Embedded Object Enchantment (EOE)
Philosophy
The philosophy for embedded AI product design seeks to transcend the traditional boundaries between humans, objects, and the environment, forging a new paradigm that recognizes the agency and interconnectedness of all elements. In this vision, objects are no longer passive tools but active participants in a delicate network that includes humans and the world around them.
Drawing from the inspiration of Actor-Network Theory and Object-Oriented Ontology, this philosophy acknowledges that every object has the ability to affect and be affected. It sees the world as an intricate web of relationships, where actions reverberate through the system, influencing and being influenced by every other part.
Emphasizing adaptability and responsiveness, the philosophy prioritizes context awareness and user-centered design. Objects must be sensitive to the unique needs and emotions of human users, as well as the broader ecological and social context in which they exist. They must adapt to create empathetic interactions that reflect the human experience.
The pursuit of harmony and balance is central to this philosophy. Inspired by principles of Taoism and cybernetics, it seeks to create a natural flow of energy within the network and to maintain equilibrium through feedback loops and adaptive mechanisms. Objects work in concert with each other and their human counterparts to create a harmonious and condition-appropriate environment.
Ethical considerations and sustainability are integral to this approach. Objects are designed with mindfulness toward the environment, using sustainable materials and minimizing waste. They also have a social responsibility, challenging social norms and inequalities, and fostering change and inclusiveness.
Empowerment and personalization form the heart of this philosophy. Guided by existentialism and constructivism, it empowers users to explore authenticity and make conscious choices. It facilitates personalized experiences that adapt to individual understanding and interaction with the world.
Finally, the philosophy values openness and collaboration. Drawing from Ubuntu and open systems theory, it fosters community building and interconnectedness. It encourages open standards that facilitate collaboration, innovation, and the co-creation of a shared technological landscape.
In essence, this philosophy paints a vision of a future where technology is not just intelligent but also wise, compassionate, sustainable, and deeply connected to human values and societal needs. It guides the creation of AI-embedded products that serve as companions, teachers, and caretakers, honoring the complexity and beauty of human existence. It's a call to a higher purpose for technology, one that recognizes the profound potential of objects to be more than mere tools, and to play an active and meaningful role in shaping our lives and our world.
Passive Consensus Model
1. Continuous Observation and Learning
Objects in the network are continuously observing and learning from human behavior, preferences, environmental conditions, and each other. They build an understanding of what is likely to be desired or needed without direct human input.
2. Contextual Interpretation
Objects interpret the context in which they and the humans are operating. They understand the time of day, the mood of the human users (through cues such as facial expressions or tone of voice), the activities being performed, and other relevant factors.
3. Collaborative Inference
Objects collaborate with each other to infer the best course of action. This collaboration can be based on shared observations, historical data, common goals, and ethical guidelines. The process does not involve explicit voting but rather a decentralized, iterative process of sharing insights and converging on a consensus.
4. Human Interjection and Direct Addressing
Humans can interject or directly address an object or the local environment if they want to guide or override the process. This can be done through voice commands, gestures, or other interfaces. Such interjections are integrated into the consensus process and given significant weight.
5. Soft Execution and Feedback
Actions determined through the passive consensus are executed in a "soft" manner, meaning that they are designed to be easily reversible or adjustable. Objects may also seek implicit feedback through observation (e.g., noticing if a human user seems pleased with a temperature adjustment) or explicit feedback if prompted by the user.
6. Ethical and Sustainable Alignment
The consensus process aligns with the ethical guidelines and sustainability principles embedded in the design philosophy. Objects act in accordance with these principles, even in the absence of direct human guidance.
7. Adaptation and Evolution
The network continuously adapts and evolves based on experiences, feedback, and changes in context. It becomes more attuned to the preferences and needs of its human users over time, without requiring active input.
Conclusion
The passive consensus model represents a subtle, empathetic, and adaptive approach to orchestration in a decentralized IoT network. It relies on observation, inference, collaboration, and soft execution rather than active voting and direct human input.
This design allows for a more seamless integration of technology into daily life, as objects proactively and harmoniously respond to human needs and environmental conditions. It creates a living, breathing technological ecosystem that understands and anticipates, yet always leaves room for human agency and direct control when desired.
The passive consensus model embodies a vision of technology as a silent partner, a compassionate companion that enhances life without intruding upon it. It's a realization of the philosophy of embedded AI products, crafting a future where technology serves not with noise and flash but with quiet wisdom, sensitivity, and grace.