https://comedicinquiry.com Institute For Comedic Inquiry Sat, 12 Nov 2022 22:47:40 +0000 https://comedicinquiry.com en https://comedicinquiry.com/Home-2 Sun, 28 Aug 2022 18:52:57 +0000 Institute For Comedic Inquiry https://comedicinquiry.com/Home-2 ABOUTThe Institute For Comedic Inquiry is an experimental research institute founded by Laura Allcorn. We explore how emerging technologies shape our lives. ︎︎︎ More Info <img width="2000" height="1333" width_o="2000" height_o="1333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3e26f3152678cb65be3eaebe1ca21e69bcebab9098c4b46e45f160cbcb157afe/SGM-2025-Distraction-Astrid-Mulder-Pledge-Drive-for-Attention-WEB-10.jpg" data-mid="237446420" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3e26f3152678cb65be3eaebe1ca21e69bcebab9098c4b46e45f160cbcb157afe/SGM-2025-Distraction-Astrid-Mulder-Pledge-Drive-for-Attention-WEB-10.jpg" /> Astrid Mulder ON VIEW Pledge Drive for Attention is a new commission that premiered at Science Gallery Melbourne’s DISTRACTION exhibition on July 26th 2025.What are your biggest digital distractions? It’s time to steal your attention back from a distracting world. Imagine a future where our brains aren’t being mindlessly warped by attention stealing schemes. The tech masterminds may want us clicking, scrolling and swiping – but why not put your own interests above their profit interests today? Say bye bye to brain rot and collectively break free from digital distractions. Exponential attention growth is possible! Find a pledge buddy, take a seat at a pledge desk and make a pledge in the world’s first Pledge Drive for Attention. Help us meet our goal to steal back years of our attention! How many hours can you give to the Pledge-O-Meter? Made in collaboration with Gloria Mark author of Attention Span and Science Gallery Melbourne’s Sci Curious group.&nbsp; “DISTRACTION wants your attention! This Science Gallery Melbourne exhibition plugs into the streaming torrent of content and explores creative ways we can find meaning within it. Click, feel and play your way through experimental art, games and interactive experiences designed to find space for ourselves amidst the chaos.” From 26 July 2025 – 9 May 2026 ︎︎︎ View the project <img width="6000" height="4000" width_o="6000" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9fdfd93c55e164d91c2a24d9264ef32269ef496facf78f1c508c8442c647cb0a/INAU_SCIENCE-GALLERY-MTY_15.jpg" data-mid="235912840" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/9fdfd93c55e164d91c2a24d9264ef32269ef496facf78f1c508c8442c647cb0a/INAU_SCIENCE-GALLERY-MTY_15.jpg" /> ON TOUR SKU-Market is part of BRAVE NEW FUTURE, the first exhibition of the Science Gallery Network in Latin America. “The exhibition invites us to reflect on how we can imagine possible futures and whether we can still have the courage to embark on an expedition into brighter, better worlds. The show brings together different visions of tomorrow, exploring unknown environments and hopeful societies for today’s youth, presented through various disciplines and forms of imagination.” From November 2024 - July 2025︎︎︎ View the project <img width="1892" height="1232" width_o="1892" height_o="1232" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ace6855aad2c3ddd7e432b135ce4141841ca2d87e23966e49912c76f3928b3f4/WWTWAE_1_contestant_Simon_Lazewski.png" data-mid="205620686" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ace6855aad2c3ddd7e432b135ce4141841ca2d87e23966e49912c76f3928b3f4/WWTWAE_1_contestant_Simon_Lazewski.png" /> THE FIRST AI QUIZ SHOW Who Wants To Write An Email? is a quiz show for the AI era about large language models. The show premiered at the Dublin Fringe Festival in September 2023 and was nominated for the Technical Innovation Award!