Publisher's Synopsis
In Design Heuristics for Emerging Technologies, Kem-Laurin Lubin delivers a visionary exploration of the intersection between artificial intelligence, systemic bias, and the urgent need for equity in digital design. Grounded in feminist theory and critical data studies, this book tackles the complex ways patriarchal systems shape AI-powered technologies, with a particular focus on their impact on women's rights and reproductive healthcare-an issue made even more pressing in the wake of the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
Through compelling case studies, such as the controversial AI project in Salta, Argentina, Lubin illustrates the tangible consequences of algorithmic design in real-world contexts. Organized under six heuristic categories, these examples provide a robust framework for practitioners and policymakers to design equitable systems. Engaging deeply with seminal works like Algorithms of Oppression by Safiya Noble and Race After Technology by Ruha Benjamin, Lubin critiques current AI frameworks and offers a path forward.
The book examines global initiatives, from Europe's GDPR to Canada's Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, highlighting their limitations and proposing actionable, equity-centered heuristics. With a critical lens on existing policies, Lubin integrates insights from global policy examinations and targeted case studies to propose scalable, human-centered solutions for more inclusive technologies.
A masterful blend of theory and practice, Design Heuristics for Emerging Technologies invites scholars, technologists, and policymakers to reimagine AI systems that prioritize the rights of women and marginalized communities. Lubin's work is a call to action to build a future where emerging technologies serve as tools of empowerment and justice, fostering human-centered design and ethical innovation.
