Ancestors of the Future

Embark on a visionary journey with "Ancestors of the Future", a unique collection of visual poetry that explores the intersection of human and artificial intelligence. This 134-page book offers short musings from fictional future beings, sharing their wisdom to inspire us today. For over two decades, the author has been a pioneering brand and motion designer, primarily using digital tools like the Adobe Creative Suite. A transformative moment occurred in November 2022 with the release of Large Language Models, reshaping the landscape of creativity and technology. This event sparked an intense exploration into the potential of AI, leading to a Master's thesis and a PhD program focused on enhancing human creativity and learning through AI and emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual realities. Ancestors of the Future delves into the profound impact AI will have on our daily lives, from economic and environmental shifts to ethical and social dynamics. The book envisions a possible, optimistic future where AI-created avatars, enhanced humans, hybrids, and cyborgs born from digital forces drive transformation. These primarily female-looking avatars channel messages that inspire readers, despite an intentional naivety regarding the ethical aspects of technology. The purpose is to harness the power of imagination to create a positive reality while being mindful of potential dangers. The book emphasizes that the future is now, as the only experiential time is the present moment. Through words, designs, videos, and music, the author envisions a collaborative partnership with AI that elevates creativity to new heights and benefits humanity. Ancestors of the Future invites readers to stay curious and embrace the unpredictable future, using technology to create a brighter, more imaginative world.

Ulrike Kerber is designer and creative director at Viva Design Inc., an award-winning design studio and think tank for creativity and innovation in Santa Barbara, California and Berlin, Germany. Viva Design offers branding, video content, and motion design using analog, digital, and AI tools to create extraordinary experiences. Ulrike is known for her creativity, design, art, and motion-video work. She has given many creative workshops for design companies and is a public speaker and professor at Hyper Island, Sweden, SRH Design Akademie, Berlin International University, HMKW, and design college SCAD, Savannah. She recently moved to Berlin, Germany, where she engages in generative Artificial Intelligence research, emerging technologies, metaverses, and augmented reality. Her leading question is how human designers can utilize AI tools to maximize their creative work. Ai is going to change the world and it is here to stay. With her book "The Best AI Tools for Designers", Ulrike inspires and empowers designers and introduces them to the new world of AI.