In this Episode
In this episode of XR and AI Spotlight, we talk with Keiichi Matsuda, director of Liquid City, about his insights into the future of XR and AI. Keiichi discusses the innovative (and sometimes dystopian) elements of emerging technologies, their integration into daily life, and the evolving role of AI in personal and professional realms. He also touches on the importance of personalization in AI, the impact of AI agents on social interactions, and offers advice to young creatives. Dive into this thought-provoking conversation to explore the intersection of technology, design, and storytelling.
Interview with Keiichi Matsuda
Host: Keiichi, can you share your thoughts on why Hyper Reality turned out dystopian?
Keiichi: Hyper Reality was born from my exploration of emerging technologies and their integration into our daily lives. Initially, it wasn’t intended to be dystopian. It was about envisioning a world where virtual and physical realities merge, influenced by network culture and internet business models. I wanted to show how these technologies, if unchecked, could potentially lead to negative consequences for the users. The dystopian aspect emerged as I delved deeper into the potential consequences of these technologies on society, shaping an environment where our interactions, identities, and perceptions are heavily influenced by these systems.
Host: With the prevalence of AI in our lives, how do you view the balance between AI as an assistant and AI taking over tasks? Where do you draw the line?
Keiichi: This is a fascinating area and it depends on the evolution of our work and the needs of society. As technologies disrupt our lives, we undergo a period of readjustment. The key is to question the relationship we want with AI. The future should ideally be about understanding and defining this interaction. It’s not just about AI taking over jobs, it’s about how these roles evolve and integrate with AI, shaping our future work and society.
Host: In your storytelling and speculative design work, how do you approach the creation of these dense, immersive worlds?
Keiichi: I start with understanding the trajectory of technology and challenging assumptions made about it in the industry and media. I focus on finding characters or situations that can explore these themes in-depth. I believe in creating dense, detailed worlds where every element contributes to the storytelling. This density allows viewers to discover new details upon rewatching, sparking deeper thought and dialogue. It's about using technology to critique itself, creating narratives that resonate and provoke discussion.
Host: How do you stay updated and decide which tools or trends to focus on in your work?
Keiichi: Keeping up with the pace of technology is indeed challenging. My strategy is to focus on what aligns with the projects I'm working on. While having a general sense of where technology is heading is important, I delve into specific tools as they become relevant to my work. This approach prevents being overwhelmed by the constant influx of new technologies. It’s about identifying the right tool for the job at the right time, and sometimes it means being selective and even ignoring new developments until they are pertinent to my objectives.
Host: "Merger" presents a world where AI deeply intertwines with corporate and economic structures. How do you envision the future of work with the increasing influence of AI?
Keiichi: "Merger" was inspired by the idea that AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of our corporate and economic systems. In the future, I believe AI will play a crucial role in decision-making processes, streamlining operations, and even predicting market trends. However, this raises important questions about transparency, ethics, and human oversight. While AI can greatly enhance efficiency and provide insights beyond human capabilities, it's crucial that we establish guidelines and ethical standards to govern its use in corporate environments. The future of work, in this context, will likely involve a blend of human creativity and AI’s analytical power, leading to new forms of collaboration and innovation.
Host: In "Agents," we see a vision of AI as personal, interactive characters that blend into our daily lives. What impact do you think such personalized AI agents will have on our social interactions and personal lives?
Keiichi: "Agents" imagines AI as more than just tools; they become companions and facilitators in our everyday activities. This personalization of AI can profoundly impact our social interactions and personal lives. On one hand, these agents can make life more convenient by taking care of mundane tasks, offering personalized advice, and even providing companionship. On the other hand, there's a risk of over-reliance on these AI agents, potentially impacting our ability to interact with other humans and manage tasks independently. The challenge will be to integrate these agents into our lives in a way that enhances, rather than diminishes, our human experiences and relationships. It’s about finding the right balance where AI agents serve as helpful assistants without overshadowing the richness of human-to-human connections.
Host: What advice would you give to young designers and creatives aspiring to explore the intersection of technology, design, and storytelling as you do?
Keiichi: For young creatives eager to delve into this intersection, my advice is to be curious and open-minded. Explore various technologies, but also focus on storytelling and the human experience. Don’t just get caught up in the technical aspects; think about how these technologies affect individuals and societies. Cultivate a diverse set of skills and perspectives, and don't be afraid to experiment and take risks. Stay informed about technological advancements, but also stay true to your creative vision and the stories you want to tell. The future of design and storytelling is about blending these elements in ways that are meaningful and impactful.
Host: How do XR and AI complement each other in current applications, and what does the future hold for their convergence?
Keiichi: XR and AI have immense potential to complement each other, especially in education. The integration of these technologies can create engaging, personalized learning experiences, like in the project Meet Wol. In the future, I envision a world where agents - AI-driven entities - become a part of our daily lives, assisting us in various tasks and interactions. This could lead to a more intuitive and immersive way of interacting with technology, moving away from traditional interfaces to a world where AI and humans coexist more naturally.
Host: Finally, what excites you about the future of XR and AI, especially in terms of creative possibilities and societal impact?
Keiichi: I’m thrilled about the prospects of XR and AI in creating new forms of interaction, storytelling, and societal engagement. The potential for these technologies to reshape how we learn, communicate, and experience the world is enormous. I’m particularly excited about the idea of AI agents becoming more integrated into our lives, transforming our interaction with technology into something more relational and intuitive. This represents a positive vision for the future, where technology enhances our human experiences rather than dominating them.
