• When AI Gets Personal: Ethics, Jobs, and Judgment in the Age of Algorithms
    Dec 23 2025

    Jared Degnan and AI ethicist Savneet Singh explore the multifaceted world of AI ethics, discussing personal journeys, the implications of AI on jobs, data privacy, and the importance of personal ethics in technology use. They emphasize the need for AI literacy, responsible use, and the ethical considerations that come with emerging technologies.

    Takeaways

    Savneet's journey into AI ethics was sparked by witnessing AI misuse.

    Personal ethics in AI is evolving and requires deeper reflection.

    AI's impact on jobs is about repurposing rather than loss.

    Data privacy has multiple levels that need to be understood.

    Disclosure is crucial when using AI-generated content.

    AI literacy is essential for responsible technology use.

    Ethics starts with individual responsibility and values.

    AI should assist human judgment, not replace it.

    The importance of transparency in AI through disclosure labels.

    Students should develop their own ethical guidelines for AI use.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to AI Ethics

    02:00 Personal Journey into AI Ethics

    04:58 The State of Personal Ethics in AI

    09:01 Data Privacy and Ethical Implications

    13:50 AI Literacy and Disclosure

    18:59 Navigating AI Risks and Responsibilities

    23:43 Personal Ethics and AI Utilization

    26:53 Advice for Students and New Professionals

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Vibe Coding: Embracing AI in Human-Centric Design + Development
    Oct 4 2025

    In this episode of Human Factors Tech, we challenge common assumptions about AI in design and development, focusing on the role of vibe coding.

    We explore how vibe coding can empower UX/UI professionals to embrace new technologies rather than shy away from them. Our analysis highlights the potential of vibe coding to bridge the gap between creative ideas and functional code, making technology more accessible and innovative.

    Takeaways

    Vibe coding challenges traditional design assumptions.

    UX/UI professionals can embrace vibe coding.

    Vibe coding bridges creative ideas and code.

    Design thinking is enhanced by vibe coding.

    Vibe coding fosters innovation in design.

    Non-coders can leverage vibe coding effectively.

    Vibe coding requires thoughtful application.

    Professional developers remain essential.

    Vibe coding evolves with technological advances.

    Embracing AI in design leads to new opportunities.

    Chapters

    00:00:00 Introduction to Vibe Coding

    00:03:00 Challenging AI Assumptions

    00:06:00 Embracing Vibe Coding in Design

    00:09:00 Tools and Techniques for UX/UI

    00:12:00 Future Opportunities in Design and Development

    Listen to full episode:

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  • Empathy: The Heart of IT Leadership
    Jun 24 2025

    In this episode of Human Factors Tech, Jared Degnan delves into the nuanced intersections of authenticity, community engagement, and governance within our AI-driven world. From insights gathered during Atlanta Tech Week to expert discussions around AI ethics, content innovation, and transformative tech, Jared and his guests unpack how human-centric principles can guide us through rapid technological advancement.

    Discover why authenticity remains the cornerstone of meaningful digital experiences, how governance structures must evolve to keep AI ethical, and the ways community engagement fuels sustainable innovation. Featuring voices from the Hidden Genius Project and thought leaders shaping the future of content creation, this conversation explores how real-world experiences are crucial to designing technology that aligns with human values.

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Authenticity in the AI Era: Navigating Content, Community, and Governance
    Jun 17 2025

    In this episode of Human Factors Tech, Jared Degnan delves into the nuanced intersections of authenticity, community engagement, and governance within our AI-driven world. From insights gathered during Atlanta Tech Week to expert discussions around AI ethics, content innovation, and transformative tech, Jared and his guests unpack how human-centric principles can guide us through rapid technological advancement.

    Discover why authenticity remains the cornerstone of meaningful digital experiences, how governance structures must evolve to keep AI ethical, and the ways community engagement fuels sustainable innovation. Featuring voices from the Hidden Genius Project and thought leaders shaping the future of content creation, this conversation explores how real-world experiences are crucial to designing technology that aligns with human values.

