Link To Smit's Work: https://smitdesai.net/ Smit's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smit-desai-6b54bb83/ Smit on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesmitdesai Podcast and Other Links: https://theideasandboxpodcast.com/ Behance Link to My Artwork: https://www.behance.net/theideasandbox Link to Substack Blogs: https://thecuriousnobody.substack.com/ My Trusty Search Engine: https://www.perplexity.ai/ Welcome to the Idea Sandbox! Today, I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, Smit Desai, a PhD candidate at the University of Illinois specializing in Human-Computer Interactions. Smit's groundbreaking research focuses on voice user assistants, like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. He explores how these technologies can take on new roles—such as exercise coaches, storytellers, health advisors, and research assistants—to enrich our learning and daily lives. In our conversation, we dive into the influence of existentialist philosophy on Smit's work. We draw connections to the artistic projects I've been pursuing, highlighting how philosophy and technology intersect in fascinating ways. We then shift gears to discuss the transformative potential of AI. Smit shares his insights on the 'tsunami of changes' AI is expected to bring, especially its impact on India's IT sector, which stands on the cusp of significant AI-driven transformations. Further into our discussion, Smit and I delve into the principles of co-design and design thinking. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing accessibility in product design and advocating for innovative and ethical approaches to creating technology. This episode is filled with enlightening conversations about AI's future and thoughtful design's role in shaping a better world. I invite you to join the dialogue by leaving comments, sharing feedback, or reaching out on Twitter. Let's continue to inspire each other and spread great ideas, one step at a time. Chapters: 0:00:00 Start 0:05:30 Diving Deep into Caste: A Personal Journey 00:22:17 Existentialism Unveiled: A Deep Dive 00:32:20 Existentialism Decoded: Finding Joy in the Abyss 00:34:37 Embracing 'What Will People Say?' with Confidence 00:41:37 From Cricket Dreams to Reality: Smit's Unconventional Path 00:53:44 Intelligence Unpacked: Navigating Research Worlds 01:00:47 Research Revealed: The Qualitative vs Quantitative Debate 01:07:41 CoDesign Explained: Beyond Conventional Use 01:10:23 Prioritizing Accessibility: A Design Revolution 01:15:09 Voice Assistants: The Future of Research Focus 01:17:50 A Turning Point: Why Voice Assistants Became My Passion 01:23:56 AI Directions: Smit's Predictions and Insights 01:28:12 AI Accountability: The Need for Oversight 01:36:57 AI & India: Preparing for the Revolution 01:47:28 Beyond Communal Distractions: Facing the AI Tsunami 01:50:42 India's Legacy of Innovation: A Historical Perspective 02:00:57 Reflecting on India's SelfAwareness Challenge 02:05:21 Debunking IIT Idolization: A Personal Take 02:10:40 The Truth Behind My Journey: A Candid Confession 02:19:27 Exploring Infinity: The Universe's Endless Possibilities 02:22:07 Admiring Europe: A Design-First Approach Love and cheers from the Idea Sandbox.

Join me on a captivating artistic journey as we sit down with accomplished visual artist Preeti Varma. Born in New Delhi, India, Preeti embarked on a successful career that spanned various cities in India. However, in 2009, driven by an unwavering passion for art, she made the audacious decision to leave behind her 16-year corporate tenure and fully devote herself to her artistic calling.

Since 2011, her artwork has graced exhibitions and international art fairs across the United States, Singapore, and India.

In this conversation, we explore Preeti's remarkable career arc, delving into her transition from a structured corporate world to the realm of boundless creativity. Her journey embodies a growth mindset, and she shares insights on being original while drawing inspiration from the world around us.

Whether you're a seeker, an art enthusiast, a creator searching for fresh perspectives, or simply curious about the profound interplay of ideas and visual expression, this conversation is a captivating exploration of creativity's boundless realms.

For more about Preeti and her inspiring artwork, visit her website at preetivarma.com

Instagram profile at instagram.com/preetivarmastudio.com.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Prelude: Glimpses of Preeti's Mind

00:03:54 Conversation Begins

00:06:54 Preeti's Bold Leap: Switching Careers for Art

00:15:48 Rekindling the Canvas: Preeti’s Return to Painting after 15 Years

00:21:30 Abstract Expressionism: Preeti’s Artistic Lens

00:30:06 The Artist’s Journey to Self-Connection

00:41:23 A Tapestry of Connection: Preeti on the Interconnectedness of All Things

