Unmaking AI Workshop – Engaging Critically and Creatively with GenAI
Author ADM+S Centre
Date 5 December 2024
On 1 December the “Unmaking AI” Workshop at OzCHI 2024 brought together a diverse group of researchers, practitioners, and AI enthusiasts at The University of Queensland, Brisbane.
With AI technologies rapidly reshaping industries and societal norms, the workshop addressed the pressing need to critically analyse their impacts. Moving beyond surface-level discussions of “bias,” participants explored the social, cultural, political, and environmental dimensions of GenAI.
Facilitated by Dr Luke Munn, Dr Danula Hettiachchi, and Dr Awais Hameed Khan alongside AI developers, scholars, and industry partners from Microsoft, Google, and Canva, the workshop invited participants to engage with generative AI (GenAI) in creative and critical ways.
An Inspiration Showcase demonstrated how people were using genAI in innovative ways across very different domains, from drama and art history to journalism and qualitative research.
A core part of the workshop was “HelloAI”, a custom card deck featuring Action, Reflection, and Contemplation cards. Participants chose their cards and were guided through activities in a thoughtful and playful way, discussing questions ranging from accessibility and authorship to gender and race.
The tools and resources developed for the workshop—including slide decks, a reading library, and inspiration videos—have sparked ideas for future applications.
Workshop organisers: Dr Luke Munn, Dr Awais Hameed Khan, Dr Danula Hettiachchi, Samar Sabie, Dr Lida Ghahremanlou, Saarim Saghir, Nicholas Lambourne and Assoc Prof Liam Magee.
