based resources. This could have a huge impact on the way businesses operate in the future, allowing them to become more agile and efficient.

To put it simply, 5G networks are expected to revolutionize the way the world connects. With the potential to revolutionize the way people access the internet, enable businesses to collaborate more effectively, and make the Internet of Things a reality, 5G networks are poised to have an enormous impact on the future of connectivity.

To illustrate the potential for 5G networks, let’s look at two case studies.

Case Study #1

The first case study is of a small rural town in the United States. Before 5G, the town had no access to high-speed internet, which hindered economic development and limited educational opportunities. Thanks to the introduction of 5G networks, the town now has access to high-speed internet, opening up new opportunities for economic growth and educational advancement.

Case Study #2

The second case study is of a large multinational company. Before 5G, the company relied on 4G networks to transfer data between its various offices around the world. With the introduction of 5G networks, the company has been able to use 5G to transfer large amounts of data more quickly and reliably, allowing them to become more agile and efficient.

Conclusion

5G networks are expected to revolutionize the way the world connects in the near future. By providing faster speeds and more reliable connections, 5G networks have the potential to bring internet access to previously underserved areas, enable businesses to collaborate more effectively, and make the Internet of Things a reality. The two case studies discussed above show the potential of 5G networks and how they can have a positive impact on the future of connectivity.

Image credit: Pixabay

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The World is About to Get Smaller

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The World is About to Get Smaller

As many of you may already know, recently I joined Oracle to help build a new innovation and digital transformation offering that leverages design thinking and other tools to engage prospective North American customers of Oracle in human-centered problem-solving focused on solving their most pressing challenges.

One of the attractions to this particular role was the opportunity to work for the company with the most complete, modern, flexible and secure enterprise cloud. Oracle Cloud software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications provides customers with the speed and innovation of best-of-breed cloud software in a complete, secure, and connected cloud suite. Our startup within the world’s second largest software company can help reimagine your business, processes, and experiences from a distinctly human perspective.

When we’re not working with customers we’ll be constantly scanning the landscape and looking for opportunities to re-imagine different industries. From time to time, we’ll come across interesting things to share, possibly to provoke a conversation.

Real-time translation is one technology getting closer every year to being ready for widespread adoption. One of the more intriguing recent implementations of real-time translation that moves us closer to the Babel fish holy grail is Google’s Pixel Buds from late 2017.

First let’s look at this video that evaluates how well Google Pixel Buds do real-time translation:

And now let’s look at a real world application test video from Air New Zealand that dives into how the airline might use them in practice along with their ability to handle something like 40 languages:

But Google is not standing still as evidenced by this article and the video below that shows the Google Assistant Interpreter Mode launched earlier this year. Now it is only 27 languages not 40, but it’s a start:

Here’s a full list of languages supported:

Arabic
Chinese
Czech
Danish
Dutch
English
Finnish
French
German
Greek
Hindi
Hungarian
Indonesian
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Slovak
Spanish
Swedish
Thai
Turkish
Ukrainian
Vietnamese

The technology is supposed to be integrated into all Google Assistant enabled headphones in the future, but I’m not sure whether that has happened yet or not.

The Interpreter Mode seems to only work on Google Home and some other Google smart devices, but not on phones. You can install the Google Translate application on your Android phone and do some translation, but the experience is not as seamless. You can download Google Translate from the Google Play store.

So, what do you think? Does this technology have value now? How much more time do you think they need to make the technology even better?

Is there a role for technology like this in your business?

Parting Shot

So, if you work for a large company in North America and you’re interested in re-imagining your business, exploring the possibilities of accelerating to the speed of the cloud, or tackling a wicked challenge with our team (on a COMPLIMENTARY basis to select companies), please contact me.

Accelerate your change and transformation success

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Design Thinking in the Age of AI and Machine Learning

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Design Thinking in the Age of AI and Machine Learning

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

The world is rapidly changing, and with the emergence of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Design thinking has become a powerful tool for businesses to stay competitive by helping them to better understand customer needs and develop innovative solutions. In the age of AI and machine learning, design thinking can be used to create better experiences, drive innovation, and improve the quality of products and services.

Design thinking is an approach that focuses on understanding user needs, designing solutions that meet those needs, and testing those solutions to ensure they are successful. By taking a human-centered approach to problem solving, design thinking helps businesses to develop products and services that are tailored to customer needs. It also provides a structure for understanding customer feedback and making iterative improvements.

In the age of AI and machine learning, design thinking is more important than ever for businesses to stay competitive. AI and machine learning technologies are transforming the way businesses operate and creating new opportunities for innovation. Design thinking can help businesses to identify the customer needs that AI and machine learning can address, develop solutions to meet those needs, and create customer experiences that are tailored to the changing landscape.

One example of design thinking in the age of AI and machine learning is the development of predictive customer service. Predictive customer service uses AI and machine learning technologies to anticipate customer needs and provide personalized experiences. Companies like Amazon and Google are using AI and machine learning to provide personalized recommendations and customer support. By understanding customer needs and leveraging the power of AI and machine learning, these companies are able to provide better experiences and improve customer satisfaction.