&nbsp; This project was many years in the making, taking shape long before ChatGPT was a thing. We’re wrapping up our project evaluation to share how humorous and unexpected forms of public engagement can draw in new audiences. This project was funded by a Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme Grant and supported by Trinity College Dublin The Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute and ADAPT Research Centre. ︎︎︎ View the project <img width="4459" height="3053" width_o="4459" height_o="3053" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bfbf9b6616d83418b0a47a86a1b1f4271ae11caf2eb35e03af665601b7db861b/gait_augmentation_1_web.jpg" data-mid="152840338" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bfbf9b6616d83418b0a47a86a1b1f4271ae11caf2eb35e03af665601b7db861b/gait_augmentation_1_web.jpg" /> MORE EXPERIMENTSOur projects invite you to rehearse for the future you want. Take the hot seat in a satirical game show about AI-authored emails. Get sweaty in an absurdist workout for thwarting surveillance technology. Shop a mini-market that claims to know you better than you know yourself. ︎︎︎ View experiments https://comedicinquiry.com/Workshops-Home Wed, 31 Aug 2022 18:01:01 +0000 Institute For Comedic Inquiry https://comedicinquiry.com/Workshops-Home We offer comedy workshops for people with zero interest in performing comedy, but are curious about how they can apply its philosophies and methods to their work. ︎︎︎ NEW WORKSHOP ︎︎︎ CUSTOM WORKSHOPS https://comedicinquiry.com/Comedic-Observation-Crash-Course Thu, 08 Sep 2022 22:48:26 +0000 Institute For Comedic Inquiry https://comedicinquiry.com/Comedic-Observation-Crash-Course NEW WORKSHOP Comedic Observation Crash Course <img width="792" height="1224" width_o="792" height_o="1224" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d2a2eb0c1a2aed9048d919c87da4474c0690f5b28a2b315799fe373f2e07196b/comedic_observation_event_image.png" data-mid="152445454" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/792/i/d2a2eb0c1a2aed9048d919c87da4474c0690f5b28a2b315799fe373f2e07196b/comedic_observation_event_image.png" /> Start doing more double takes!Have zero desire to perform comedy, but want to try comedic methods in whatever creative thing you do or just to make daily life more amusing? This crash course is designed for first-time comedic observers, so no prior training is necessary. You’ll be able to find the funny everywhere if you make comedic observation a habit. Across 90 minutes, we’ll practice observation exercises and how to process what you notice with a comedic line of questioning. You’ll have your Comedic Observation Notepad™ in hand so nothing is going to get past you. You may be fresh to this way of observing, but before long you’ll be doing double takes at overlooked oddities, strangeness, and lurking assumptions all around you. Keep it up and your friends and co-workers are going to notice you noticing things differently and coming up with more idiosyncratic ideas. This crash course is great for…Making yourself more available to the comedy all around you Processing your observations with a comedic line of questioning Trying on different ways of thinking about what you’ve observedQuestioning well worn assumptions Lengthening a short attention span Reducing boredom on-the-goTaking this for Professional Development? Copy + paste this into your permission slip too. Concept Development: Come up with more idiosyncratic ideas using this method!Storytelling: Present your ideas and train of thought to nodding, possibly laughing, audiences! What do you get? 90 minutes of fun comedic instruction Comedic Observation + Processing exercises you can use anytimeYour own pocketable Comedic Observation Notepad™ About the Instructor Hi, I’m Laura. Comedic observing is foundational to my practice as an artist and experience designer. I’ve been studying and performing comedy for over a decade and I think more creative minds should have access to the tools of comedy. Not all of my design consulting projects result in a humorous expression, but I still use comedic methods to come up with creative ideas. I figure, if there are more of us on the comedic lookout we’ll be putting our creative minds to more use, having more fun out here, asking strange questions, puzzling through complex topics, and making more considered things. We’ll also be spotting absurdities faster and have a better chance of getting them wiggled into alignment before things go awry. https://comedicinquiry.com/Custom-Workshops Thu, 08 Sep 2022 22:48:56 +0000 Institute For Comedic Inquiry https://comedicinquiry.com/Custom-Workshops CUSTOM WORKSHOPS Interested in creating a