Dr. John Sherry, an anthropologist and former researcher at Microsoft and Intel, presented "Anthropology and Innovation in the Technology Industry" at the Delta Innovation District on Monday. In his talk, Dr. Sherry highlighted the importance of ethnographic research in shaping product design and business strategy. For the past three decades, anthropology has become a vital tool in the creation of new products and technologies. Dr. Sherry emphasized that ethnographic methods, which are at the core of anthropological research, have become widely used among many large and successful firms. Despite the dominance of online analytics, ethnographic insights still matter, and Dr. Sherry showcased how these insights can inform not just product design but business strategy as well. Dr. Sherry also discussed how anthropological theory and understanding can contribute to current debates about the role of artificial intelligence and other new technologies in our society. He provided valuable insights into how the study of human behavior and culture can help shape ethical and responsible practices in the tech industry. Dr. John Sherry's talk was an eye-opener for those who attended the event, and it showcased the value of anthropology in the technology industry. His talk highlighted the importance of understanding people's needs and behaviors, which can shape the creation of products that can make a significant impact in people's lives. A special thank you to all those who made this event possible: Department of Anthropology, Innovation Gateway, Computational Social Science Work Group (Owens Institute for Behavioral Research), Department of Communication Studies, Entrepreneurship Program (Terry College of Business), and the School of Computing. Photo by Brandon Ward Past Event
