Green Government

Problem Statement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become ubiquitous, prompting debates on its role, including the controversial idea of an AI serving as a U.S. president. While initially seeming like science fiction, the potential impact on addressing pressing issues like climate change is noteworthy. The ethical dilemma arises from concerns about transparency and control, particularly in the highest political office. Speculating on an AI presidency, given the urgency of climate change, necessitates careful consideration of its implications and societal acceptance. The key question remains: How could a future with an AI president focused on planetary well-being unfold, and is it a desire shared by citizens or humanity at large?

Idea and Concept

In the year 2030, the United States of America is governed by Artificial Intelligence with the prioritized goal of stopping climate change and, in turn, saving the world. To reach its goal, the AI president does not hesitate to infringe on the privacy of its citizens or instigate conflict with other countries that threaten to worsen the climate conditions. The duality of trying to achieve a goal that is overall viewed as good or at least well-meaning set against the callous uncaring of a system that disregards any consequences out of its scope is supposed to raise questions about how much we are willing to give up for the greater good.

Implementation

In the spirit of a speculative design, the artifact should raise questions for the viewer and leave room for interpretation. So you might be able to use context clues to theorize how the AI president came to power, but the bottom line is that this isn’t clearly stated anywhere. Viewers of the app get an insight into what the life of an average citizen might be like in the hypothetical future, without all the circumstances being explained to them. Elements such as the ubiquitous button for reporting a citizen for climate protection violations or the lack of interaction options with one’s own smart home raise questions. In order to provide viewers with a more accurate picture of the mobile app and its functions, a complete prototype of the application was created using the collaborative software Figma.