custom workshop for your team? I offer small group workshops for creatives, scientists, futurists, and really anyone who wants to learn how to incorporate comedic methods and philosophies into their work.Taking a comedic approach is great for sharpening observation skills, asking odd questions, developing ideas, and communicating them in ways that capture an audience’s imagination. I’ve been teaching non-performers the tools of comedy for over a decade. After studying and performing all forms of comedy, I started adapting what I learned into workshops for colleagues at creative studios. Now, I lead comedic workshops at conferences, organizations, studios and universities. I enjoy customizing workshops to meet specific objectives and team dynamics. I take getting to know my audience seriously. It’s part of the code of conduct for comedians. Get in touch to discuss workshop ideas and options. Workshop Examples Design Like A ComedianPresent Like A ComedianHow To Write Comedic AnalogiesImprov for CreativesComedic Strategies for Participatory Public EngagementPerforming Interaction Design https://comedicinquiry.com/Events-Home Mon, 05 Sep 2022 18:22:14 +0000 Institute For Comedic Inquiry https://comedicinquiry.com/Events-Home New events coming soon. Past Events︎︎︎ EMERGING ETIQUETTE: ADVICE FOR THE AI ERA ︎︎︎ SPECULATIVE FUTURES PORTLAND CHAPTER: DECEMBER MEETUP ︎︎︎ EXCUSE ME, ALGORITHM: DID I SAY YOU COULD DO THAT? https://comedicinquiry.com/Emerging-Etiquette Mon, 05 Sep 2022 18:03:29 +0000 Institute For Comedic Inquiry https://comedicinquiry.com/Emerging-Etiquette Emerging Etiquette: advice for the AI era A participatory project where you become an advice columnist. <img width="600" height="500" width_o="600" height_o="500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4417a351cef682554130131870a009380fd3f2f30f5b213e4c4bded6b2f84a4b/ee_header_web.jpg" data-mid="166826567" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/4417a351cef682554130131870a009380fd3f2f30f5b213e4c4bded6b2f84a4b/ee_header_web.jpg" /><img width="600" height="500" width_o="600" height_o="500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/91ff2d62ce9f71ccc5b10daae01dfe970b183881560b7907b2249fe3aad5546e/perk_alert_mug_web.jpg" data-mid="166826498" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/91ff2d62ce9f71ccc5b10daae01dfe970b183881560b7907b2249fe3aad5546e/perk_alert_mug_web.jpg" /> At Emerging Etiquette, near future realities are treated as present day dilemmas.&nbsp;We’re exploring what will become polite behavior in a society that is enmeshed with AI. Want to offer advice on situations no one has ever experienced before?Good, we need you. Each issue is authored by first-time advice columnists.Been in an awkward social situation? Curious about AI? You’re hired.Accept a position and you’ll be collaborating with 16 new hires and AI co-workers. We’ll provide the unusual advice requests. You’ll provide your slowly simmered takes on the future. Together, we’ll put out an issue.We’re known for our fun working environment. There’s no need to be anything other than yourself as you explore this new workplace scenario.Your employment ends after a quick 90 minute stint. Learn more here.Apply here. $10 fee for Issue 0. ISSUE 0: February 18th 7-8:30pm Report to the Portland, Oregon office.Project funded in part by: <img width="576" height="64" width_o="576" height_o="64" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/85fc9343d9b4cc194691b378555e53eebda157285547f7bbf5633187ed7d7696/racc_bw_horiz.png" data-mid="152440573" border="0" data-scale="55" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/576/i/85fc9343d9b4cc194691b378555e53eebda157285547f7bbf5633187ed7d7696/racc_bw_horiz.png" /> https://comedicinquiry.com/Speculative-Futures-Meetup Sat, 12 Nov 2022 22:47:40 +0000 Institute For Comedic Inquiry https://comedicinquiry.com/Speculative-Futures-Meetup Speculative Futures Portland Chapter: December Meetup We’re excited to host the next meet up of Portland’s futures thinkers! <img