Imagine a world where everyday objects are imbued with the power of generative AI. What possibilities and challenges would emerge? ThingsCon aims to explore this frontier by inviting designers to create provotypes of the near future “generative things”.
To ignite imagination and foster meaningful discussions, we like to use the concept of “provotypes” – provocative prototypes of generative things. These tangible glimpses into tomorrow are catalysts, opening up critical dialogues about our impending relationships with AI-infused objects.
The exhibition “Generative Things” premiered at TH/NGS 2024, on 13 December 2024 in Volkshotel Amsterdam, and will travel to other places in 2025, sparking conversations and imaginations. This initiative is organized by ThingsCon, in collaboration with the Master Digital Design of Amsterdam Univesity of Applied Sciences and Waag Futurelab.
Next up, we’re taking Generative Things to Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. Our next public event, scheduled for 14 April, will feature:
- An updated exhibition with new and refined provotype designs, specifically relating them to city life
- An in-depth reflection workshop bringing together design students and professionals
- A public Salon to share insights and spark city-wide discussions
We’re revisiting the provotypes to create “situated designs” that respond to Amsterdam’s unique context. By partnering with local societal organizations, we’ll develop specific scenarios to test our provotypes in real-world settings, bringing the future of Generative Things to life in our city’s streets and spaces.
The results will be unveiled at the HvA Campus building. Prepare to be transported into the future with our immersive exhibition, showcasing these futuristic objects in their envisioned contexts.