Dotdotdot Studio on AI: From Data Bugs to Human-Centered Design

Milanese multidisciplinary design studio Dotdotdot, co-founded by Laura Dellamotta, explores artificial intelligence through a humanistic lens. Their installation 'Data Bugs – AI is a mirror,' first shown at Salone del Mobile in Milan, used insects to demonstrate how AI datasets can perpetuate biases. Visitors interacted with eight totems to query two generative AIs trained on different data: one from standard internet sources, another curated by an entomologist. The latter produced more diverse and aesthetically pleasing images, highlighting the importance of careful dataset curation. The studio argues that AI, often presented in overly technical terms, can be made accessible and poetic. In late November 2024, Dotdotdot brought the installation to Shanghai for the Nowness Short Film Award 2024, conducting a workshop on creating physical experiences from data. Dellamotta emphasizes that AI should neither be glorified nor demonized but understood. The studio also runs OpenDot, a fablab that develops social impact projects, such as a communicator for children with neuropathologies for Fondazione TOG, and STEM education in schools. Recent projects include an interactive installation for Fondazione Pirelli to navigate their archive and a stand for Treccani at the Frankfurt Book Fair featuring a contemporary studiolo with over 33,000 images. Dotdotdot focuses on narrating archival content through physical and digital environments.