7 Key Takeaways from The GIANT Room Common Sense Media Panel Discussion

Azi, sharing GIANT Room co-design Remix creations along with some iconic sights from the beautiful San Francisco Common Sense Media Summit backdrop!

During the Common Sense Media panel discussion on “What is Possible in Research and Design When We Listen to Young People” The GIANT Room CEO Azi Jamalian shared how the GIANT Room has championed co-designing our collective future with kids for kids. Lisa Guernsey from New America, Amanda Lenhart from Common Sense Media, and Dr. Jason Yip, Ph.D 葉嘉興 from University of Washington presented their findings from collaborating on research and design projects with kids and truly seeking and absorbing the feedback that they provide before, during, and after the process. The following are seven key takeaways from the panel:

1. 60% of youth think that politicians and elected officials don’t reflect the needs, desires, and experiences of young people in USA.

2. The greatest risk is assuming we know what kids and our youth want and design for them (or make decisions for them).

3. When we trust kids’ and youths’ voices and give them a seat at design tables in decision making rooms, they show up and are serious about making a positive change.

4. A Key element of co-designing with kids is building trust and creating a non-hierarchical culture signaling all designers and decision makers (kids and adults) that their ideas are valid (not silly, funny, cute, or impossible), worthy of exploration, and that their contributions make a difference.

5. Another important factor is going through the process with open minds and with an attitude of an improviser: build on each other's ideas and be present.

6. AI is transforming our collective future and it’s important to design AI tools with kids and for kids. In our own work at The GIANT Room, we have learned that kids are keen in using AI as a tool in their creative process when they also have skin in the game (as opposed to AI taking over and doing things on their behalf). AI can’t be the glorious adult in the room, it needs be designed to act as a “collaborator”.

7. AI is transforming our collective future and it’s important to design AI tools with kids and for kids. In our own work at The GIANT Room, we have learned that kids are keen in using AI as a tool in their creative process when they also have a skin in the game (as opposed to AI taking over and doing things for them). AI can’t be a glorious adult in the room, it needs be designed to act as a “collaborator”.

Do you want to see how GIANT kids have been co-designing with AI as a collaborator? Check out some of our GIANT Remixes, then sign up to create your own!