From pioneering advances in design aesthetics to championing inclusion in digital spaces, the journey of women in graphic design and technology is a testament to their resilience, creativity and dedication, opening doors for future generations.

Susan Kare - Graphic Designer

Susan Kare is a graphic designer recognised for her role in building the visual interface model for the first personal computers and digital technology.

Kare's best-known contribution was in the 1980s at Apple, with the creation of the original icons and graphic elements for the Macintosh interface. These include the famous smiling "Finder" icon, the rubbish bin, the paintbrush, among others. Susan's designs contributed to making computers more accessible and user-friendly, creating a standard for user interfaces that endures to this day.

In addition to his work at Apple, Kare has had a profound influence on design on various digital platforms - he has designed icons for Microsoft, Facebook, among other technology companies, leaving his mark on various software and digital products.

Susan's work goes far beyond aesthetics; it involves a great deal of knowledge and understanding of human interaction with computers and their usability. Her designs are known for their simplicity, clarity and a strong focus on visual communication, shaping the way we interact with computers and always prioritising the user experience.

Kate Crawford - Researcher focused on Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Kate Crawford is a renowned researcher, known for her work at the intersection of technology, society and ethics. She has contributed to understanding the social implications of artificial intelligence (AI), big data and machine learning systems.

One of her most important works is the exploration of bias and fairness in AI algorithms. Kate has highlighted how AI systems can inherit and perpetuate biases present in the data they are trained on, leading to unfair results. Her research emphasises the importance of ethical considerations in the development and implementation of AI technologies.

She has also been involved in debates about the social and political implications of technology, including issues related to privacy, surveillance and automation. Crawford's work encourages critical reflection on the role of technology in society and appeals to the conscience of industries and policy-makers.

Kate is co-founder of the AI Now Institute at New York University, which focuses on interdisciplinary research into the social implications of AI. She has also held positions at Microsoft Research and was a visiting professor at the MIT Media Lab.

There is no denying the great contribution and impact of women in graphic design and technology, which goes far beyond pixels and lines of code. Their creativity, innovation and resilience have moulded the digital landscape and broken down barriers, inspiring generations and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.