Another example of design thinking in the age of AI and machine learning is the development of intelligent products and services. Companies are using AI and machine learning technologies to create products and services that can anticipate customer needs and provide tailored experiences. For example, Amazon is using AI and machine learning to develop Alexa, a virtual assistant that is able to understand customer requests and provide personalized responses. By leveraging the power of AI and machine learning, companies are able to create products and services that are more intuitive and provide better customer experiences.

Design thinking is an important tool for businesses to stay competitive in the age of AI and machine learning. By understanding customer needs and leveraging the power of AI and machine learning, businesses can create better customer experiences and drive innovation. Design thinking provides a framework for understanding customer needs and developing solutions that will meet those needs. By using design thinking, businesses can create products and services that are tailored to the changing landscape and stay ahead of the competition.

SPECIAL BONUS: Braden Kelley’s Problem Finding Canvas can be a super useful starting point for doing design thinking or human-centered design.

“The Problem Finding Canvas should help you investigate a handful of areas to explore, choose the one most important to you, extract all of the potential challenges and opportunities and choose one to prioritize.”

Image credit: Pixabay

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Examining the Impact of Machine Learning on the Future of Work

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Examining the Impact of Machine Learning on the Future of Work

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

As technology continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly clear that the future of human labor is changing. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) that is revolutionizing the way businesses operate and the opportunities that are available for workers. In this article, we will explore how machine learning is impacting the future of work and how organizations can best prepare for this shift.

One of the primary ways that machine learning is impacting the future of work is by automating certain tasks. Machine learning algorithms are able to analyze large datasets and identify patterns and trends that can be used to automate certain processes. This automation can help organizations become more efficient, as tasks that would traditionally take a long time to complete can be accomplished quickly and accurately with the help of machine learning. In addition, automation can also lead to cost savings, as human labor is no longer required to complete certain tasks.

Another way that machine learning is impacting the future of work is by providing new opportunities for skilled workers. Certain jobs that would traditionally require manual labor can now be performed by machines, freeing up workers to focus on tasks that require more creativity and problem-solving skills. This shift can help organizations become more competitive, as they are able to tap into the skills of workers that may not have been available in the past.

Finally, machine learning is also impacting the future of work by creating new employment opportunities. In addition to automating certain tasks, machine learning algorithms can also be used to create new products and services. Companies are now able to use machine learning algorithms to create new applications and services that can be used to improve customer experience or to provide new solutions to existing problems. This can open up new job opportunities for workers who are able to use their skills in areas such as data science, software development, and machine learning.

Overall, it is clear that machine learning is having a profound impact on the future of work. Organizations need to understand how this technology can be used to automate certain processes and create new opportunities for their employees. By leveraging the power of machine learning, organizations can become more efficient, cost-effective, and competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Technology Strategies for Change Leadership Success

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Technology Strategies for Change Leadership Success

GUEST POST from Chateau G Pato

Change leadership is a critical skill for organizations today. As the pace of technology and market changes continues to accelerate, it is essential to have an agile and adaptable leadership team that can manage transitions and stay ahead of the competition. Technology strategies can help organizations to successfully navigate the change process and ensure that changes are implemented effectively and efficiently.

One of the most important aspects of effective change leadership is the ability to properly assess the current situation and develop strategies to address it. To do this, organizations need to leverage the latest technological advances to gain insights into their current operations and identify areas for improvement. This includes utilizing predictive analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to assess the impact of potential changes and identify potential solutions. By leveraging data and analytics, organizations can gain a better understanding of their operations and develop strategies to address identified issues.

Organizations should also take advantage of the latest tools and technologies to facilitate collaboration and communication throughout the change process. This includes leveraging cloud-based platforms and tools to enable employees to collaborate on projects in real time and to provide feedback to change leaders. Social media platforms can also be utilized to keep employees informed and provide a platform for discussion and feedback.

In addition to leveraging technology to assess and communicate changes, organizations should also focus on developing a culture that encourages and supports change. A successful change strategy requires the participation and engagement of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and other partners. Leaders should ensure that all members of the organization are given the opportunity to provide input and feedback, and ensure that their opinions are taken into consideration.

Finally, organizations should focus on developing strategies to manage the implementation of change. This includes utilizing project management tools to track progress and ensure that changes are implemented in a timely manner. Additionally, organizations should develop training and education programs to ensure that employees are able to effectively manage the transition. By leveraging technology, change leaders can ensure that the change process is successful and that changes are implemented quickly and effectively.

By utilizing technology strategies, organizations can ensure that change leadership is successful and that changes are implemented efficiently and effectively. By leveraging data and analytics to assess current operations, developing collaborative tools to ensure participation, and building a culture that encourages change, organizations can ensure that their change leadership strategies are successful.

