How should humans work alongside tech, and particularly AI, and what does that mean for our future? It’s a big topic, and one I was glad to speak on recently as part of Think 3000; a public-facing conference organised by Just Gold in conjunction with RMIT University.
The event brought together an incredibly diverse mix of disciplines from technology, design, culture, business, and even space, for an interactive conference experience that challenged the typical siloed approach to innovation discussions. I had the privilege of contributing in two different speaking engagements, while seeing some of my favourite industry people.
Event Details
- Event: Think3000 Conference (Day 1)
- Date: 20 March 2025
- Format: Panel Discussion + Think Talk (8-minute keynote)
- Venue: RMIT University
- Organizers: Think3000 and Just Gold, led by Kyriakos Gold and Lauren Goethals
- Audience: Interdisciplinary attendees spanning tech, design, culture, business, and space sectors
- Topics Presented:
- Panel: General technology topics
- Think Talk: “Centaurs and Cyborgs” – Working with AI
What I Presented
First, I joined a panel with Angel Zhong, Tim O’Neill, Adrian Yong, and Jason Potts to explore broad technology themes. The conversation ranged across emerging tech trends, societal implications, and the intersection of technology with various industries. (I may have accidentally called Jason Potts a “mad professor” during this discussion, which is a moment that will live in my memory forever 😬)
Later in the day, I delivered an 8-minute “Think Talk”, a condensed keynote format that demands clarity and impact, titled “Centaurs and Cyborgs.” The presentation explored different models for working with AI, using the metaphor of centaurs (humans and AI working in integrated partnership) versus cyborgs (AI as an enhancement or extension of human capabilities). And yes, my custom Christmas shoes played a starring role in telling this story.
key themes and insights
- AI Collaboration Models: The distinction between centaur approaches (human-AI partnership) and cyborg approaches (AI as human enhancement) offers different frameworks for thinking about AI integration in work and life
- Interdisciplinary Innovation: The conference format itself demonstrated the value of cross-pollination between technology, design, culture, business, and space sectors
- Human-Centered Technology Design: Reinforced by Bernardo Figueiredo’s presentation on designing tech for elderly consumers—a reminder that technology serves people, not the reverse
- AI Trust and Limitations: Dr. Margaret Heffernan’s “story time” on AI hallucinations highlighted critical questions about AI reliability and the importance of maintaining healthy skepticism
- Visual Storytelling: Using unexpected props (like custom Christmas shoes) to make complex AI concepts accessible and memorable in time-constrained formats
why this matters
Think3000 exemplifies what happens when we break down disciplinary silos in technology discussions. My “Centaurs and Cyborgs” framework isn’t just about AI, it’s about how we conceptualize human-technology relationships across all domains. Do we position technology as a partner we collaborate with (centaur), or as an extension that enhances our inherent capabilities (cyborg)? This question has implications for everything from workplace design to educational approaches to consumer technology adoption.
The conference’s breadth spanning tech, design, culture, business, and space mirrors my mission of “MarTech knowledge for everyone involved.” Technology discussions shouldn’t be confined to technologists. Designers need to understand the implications of AI. Business leaders need to grapple with societal impacts. Cultural analysts need to engage with emerging tech trends. Space innovators need to consider human-technology integration.
Events like Think3000 demonstrate that the most valuable technology conversations happen at the intersections, where diverse perspectives challenge assumptions and reveal blind spots. My participation in both a broad technology panel and a focused AI keynote allowed me to engage with this philosophy at both macro and micro levels.
Full presentation of my think talk
Interested in presentations or workshops on AI collaboration and human-technology relationships?
View my speaking topics to discuss bringing frameworks like “Centaurs and Cyborgs” to your organization or event.
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