So everyone and their cat seems to be talking about blockchain. More importantly, it’s on the radar of huge companies, and we know that where there’s money, there’s traction. However, as a designer what I really wanted to know was what this meant for user experience and design in web3. For the record, I’m mainly concentrating around the blockchain space — specifically, design around dApps (which stands for decentralised applications and are basically apps as we know it, but built off the Ethereum blockchain)
This article is formed from an analysis of design case studies from DeepWork+ a lot of consuming various content (podcasts, videos, articles) of experts + my own opinions based off my journey breaking into the space and experience with dApps. Read More
Daily Archives: January 18, 2022
Revealed: UK Gov’t Plans Publicity Blitz to Undermine Privacy of Your Chats
The Home Office has hired a high-end ad agency to mobilize public opinion against encrypted communications — with plans that include some shockingly manipulative tactics
The UK government is set to launch a multi-pronged publicity attack on end-to-end encryption, Rolling Stone has learned. One key objective: mobilizing public opinion against Facebook’s decision to encrypt its Messenger app.
… According to documents reviewed by Rolling Stone, one the activities considered as part of the publicity offensive is a striking stunt — placing an adult and child (both actors) in a glass box, with the adult looking “knowingly” at the child as the glass fades to black. Multiple sources confirmed the campaign was due to start this month, with privacy groups already planning a counter-campaign. Read More
Countdown To Bitcoin’s End — Crypto-Breaking Quantum Computers Are Closer Than You Think
Born on January 3, 2009, bitcoin is a little over one decade old. Yet a surprising number of people believe this first-generation cryptocurrency is immutable and indestructible. A little over a decade in, and some are proclaiming its the new gold. But with the accelerating growth in quantum computing power, how long can bitcoin’s reputation remain untarnished? Truth is, the threat to bitcoin’s integrity may be approaching far faster than most people realize. From a 30,000 foot perspective, bitcoin might just be a short blip in the history books, just like many of the fiat currencies that have come and gone.
… Many crypto enthusiasts are proclaiming that bitcoin is the new gold. Bitcoin is a legitimate store of value because its unbreakable. After all, it has an entire 12 year track record behind it.
… But a whole 12 years into “immutable” and there’s already a slight glitch in bitcoin’s armor. Algorithms that can decipher bitcoin’s private keys already exist. Shor’s algorithm and Grover’s algorithm, devised in 1994 and 1996 respectively, can be used to challenge asymmetric cryptography and hashing — the two mechanisms that secure a blockchain. And although we still don’t have computers powerful enough to execute these algorithms, most experts believe its not a question of if, but when this day will come. Read More
Why Many Web3 Startups are a Farce
One cannot disintermediate what, by design, is meant to be disintermediated (DISCLAIMER: I’m not talking about builders of Web3 services/protocols or augmentation services.)
Ifyou’ve at all been keeping up with the ever-evolving tech landscape (and institutional investment activity swarming it) you’re likely familiar with the following buzzwords: Web3, Creator Economy, Blockchain, Tokenization…the list goes on-and-on.
However, and the growing sentiment that the startup and investment activity into Web3 supports this, is that the notion of Web3 (centrally-managed) startups is, at best, a bubble; at worst, it’s a total farce. Read More
Microsoft forms new coalition for AI in healthcare
Microsoft has created the Artificial Intelligence Industry Innovation Coalition (AI3C) to drive the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare by providing recommendations, tools and best practices.
Member organisations include The Brookings Institution, Cleveland Clinic, Duke Health, Intermountain Healthcare, Novant Health, Plug and Play, Providence, UC San Diego, and University of Virginia.
“The goal of the newly created AI3C is to establish a pragmatic coalition with public and private organisations to advance health by identifying and addressing significant societal and industry barriers,” said Patty Obermaier, vice president of US health and life sciences at Microsoft. “I am excited about the launch of AI3C and working with its distinguished board as we continue the momentum towards serving the needs of patients and communities through AI innovation.” Read More
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