Image credit: Pexels

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China Plans to Trump Innovation from Outer Space

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China Plans to Trump Innovation from Outer Space

First, let me say that this is not a political article, but instead an article about a potential innovation crisis looming just over the horizon thanks to brinkmanship between China and the United States.

Second, let me say this article is not about killer satellites being launched into orbit by the Trump administration or the People’s Republic of China.

Instead this article is about the psychology of a country being backed into a corner, the measures China is likely to take to fight back when they can’t match the United States dollar for dollar in a tariff fight, the current state of the rare earth metals market and its impact on the future of innovation.

Now, some of you might be asking yourself – What the heck are rare earth metals?

Well, as the name might suggest they are metals that are not often found in dense quantities on earth. Some hypothesize that some of the best rare earth metal finds have an extraterrestrial origin. So, some might say that rare earth metals are literally alien, brought to our planet not by little green men (and women) but by blazing hot meteors smashing into the earth. Rare earth metals are so valuable to collectors and to high tech manufacturers that there are groups of modern day Indiana Jones clones out there racing around the world to be the first to claim the next meteor strike before someone else does (see article) and the Chinese government made a conscious choice to invest in trying to corner the market.

Why?

Because rare earth metals are CRUCIAL to all of the technology that empowers the innovation economy.

There was a 60 Minutes segment from three years ago that CBS recently refreshed and re-aired now that it is again timely given the United States vs. China trade war but they have since moved it to Paramount+. It provides a great introduction to rare earth metals and the role they play in the innovation economy, but this Financial Times video does a good job as well:

(updated 60 minutes video available has been moved to Paramount+)

About the only substantial change in the video is that China’s dominance has dropped from 90% of global production to 80% of global production.

Here is a chart showing the production of rare earths in 2018 in the world (data source):

Rare Earth Data

As the chart shows, China has about 40% of the world’s rare earth metals, but is responsible for 75% of the world’s production of rare earth metals. The military machine of the United States relies on rare earth metals to operate, along with green energy, high technology, electric cars, you name it – nearly every innovation direction we’re trying to go in – relies on rare earth metals.

China has cut off countries from rare earth metals before, most notably Japan, and now they are threatening to do it again to the United States (one article highlighting the threat not just to the United States, but to Europe as well). China is also threatening to begin blacklisting individual technology companies not sympathetic to its cause in the battle of egos and stare down between these two economic superpowers. You have to imagine this would include being cut off from rare earth metals.

So, is the innovation train, this pace of unrelenting technological advance and change, about to come a grinding halt?

I guess we’re all about to find out…

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The Role of Big Data in Futurology and What it Reveals About the Future

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The Role of Big Data in Futurology and What it Reveals About the Future

GUEST POST from Art Inteligencia

The future can be a scary and uncertain concept, but futurology – the study of predicting what may happen in the future – has become one of the most important fields of study in today’s increasingly digitized world. Big data plays an increasingly important role in the field of futurology. By leveraging the vast amounts of data available, futurologists can gain insights into what the future might hold.

Big data is often defined as large datasets which are too vast or complex to be processed and analyzed by traditional means. It is often used to identify patterns and trends which can be used to make predictions about the future. This data can come from a variety of sources, including social media, government records, and even IoT devices.

In the field of futurology, big data can be used to make predictions about future trends and events. By analyzing large datasets, futurologists can identify patterns which can be used to predict the future. For example, by analyzing the data from social media and other sources, futurologists can predict changes in consumer behavior and preferences, as well as political and economic trends.

In addition to predicting future trends and events, big data can also be used to inform decisions about the future. By analyzing data from a variety of sources, futurologists can determine which actions are most likely to lead to a desired outcome. For example, a futurologist might analyze data from various sources to determine which policies or investments are most likely to lead to economic growth.

Big data can also be used to help predict the impact of new technologies on society. By analyzing the data from previous technological advances, futurologists can gain insights into how new technologies might affect the way we live, work, and interact with each other. This can be used to inform decisions about the development of new technologies which can be used to improve our lives in the future.

In conclusion, big data is playing an increasingly important role in the field of futurology. By leveraging large datasets, futurologists can gain insights into what the future might hold, as well as inform decisions about the present. Big data is an invaluable tool for those looking to predict and shape the future.

Image credit: Pixabay

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Human-Centered Change and Innovation

Innovation, change and transformation thought leadership, lovingly curated by Braden Kelley

Category Archives: Technology

Exploring the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Futures Research

Exploring the Benefits of Automating Business Processes

Case Study – Amazon:

Case Study – Microsoft:

Conclusion

Unpacking the Impact of 5G on the Future of Connectivity

Case Study #1

Case Study #2

Conclusion

The World is About to Get Smaller

Design Thinking in the Age of AI and Machine Learning

Examining the Impact of Machine Learning on the Future of Work

Technology Strategies for Change Leadership Success

China Plans to Trump Innovation from Outer Space

The Role of Big Data in Futurology and What it Reveals About the Future