In every good story there is a person who makes sure we follow the rules and one that keeps on pushing the limits. Meet Frontend Engineer Mario Hamann and Data Protection Coordinator Clemens Fiedler who ensure that VI stays in the limits of law while keeping the edge on innovation.
Mario:
As a Design System Architect and Frontend Engineer, I am concerned with the point of interaction between coding and design, meaning: How can designers and developers develop a vision and product together? I regularly create my own web projects with the help of AI – one of the latest adventures is an AI-created superhero story discussing the benefits of Headless CMS Systems through multiple choice storytelling in retro pixel arts aesthetics.
I am more a structural than a super creative designer. But I use image generating tools like Midjourney as an inspiration to start my own journey.
Since its launch I have been using ChatGPT. I have created entire open source packages with the support of ChatGPT, one example is a script for Bento Grids, a design trend that structures facts or other content in aesthetically designed bento boxes, such as those in Apple’s keynotes. These designs can be especially problematic for responsive web, as the boxes constantly shift positions on different screen sizes. AI helped me to develop the right algorithms, while making sure that developers can use the script for a wide range of projects with a pleasing feature set.
I’m trying to provide the VI community examples of how AI could help them in their daily work: How can they use AI more creatively?
When I’m writing a first draft for a programming task, I often reach out to ChatGPT. I already have the final concept in mind and provide it with a very detailed and technical description, leaving the AI with the task of translating it into the right syntax. In my job I am expected to work with a number of programming languages, projects, and frameworks. For me AI is a tool that allows me to bring my ideas and visions to life more quickly. It’s like having someone at your side, who is always full of energy and happy to provide code on demand.
I’m trying to provide the VI community with examples of how AI could be helping them in their daily work: How can they use AI more creatively? Even for the business context, I started discussing new ideas and concepts for a project with AI before I have even pitched it to one single person, I asked: “Who could find this new approach critical – and why?” The machine helps me to understand potential stakeholder concerns upfront. So I have a more balanced starting point for everyone involved, leading to faster and better solutions.
Mario Hamann (left) and Clemens Fiedler deal with AI from an experimental point of view and regarding confidentitality issues at VI. Clemens:
When it comes to handling sensitive client projects and personal data implementing websites and web applications for VI’s clients I need to stay critical. It is not a topic that companies should take lightly. In the United States rapid innovation and profits have topmost priority and data protection is still handled loosely – while in the EU, data protection laws will and have to be handled cautiously.
I need to ensure that VI and its customers comply with legal requirements – while staying true to the process of innovation. For me, the compliance around AI is similar to the discussions around data protection and cloud computing of the last decade: Data protection still means to stay transparent about how personal data is being processed. Like for cloud services, the same rules also apply to cloud-based AI services.
"How is personal data used and where is it stored? Is it processed within the EU?"
This is important for complying with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and therefore implies the valid question: How is personal data used and where is it stored? Is it processed within the EU? GDPR demands that service providers must take suitable technical and organisational measures to ensure that data is processed within the EU and must explain and guarantee this to users and clients in their DPA (Data Processing Agreement) and its annexes.
Here at VI we want to maximise the benefits for the client without putting their data and user’s personal data at risk at any time. As an experienced software developer, I know that working with AI is the future – while from a data protection perspective: companies really must stay cautious.
