Research

Re-imagining AI with Afrofuturist speculative design

This project explored how emerging AI technologies can be used to benefit everyone, especially communities that are marginalised by/within dominant society. This means using technology for the digital good by addressing issues of inequality, exclusion, and justice.

Drawing on the creativity of Afrofuturism, a cultural movement reimagining and shaping the future through a ‘Black cultural lens’, this project offered new ideas on how technology can be used to help marginalised communities and challenge power structures. This involved reclaiming and repurposing technology in new ways that are more equitable and inclusive.

At the centre of the project were participatory workshops developed in collaboration with BLAST Fest to collectively reflect on and reimagine emerging AI technologies. Resources grounded in Afrofuturist speculative practices guided workshop participants to reflect on the past, present, and future through the lens of their experiences as members of Black and other minoritised communities.

Team

Dr Sanjay Sharma, Associate Professor, University of Warwick

Dr Kavin Narasimhan, Assistant Professor, University of Warwick

Anita Shervington, Director, BLAST Fest

Juice Aleem, Media Fellow, BLAST Fest