Binary Calculations

An iOS and android app designed & built to make data-driven algorithms more caring.

Stephanie Dinkins, an artist working with artificial intelligence, race, gender, and history, wanted to develop a way to create nuanced datasets that center and honor lives, cultures and values often under considered or ignored in the technosphere.

To begin the project we developed a visual language that communicated the cumulative nature of data. Showing how individual pieces of user data accumulate to create larger data sets that power algorithms which find their way into our lives. BCAI-01

We were influenced by generative algorithms which produce an infinite number of possible outcomes and emergent behavior as a way to convey the energy and possibilities of a data set that’s reflective of everyone.

BCAI-02

For the design of the app we used a layered navigation system to help guide users through the process of donating responses.

BCAI-03

We designed and built a visual language and app to collect donated data from people hoping to create more descriptive, comprehensive, and supportive datasets that represent our communities with complexity, love and understanding.

Binary Calculations animating logotypeBCAI-05

The icon and logotype were designed to be in constant motion oscillating between more and less pixelated referencing the way more data helps to make algorithmic outputs more just and representative of everyone.

BCAI-06

BCAI-07

Stephanie Dinkins created a series of animating pixelated artworks that appear throughout the app experience. At the start the user is greeted with a simple explanation of the premise and the ability to start donating answers or learn more. We wanted the app experience to be very simple to allow for the content and prompts to draw the most energy.

BCAI-08

BCAI-09

Each week the app updates with new questions that fall under predetermined subjects like environment. Once the user has submitted their answers for those questions they only receive a notification once there are more questions to answer.