YC
Artist Lauren McCarthy Will Be Your Home's Brain
@ Y Combinator
09/04/17
Takeaways
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I'm an artist based in LA and an assistant professor at UCLA, focusing on the systems we use to be a person and interact with others.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I create art about what confuses me, primarily about people and the expectations we have of each other, as well as the rituals and patterns we engage in when together or alone.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
In a project called 'Social Triggers', I went on blind dates streamed online, where viewers coached me on what to say or do, aiming to improve my dating life.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
The project was somewhat successful; it helped me realize the limits I put on myself and allowed me to loosen up my identity during the dates.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
Initially, I informed my dates about the project, but it shifted to revealing it afterward to avoid the conversation becoming solely about the project.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
Giving up control during the dates made me feel more freedom, but I also experienced uncertainty in decision-making afterward, like how to initiate intimacy.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I studied computer science and art at MIT, where I felt I didn't learn social skills, leading to my interest in creating tools to help with social interactions.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I aim to create spaces in tech that feel welcoming, especially for underrepresented groups, and I focus on making tools that support diversity from the start.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
In my work with p5.js, I prioritize making the language understandable and emphasize documentation to lower barriers for new contributors.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I believe physical objects can encourage people to act differently in social situations, while apps and extensions can reach a wider audience without the need for physical distribution.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
The market for buying and selling digital art is conservative and risk-averse, making it challenging for digital artists to establish value and ownership.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I see various models emerging for digital art sales, including using blockchain to verify originality, but no single model has gained widespread acceptance yet.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
Every artist is increasingly using technology in their work, and I believe the art world will have to adapt to this shift rather than revert to traditional methods.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I'm currently working on projects that explore the intersection of art and technology, though I wouldn't say I'm excited about any one thing right now. I've been really obsessed with home automation and products like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, which have been received much more positively than Google Glass.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
Unlike Google Glass, which faced huge rejection, devices like Alexa are being embraced by users, including my parents who bought multiple devices after enjoying the first one.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
Companies like Amazon are strategically rolling out smart devices, initially presenting them as simple smart speakers without overwhelming users with technical details.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
The goal is to first get people comfortable with talking to a speaker before introducing more advanced features that could control their entire home.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
It's provocative to think about how smart devices in the home can shape our interactions and understanding of culture, values, and personal history.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
The design of smart home systems is limited by a small group of developers, raising questions about how to account for the diverse range of users.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I'm developing a service called Lauren, where I will come into your home, set up devices, and monitor your needs to create a more personalized smart home experience.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I aim to create a relationship with users that feels more attentive and caring than existing smart home devices like Alexa.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I want to explore the human element behind services like TaskRabbit and Uber, questioning how much human interaction is involved and how it affects the user experience.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I find humor to be a way to engage people in considering the implications of technology, allowing for a more thoughtful response rather than immediate judgment.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I believe it's essential to find the positive aspects of technological change and focus on what we can keep that excites us, rather than just fearing the negative.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I met my husband through one of my projects, highlighting how these creative endeavors can lead to meaningful personal connections.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
For those interested in digital art, I recommend starting with tools like Processing, p5.js, or Arduino, and engaging with online communities to experiment and find your unique perspective.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
In art school, it's crucial to build connections with peers and mentors, as these relationships can provide ongoing support and collaboration throughout your career.
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Lauren McCarthy
09/04/17
@ Y Combinator
I lead the development of p5.js, a platform for creating code art, which is a great resource for anyone looking to explore digital creativity.