Whispers of the Simurgh by Fatima Al-Rashid

Traces of heritage woven into the fabric of control.

What if ancient folklore could hack the future?

Whispers of the Simurgh: A speculative design project exploring the clash between AI-driven standardization and the resilient spirit of cultural expression, rooted in Kuwaiti folklore and cutting-edge robotics.

Al-Rashid_9134, Kuwait

Description

Speculative design explores the unpredicatble outcomes that emerge from a system. 'Whispers of the Simurgh' delves into a near-future where AI-driven training simulations dominate professional development. By examining a fictional Kuwaiti subculture that merges ancient folklore with digital hacking, the project illuminates the tension between standardization and human expression. Through intricate artifacts and analytical storytelling, viewers are invited to contemplate the unexpected consequences arising when the organic complexity of human culture intersects with the rigid predictability of artificial intelligence. This work reveals how small acts of symbolic defiance can create unforeseen systemic shifts.

Context

The world thrives on hyper-efficiency and standardization. Advanced AI training systems are ubiquitous, shaping every aspect of professional life. Beneath the surface, a vibrant subculture uses their heritage, encoded within digital spaces, to create connections and reclaim autonomy inside this uniform society. Public spaces are meticulously designed for optimal productivity, while private spaces, unseen by surveillance are diverse. The environment, stark and over-optimised, is a canvas for individual acts of symbolic dissent, revealing a silent battle for the soul of a culture striving to retain its identity within an algorithmically-driven future.

Provocation

Care because this project offers a glimpse where control clashes with culture. Emerging trends in AI and automation could lead to rigid systems that stifle creativity. What unintended consequences arise when we prioritize efficiency above all else? How might we begin to protect the complexity of culture?

Al-Rashid_9134's process

Inspired by subcultures, folklore, and robotics, Al-Rashid draws deeply from Kuwaiti heritage, blending ancient myths with potential technological advancements. 'Whispers of the Simurgh' emerged from iterative scenario modeling, plotting interactions between AI training systems and symbolic cultural interventions. Using complexity science, Al-Rashid simulated how these 'hacks' influenced system dynamics, creating narrative frameworks populated with folkloric agents. Analytical reflection, drawing, and abstract design refined these simulations, providing unique insights by dissecting and mapping potential cascading effects, making unseen patterns of culture come to life through technological advancement and patterns.

More about Al-Rashid_9134

Events leading to ‘Whispers of the Simurgh’

2024: AI training simulations become widely adopted in specialized professions.

2025: Centralized platforms emerge, standardizing training protocols and performance metrics.

2026: Early instances of digital art incorporating subversive code into virtual environments appear.

2027: Kuwaiti artists begin experimenting with blending folklore and technology in digital media.

2028: Subcultures develop using modified hardware to inject alternative narratives into simulations.

Imagined Future Scenarios Considered

Al-Rashid_9134 considered the following imagined future scenarios while working on this project

Advanced AI systems create hyper-realistic simulations for training in complex professions such as surgery or piloting, increasing skills and reducing errors.

Extrapolated from Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence - Vatican.va

Hypothetical Product Ideas Considered

Al-Rashid_9134 considered the following hypothetical product ideas while working on this project

Standardized Performance Monitoring & Compliance Platform (SPMC)

A centrally controlled AI platform that monitors user performance during simulations with biometric data and AI analysis, ensuring adherence to pre-defined skill levels and performance metrics. This system strictly enforces training protocols and tracks compliance, allowing for easy auditing and real-time adaptive correction to bring the user back into alignment with “approved” methods.

Adaptive Algorithmic Retraining System

An AI-powered system that analyzes user performance data in simulation and automatically adjusts their training curriculum to ensure conformity to standardized operational standards. It personalizes training paths to close skill gaps and enforce consistent protocols across the entire workforce, regardless of individual learning styles. Could include incentives to encourage conforming behavior.

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