00:42:52 From Corporate to Canvas: Preeti’s Shift to an Unstructured Life

00:55:48 Facing the Monetary Void: Life without a Steady Paycheck

00:58:12 Immersed in Art: Preeti’s ‘Fish in Water’ Experience

00:59:53 Shattering Societal Expectations to Live Authentically

01:04:19 The Growth Mindset: Preeti’s Continuous Evolution

01:07:46 The Influence of Consumption on Originality: Preeti’s Perspective

01:11:16 Heeding the Call of Strong Inclinations

01:17:42 Navigating the Angst of Uncertainty

01:18:59 Staying True to Your Inner Compass: Preeti’s Mantra

01:25:36 The Non-Stop Journey of Growth and Evolution

01:28:02 Preeti on the Role and Impact of Art in Public Spaces

01:35:10 Challenging the Notion of Dispensable Art

01:39:590 Preeti's Insight on the Evolution of Art Forms Over Time

01:42:51 The Savior of the Future: Art's Revolutionary Role

01:43:44 The Conclusion: Reflecting on a Journey through Art and Life

Please consider supporting my work at theideasandboxpodcast.com and you can reach me at theideasandboxpodcast@gmail.com. Cheers and Love.

Find more information about the Oslo Architecture Triennale at: https://www.oslotriennale.no/ Link to the Mission Neighborhood book: https://arkitektensforlag.dk/shop/p/mission-neighbourhood Prepare to be amazed by the wonders of Scandinavian innovation. Health, prosperity, and jaw-dropping architecture—these societies have it all. This episode is the result of my curiosity-fueled quest into Norwegian urban planning, and let's just say, I struck gold! Tune in to discover cutting-edge ideas for crafting cities that prioritize health and happiness. Enter Christian Pagh (The Esteemed Curator and Director of the Oslo Architecture Triennale) —a visionary committed to defeating despair with undying hope and optimism. The concept of a 'mission neighborhood' could very well be a game-changer. Placing neighborhood design at the heart of conversations about community health, mental well-being, and cultural integration is revolutionary, yet profoundly logical. Drawing from my own experiences—from bustling Bangalore to serene Midwestern towns—I can attest to the often underestimated link between well-being and our surroundings. As each new day brings gifts from nature, so does Christian bring fresh perspectives on how humanity can thrive. This episode explores the collaborative book 'Mission Neighborhood,' edited by Christian Pagh and Thomas Cook. The book is a treasure trove of interviews and insights from over 35 contributors, including renowned figures like Jos Boys, Camilla van Deurs, Jan Gehl, and many more. We dive into the essence, spirit, and invaluable takeaways that the book offers, broadening perspectives on what it means to live in vibrant, hopeful neighborhoods. This episode exposes the shortcomings of corporate-driven urban planning. We explore the idea that true neighborhood design stems from community insights and practical needs—not just profit margins. While rules and guidelines have their place, the unique personality of each neighborhood should be celebrated, even if the journey to get there is challenging. The endgame? A vibrant, equitable space for everyone. Our talk reveals a potent connection between culture, philosophy, lived spaces, and architecture—particularly in a Scandinavian context. From instant mood shifts to design-induced challenges, personal anecdotes bring these insights to life. Plus, we discuss how cities can be both battlegrounds and playgrounds for solving real-world conflicts. Chapters: 00:00:00 Start

00:05:27 Mission Neighborhood: Blueprint or Inspiration?

00:09:07 The Trinity: Philosophy, Modern Culture, and Architecture

00:13:12 Europe's Love Affair with Aesthetic Design

00:14:09 The Roots of Europe's Design Culture

00:17:23 Embracing the Unfinished: The Beauty of Open-Ended Spaces

00:21:35 Therapeutic Joy: A New Approach to Wellness

00:24:56 Neighborly Love: How Community Shapes Happiness

00:26:15 The Heart of Mission Neighborhood: A Closer Look

00:29:56 ROI of Good Design: The Neighborhood Edition

00:31:12 Corporate Agenda vs. Community Well-being: A Second Look

00:36:10 Mission Neighborhood: A Socialist European Lens?

00:41:08 The Power of Shared Visions: A Romantic Perspective

00:44:45 The Grey Zone: Finding Comfort in Uncertainty

00:48:32 Norway's Natural Beauty: A Plea for Preservation

00:50:32 The Parisian School Makeover: Lessons to Learn

00:57:04 Empowering Grassroots: The Role of Authorities

00:58:44 The Human Instinct for Good: An Optimistic View

01:01:30 Tackling Bangalore's Big Issues: A Potential Roadmap

Thanks for tuning into this enlightening episode.' If you're as passionate about thriving communities and groundbreaking design as we are, don't miss out on more captivating conversations. Follow me on https://theideasandboxpodcast.com for real-time updates and sneak peeks into upcoming episodes. Let's keep the ideas flowing!