The Lab

A question becomes an experiment

The books build the tools for understanding a problem. In the Lab, we explore what happens when we try to turn those explanations into software. An agent is a system that uses a model to choose steps towards a goal, can call on tools and takes their results into account when deciding what to do next.

Velia explores this way of working through an assistant for the Mac. Baby Velia investigates a different kind of autonomy: a small agent with interests, initiatives and an evolutionary path of her own. They share a visual family and some design ideas; each has a distinct purpose.

Two paths to explore

Working prototype · in development

Velia

A request may need documents, tools and several attempts. Velia explores how to support this work while keeping the steps and the result visible.

Explore the project

Design under review · visual studies available

Baby Velia

What might a small agent choose to pursue? Baby Velia starts with this question: developing interests, trying ideas and preserving the history of her attempts.