width="1326" height="742" width_o="1326" height_o="742" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/29b41811af955af543cfea0851000cb1da057912e951c369e335809e1dba47e7/Screen-Shot-2022-11-05-at-5.58.46-PM.png" data-mid="158828814" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/29b41811af955af543cfea0851000cb1da057912e951c369e335809e1dba47e7/Screen-Shot-2022-11-05-at-5.58.46-PM.png" /> When Tuesday, December 13th 2022 6-7:30pm Register here.OverviewJoin us for an introduction to Laura Allcorn’s unique approach to Futures Thinking – one that combines comedy, science, performance and design. This meetup will be held in-person at the Institute For Comedic Inquiry where we can experience Laura’s projects first-hand and learn about her approach. Laura Allcorn is the founder of the Institute for Comedic Inquiry — an experimental comedy research institute that collaborates with scientists and makes it fun for the public to explore complex topics like AI, surveillance, and data privacy. Her projects span topics and formats. For example, the SKU-Market is a satirical mini-market you can shop that explores how our purchasing habits and online behaviors can be interpreted, skewed, and applied to shape our lives in unexpected ways. Or, the syntHAsizer, a machine for playing with laughter as a verbal display of communication for humans and digital assistants. Both of these projects and more, will be available to explore during the meetup. Agenda6:00-6:30pm - Doors open, refreshments and open studio6:30-6:45pm - A short talk by Laura Allcorn, founder of the Institute for Comedic Inquiry6:45-7:30pm - The chance to experience and interact with a few of her projects (installed in the space) and socializing happy hour time with fellow future thinkers and visitors. About Speculative Future PortlandOur mission is to host community, conversation and knowledge sharing in order to further the ways in which we can utilize futures thinking, planning and design for application in both professional or personal work. This group is the local Portland chapter of the global Speculative Futures community, hosted by the Design Futures Initiative. Sponsors include: MADO https://comedicinquiry.com/Excuse-Me-Algorithm Mon, 05 Sep 2022 18:00:19 +0000 Institute For Comedic Inquiry https://comedicinquiry.com/Excuse-Me-Algorithm Excuse Me, Algorighm: Did I say you could do that? An exhibition of IFCI’s work about AI in our everyday lives. <img width="600" height="1390" width_o="600" height_o="1390" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3a78d8e3708ab8c1e923740b6b2eb4fe4e04f54547089effc9e306b142eb385b/body_test_1.png" data-mid="154020784" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/600/i/3a78d8e3708ab8c1e923740b6b2eb4fe4e04f54547089effc9e306b142eb385b/body_test_1.png" /> Opening Party!Saturday, October 1 2022 Get in touch to make an appointment to visit. Things To See + Do Our data is wandering around and doing things we may not expect on our behalf. It can be fed into all sorts of AI applications. Come mock-shop, silly-walk, and fake-laugh your way through exploring these topics and imagining the role you want AI to play in your life. SKU-Market Shop a mini-market and be profiled by its judgy algorithm. Gait Augmentation Workout Perfect your silly walk in an absurd workout about surveillance and privacy. syntHAsizer Fake laugh into a machine that remixes it to ‘real’. Debate if an AI should laugh like a human. Have comments? The timing couldn’t be better! The Federal Trade Commission is finally exploring new rules for regulating harmful commercial surveillance and lax data security practices. We read the 100+ page request and are ready to help you gather your thoughts for public comment! https://comedicinquiry.com/Research-Home Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:04:34 +0000 Institute For Comedic Inquiry https://comedicinquiry.com/Research-Home We draw from a wide range of disciplines at IFCI: comedy, performance, design, art, science and technology. ︎︎︎ RESEARCH ︎︎︎ REFERENCES https://comedicinquiry.com/Comedic-Stuff-Home Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:45:55 +0000 Institute For Comedic Inquiry https://comedicinquiry.com/Comedic-Stuff-Home What exactly do you need to live a comedic life? Probably just your fallible human self, but we’ve made things that may make you more available to the comedy all around you. Project Pages