    Episode Highlights:

    Why authenticity is essential in an age where AI will soon generate 90% of digital content.

    The urgent need for governance frameworks guiding responsible AI practices.

    Real-world stories from Atlanta Tech Week, emphasizing the power of community-driven innovation.

    How the Hidden Genius Project is empowering Black youth through mentorship in technology.

    Join Jared in exploring the human dimensions of tech evolution, and learn actionable insights to apply within your own tech leadership and innovation journey.

    Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction to Synthetic and Augmented Data

    03:18 - Understanding Augmented Data

    06:35 - Exploring Synthetic Data

    09:18 - Applications of Augmented Data

    12:08 - The Intersection of Data and Personalization

    15:15 - Conclusion and Future Implications

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Synthetic vs. Augmented Data: What You Need to Know For Powerful Personalization
    Nov 19 2024

    Personalization at scale takes data - and a lot of it. In this episode we explore types of data that can can be “home grown” to help create ever more powerful and personalized experiences. In particular we dive into the concepts of synthetic and augmented data and their implications for technology and human experience.


    Resources

    AWS’ Guide To Data Augmentation - https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/data-augmentation/

    Synthetic Data Generation using LLM: Crash Course for Beginners - https://youtu.be/hMjtdECXlYo?si=AHLaad4fj13VlG2N

    Synthetic Data and the Future of AI - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4722162

    Personalization Done Right (Spotify Case Study) - https://hbr.org/2024/11/personalization-done-right

    Takeaways

    Synthetic data mimics statistical properties of real data.

    Augmented data enriches existing data sets for better insights.

    Context is crucial when utilizing data for decision-making.

    Collaboration with data scientists enhances data utilization.

    Synthetic data allows for scaling and running simulations.

    Augmented data can personalize experiences across various industries.

    Data limitations can hinder effective personalization efforts.

    Elasticity testing can benefit from larger synthetic data sets.

    Understanding different data types is essential for professionals.

    The implications of data types extend to healthcare and user experience.

    Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction to Synthetic and Augmented Data

    03:18 - Understanding Augmented Data

    06:35 - Exploring Synthetic Data

    09:18 - Applications of Augmented Data

    12:08 - The Intersection of Data and Personalization

    15:15 - Conclusion and Future Implications

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    Less than 1 minute
  • How to create interactive personas using ChatGPT
    Oct 29 2024

    In this episode we explore the concept of personas in technology design, emphasizing the evolution from traditional one-dimensional personas to interactive personas that can engage in dialogue.

    We'll dive into the importance of understanding the target audiences and how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance the persona creation process.

    The conversation covers the significance of research in building effective personas, the need for realism in persona responses, and concludes with insights on the future of persona development in technology.

    Takeaways

    Personas are essential for understanding the target audience.

    Interactive personas can enhance the design process.

    AI tools like ChatGPT can aid in persona creation.

    Research is crucial for building effective personas.

    Diversity of opinion improves persona accuracy.

    Realism in persona responses is important for engagement.

    Tweaking personas can lead to better outcomes.

    Understanding the user's context enhances persona effectiveness.

    Technology should empower and inspire users.

    The future of personas lies in their interactivity and realism.

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    Less than 1 minute
  • How can AI and wearables revolutionize worker safety?
    Oct 22 2024

    In this episode of Human Factors Tech, we interview Zach Braun, CEO of Slate Safety , a startup focused on wearable technology aimed at improving worker safety.

    The conversation delves into the design and functionality of their wrist-based monitor, which tracks core body temperature and other metrics to prevent heat-related injuries.

    Zach shares insights on the importance of user experience, data privacy, and the role of AI in enhancing workplace safety. The discussion also touches on the future of wearable technology and the lessons learned from customer feedback.

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Can Smarter Tools Lead to Healthier Workers?
    Oct 8 2024
    Less than 1 minute