Small AI
Small AI questions the scale-driven, inhuman narratives that dominate the AI landscape today. Inspired by notions of fractals, friction and fragmented-ness in nature, it highlights the value of localized, small-scale approaches that prioritize people, environments, and nuanced processes over abstract, endless optimization.
Small AI is an alternative approach to AI design and deployment that considers situated knowledge and intelligence and a process-oriented mindset as the means to create systems which support cultural and ecological preservation efforts. In this research, we ask: What could we make with AI if scale wasn’t an objective?
The Small AI research is part of the Slow AI project by AIxDESIGN.
[TEAM]
READ THE CHAPTER
by Nadia NadesanThe Small AI chapter invites us to rethink AI not as something floating in “the cloud,” but as deeply entangled with land, ecologies, and people — showing how technology can prioritize community value in design and governance.
From artists building their personal AI models to citizen scientists preserving marginalized languages, the chapter highlights the power of small-scale approaches to protecting cultural heritage and supporting ecological resilience.
AI FOR ANTS - A ZINE ABOUT SMALL AI
This zine compiles the creative contributions, exchanges, and discussions from the Small AI Zine-making Workshop held on July 21, 2024, in Amsterdam. Together, we investigated different notions of Small AI, drawing inspiration from the degrowth movement, post-developmental theory, climate justice, low-tech, and our shared knowledge and experiences.
MAKE YOUR OWN SMALL AI
Project D33pthr0at by Gabriella Garcia & Arnab ChakravartyProject D33pthr0at by Gabriella Garcia & Arnab Chakravarty explored the practical possibilities of applied Small AI, with a specific focus on creating resources for sex workers facing censorship and misrepresentation in mainstream AI platforms. This residency investigated critical socio-technical questions that are often overlooked in AI development.
LISTEN TO LIVE CONVERSATION
Nadia Nadesan in conversation w/ Linda Dounia Rebeiz and Vera van der BurgAs part of Small AI research led by Nadia Nadesan, we turned to the design and research practices of Linda Dounia Rebeiz and Vera van der Burg. Together, we explored AI's potential as a tool for introspection and critical reflection. How does AI shift in shape and form when infused with unique subjective realities?
3 THINGS TO EXPLORE
picked by Nadia NadesanGot time for another sidequest? We're excited to share three things to deepen your understanding of Small AI. First, explore a recent reading that captivated our research lead, Nadia Nadesan. Second, meet a person of interest making waves in the field. Lastly, watch a compelling snippet to immerse yourself further in the Small AI research. Dive in and explore these curated spotlights from Nadia.
STILL WANT MORE?
Dive into Nadia's research log.
