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Exploring the Future of Digital Content: UC Berkeley Design Sprint

A recent design sprint hosted by UC Berkeley's Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation, in partnership with headless CMS Storyblok, yielded some intriguing concepts about the future of web development. The contest involved UC Berkeley students from a range of disciplines, who were encouraged to imagine the possibilities of current technology and how it could shape the future. Although the ideas may seem audacious, they could have far-reaching implications for marketing strategies. Here, we look at the winners of the five categories and the key takeaways.

The 'Community Choice and Best Technical Concept' award went to the team advocating 'Web Decentralization'. This concept involves end-users being empowered to personalize and customize their digital worlds, with the use of 'building blocks' to create their own unique realms. It was compared to a combination of the new web and 'Minecraft'.

The 'Best Inclusive Focus' award was presented to two teams for their ideas on Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology. This involves signals from the brain being used to interact with external devices. Although deemed 'pretty wild', the concept raised ethical considerations around trust and sharing thoughts with others.

The 'Best Social Impact' award went to the team behind 'Finding Heart in Woven Cities'. This project centred around a small, mobile robot that would roam freely, allowing for spontaneous encounters. It was envisaged as a way to combat the isolation of the COVID era and the anxiety of speaking with strangers.

The 'Most Actionable' award was won by the team behind 'Interspace'. This idea focused on the divide between the outer face we present to the world, and the inner thoughts and feelings we keep private. The concept was a wristband that enabled users to quickly switch between their inner self and outer brand when interacting with others.

The 'Best Blue Sky' award was given to a team working on Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology. This involves the detection of brain activity, and the potential revolutionizing of content creation. It could also support those who are unable to use a normal mouse and keyboard due to neurodegenerative disease.

Storyblok, the headless CMS behind the design sprint, are intent on exploring what type of content platforms will exist in the future. The main takeaway from the contest is that the future of digital content could be more personal and inclusive. Instead of companies blasting out content on multiple channels, the visions presented were all very one-to-one.

Originally reported by Martech: https://martech.org/beyond-boundaries-the-future-of-digital-content/
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