I chose to explore Conversational AI; more specifically Chatbots, Podcasts, and Augmented

Reality as my “Emerging technology” topics. For the most part, I was already aware of each of
these but researching each one allowed more room to explore and identify all of the value that
each offers. Chatbots entered our world a bit unknowingly through the growth of smart phones
and helpful technology in the home and workplace. While it may be surprising to some just how
smart the technology was and is, you can’t help but be excited to tell your Amazon Alexa to play
your favorite song without lifting a finger. Factor in the safe assurance that a car now has the
ability to call 911 when it detects a wreck, or the world of past encyclopedias and what seems to
be a plethora of useful and not so useful information is now at our fingertips with a simple
command.
Podcasts have been something that some love and many don’t have any interest in, mostly in part
because they haven’t tried to listen to one. It is surprising to learn that podcast consumption in
the US has grown steadily up to 26% over the past 10 years, yet it seems that it would be much
more than that.
Augmented reality came in like a storm with Pokemon Go, affecting not just the younger
generation but so many older adults as well. The creativity of designing the program to enable
the player to find their favorite Pokemon in different locations, prompting them to get up and
move around. This is in stark contrast to what many think about gaming, in that you have to sit
and stare for hours at a screen.
The use of Piktochart was simple and very easy to use, especially with pre-designed templates.
One thing that was less than appealing, but understandable, was the maximum download
requirement to push designers to purchase a premium version to gain more accessibility. I find
the use of infographics beneficial, especially to designers, since the creation aspect involves
breaking things down into simple, marketable data bites. Using Piktochart makes me feel more
confident, and I plan to do more to be able to create from a blank template.
Christy
Emerging Technology link:

https://create.piktochart.com/output/55655093-emerging-technology