Reflecting on my project, “What is autonomous flight, and how is it shaping the future of aviation?”, I’ve gained valuable insights into how media can engage audiences and communicate complex ideas. Despite not attending the studio exhibition due to work commitments, my involvement in setting it up gave me a unique perspective on everyone else’s work. This project was completed within the context of my first studio, Decoding AI: Automating Societies, which explores how AI is shaping various societal structures, a theme central to my piece on autonomous flight.
One of my key aims with this explainer was to make a complex, technical topic accessible and engaging to a broader audience. Autonomous flight is not only a cutting-edge technology but also one that could drastically reshape industries and employment. By focusing on the societal and economic impacts, I sought to reflect the studio’s overarching concern with how AI-driven technologies are shaping the future, both in positive and problematic ways.
To achieve this, I aimed to balance detailed information with a clear, engaging narrative structure. I also planned to incorporate high quality visuals and key topic headings which would help explain complex concepts without overwhelming the viewer. While I had to cut a lot of information due to time constraints, I wanted my video to inspire curiosity and invite the audience to consider both the benefits and ethical implications of autonomous flight technology.
I am very happy with the overall outcome of the video explainer. From the footage, interview, transitions to the mic work. It all came together very well despite a couple of setbacks. I think my interview was the most successful part of my project. My interviewee gave me exactly what I needed for the video.
However, the most problematic aspect was the footage corruption I experienced during production. Losing significant portions of my video just days before the deadline was a stressful setback, as I had to recreate a large part of the explainer. The need to make last-minute changes also heightened the difficulty of deciding which information to include or leave out. I had gathered so much valuable content on autonomous flight, but with limited time and space, it was hard to prioritise what was essential for the audience to understand.
This process also reminded me of a critical point made by Fors et al. (2022) in their chapter on automated decision-making (ADM) in shared mobility. They highlight how decisions about what data to prioritize in technological systems inevitably shape public perceptions of that technology. Similarly, the information I chose to focus on in my video shaped how viewers would understand autonomous flight and its implications. This decision-making process was perhaps more difficult than I anticipated, particularly because I wanted to cover not just the technical aspects but also the societal consequences.
If I were to continue working on this media piece, the core improvements I would make include extending the video and adding more infographics. Given the constraints of a 5-7 minute video, I had to compress a lot of information. An extended version, perhaps closer to 15-20 minutes, would allow me to explore more aspects of autonomous flight deeper, including its regulatory challenges, impact on jobs, etc.
The inclusion of more infographics would also make the video more accessible to non-English speaking audiences, as well as those who may struggle with technical jargon. Visual aids are a powerful way to break down complex concepts, and their inclusion would help ensure that the key ideas are communicated clearly, even to those unfamiliar with aviation or AI technologies. As Goggin and Soldatić (2022) discuss in their work on digital inclusion and automated decision-making, ensuring accessibility in media representations of technology is crucial in promoting wider understanding and participation in the digital world.
One key lesson I’ve learned from this studio experience is the importance of storytelling when discussing complex technologies like AI. Throughout the course, we’ve discussed how technologies such as autonomous flight are not neutral; they are embedded within broader societal, political, and economic systems. For example, Petrass (2022) emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in AI’s deployment, especially in urban settings. This resonates with my project, as the push for autonomous flight is not just about technical innovation, it’s also about power, control, and how different stakeholders stand to gain or lose from this shift. Moving forward, I’ll carry this lesson into future projects, ensuring that I remain mindful of the broader implications of the stories I tell, especially when those stories concern emerging technologies with significant societal impacts.
One key takeaway from working collaboratively, even if informally, is the importance of feedback and shared ideas. Although my final project was an individual effort, the early brainstorming sessions with my classmates helped refine my approach. We shared resources, discussed readings, and exchanged ideas, which enriched my understanding of the key themes we were exploring. Collaboration, even in its smallest form, fosters creativity and helps address blind spots that might not be apparent when working alone.
In conclusion, this project, while challenging, provided me with valuable insights into both the technical and narrative aspects of media-making in the context of AI. By engaging with the readings and themes discussed throughout the course, I was able to explore the societal implications of autonomous flight while also learning about the importance of accessibility, collaboration, and critical storytelling. Moving forward, I hope to apply these lessons to future projects, particularly those involving emerging technologies, as they will undoubtedly continue to shape our world in profound ways.
References:
Fors, V., Brodersen, M., Raats, K., Pink, S., & Smith, R. (2022). “Investigating ADM in Shared Mobility: A design ethnographic approach”. In S. Pink, M. Ruckenstein, M. Berg.
Goggin, G., & Soldatić, K. (2022). ‘Automated decision-making, digital inclusion and intersectional disabilities’, “New Media & Society”, 24(2), 384-400. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448211063173
Petrass, R. (2022, September 12). ‘AI is watching you: How to ethically capture urban data for smart cities’. “The Fifth Estate”. Retrieved July 16, 2024, from https://thefifthestate.com.au