Introduction to the Future of Work
The way we work is changing, and it’s changing fast. With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, many roles are vulnerable to being replaced by machines. But what does the longer term of labor appear like? London-based designer Keiichi Matsuda has a vision of what the workstation of the longer term might appear like, and it’s each fascinating and unsettling.
The Film: Merger
Matsuda’s short film, Merger, presents a near-future reality where the virtual and physical worlds have merged within the workplace of a young accountant. The film shows how the accountant uses gesture-controlled augmented reality interfaces to regulate every area of her life, from her work to her weight-reduction plan and exercise. But despite her best efforts, she struggles to maintain up with the demands of her job and eventually decides to merge with the system.
The Obsession with Productivity
Matsuda’s film is a commentary on our contemporary obsession with productivity and efficiency. We are continuously being told that we want to work smarter, not harder, and that technology may also help us achieve this. But is that this really the case? Matsuda argues that the ideology of productivity is flawed, and that it may possibly result in burnout and exploitation. "The idea of labor might want to change completely inside our lifetimes," he says.
The Ultimate Workplace Productivity Design
The workstation within the film is a sleek and futuristic design that’s optimized for optimum productivity. The fundamental character sits at a desk that’s the main target of her day-to-day life, with interfaces projected onto the surfaces round her that change throughout the day as she moves through her tasks and activities. The station is even used to prepare her weight-reduction plan and exercise, with meal replacements and supplements being consumed throughout the day.
The Impact of Automation
Matsuda’s film shouldn’t be only a commentary on productivity, but additionally on the impact of automation on the workforce. With many roles vulnerable to being replaced by machines, we want to rethink our approach to work and education. "We must restructure our society in a more radical way, where automation becomes an asset as an alternative of a threat," says Matsuda.
The Rise of Augmented Interfaces
Matsuda’s work explores the rise of augmented interfaces and their potential impact on our every day lives. His previous movies, corresponding to Hyper-Reality, have imagined a future where virtual overlays have come to dominate the human experience. In Merger, we see a more subtle use of augmented reality, but one which continues to be deeply integrated into the fundamental character’s life.
Conclusion
Matsuda’s film Merger is a thought-provoking commentary on the longer term of labor and the impact of automation on our lives. As we move forward right into a world where machines are increasingly able to performing tasks that were previously the exclusive domain of humans, we want to rethink our approach to work and education. The film is a call to motion, urging us to contemplate the results of our obsession with productivity and efficiency, and to assume a future where technology enhances our lives, somewhat than controlling them.
