Please see Google Scholar for a complete list of publications.

Peer-reviewed articles

Simon, V. and Laywine, N., and Sinnreich, A. (2024) What's with all the Tapestries?: Intersectionality and the Discursive Vacuum of Generative AI. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4960597

This article critiques generative AI (GAI) services for their failure to grasp complex intersectional identities. We argue that GAI treats identity as a set of additive attributes, overlooking its interconnected nature. Through an analysis of outputs from MidJourney and ChatGPT, we examine how these tools address ethnicity, race, gender, and sexuality. We conclude that current AI systems oversimplify identity and propose alternative paradigms of interactivity and human-computer interaction to better handle the complexity and nuances of intersectional identities.

Laywine, N., Simon, V., & Sinnreich, A. (2024). Laughing to keep from [user input undefined]: ChatGPT, Jewish humor, and cultural erasure. First Monday, 29(7). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v29i7.13375

This research examines how cultural context and nuanced humor present critical challenges for large language models (LLMs). Through empirical analysis of ChatGPT's attempts at generating culturally specific humor, the study reveals fundamental limitations in AI's ability to understand and reproduce contextual, community-based forms of expression. These findings have significant implications for tech companies developing generative AI systems, highlighting the importance of addressing cultural competency and contextual understanding in machine learning models. The research demonstrates how oversimplified approaches to cultural content risk flattening rich traditions into generic outputs—a crucial consideration for AI development teams working on natural language generation and human-AI interaction.

Simon, V. (2020). Democratizing Touch: Xenakis’s UPIC, Disability and Avant-gardism. Amodern, 9. https://amodern.net/article/democratizing-touch/.

Early touch interfaces like Xenakis's 1977 UPIC system highlight enduring UX design challenges that remain relevant today. While touch interfaces are often celebrated for democratizing technology access, particularly for users with disabilities and novices, the gap between UPIC's promised intuitive use and its actual complexity reveals important lessons. Modern UX designers must still navigate the balance between simplicity and functionality while avoiding assumptions about accessibility and user capabilities.

Simon, V. (2020). Guided by Delight: Music Apps and the Politics of User Interface Design in the iOS Platform. Television & New Media, 21(1), 60-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476418794634

This research challenges Silicon Valley's "frictionless" design paradigm. The article examines how intentionally designing for failure, experimentation, and imperfection in apps could enhance user experience and creativity. Through analysis of three iOS apps and developer interviews, the research demonstrates how current interfaces prioritize instant mastery, while alternative design patterns that embrace learning through failure could lead to more meaningful forms of interaction.

Cornfeld, L., Simon, V., & Sterne, J. 2018. Legitimating Media: Shakespeare’s Awkward Travels Through Video Games and Twitter. Communication, Culture and Critique, 11(3), 418–435. https://doi.org/10.1093/ccc/tcy015

A case study that examines how cultural touchstones like Shakespeare serve as benchmarks when evaluating new technologies' creative potential. By analyzing two pivotal moments - an innovative 1984 audio-based game and 2010's Twitter adaptations - the research reveals how familiar content helps users and stakeholders assess novel platforms' capabilities and limitations. These insights are particularly relevant for modern tech companies navigating public perception and user adoption of emerging technologies like AI, VR, and generative tools, where establishing creative legitimacy remains a crucial challenge.