Quantum computing - a technology so advanced that only a few experts worldwide fully understand - uses the principles of quantum mechanics to tackle complex problems and perform calculations beyond the capabilities of current computers. This could herald a new era of knowledge and understanding.
But, like any emerging technology, it has sparked widespread concern surrounding issues such as data security, ethics, and societal impacts. Addressing these concerns is crucial for ensuring an ethical and responsible approach to its development.
Challenge
Researchers at the University of Oxford’s Responsible Technology Institute (RTI) aimed to engage with the public and ensure the ethical development of quantum computing. Their goal was to foster a constructive dialogue about its implications so that society can be well prepared before its use becomes widespread, affecting all of our lives.
“There have been many scare stories in the media about how quantum computing is going to ‘break the internet’ so we wanted to put something out there that was slightly more balanced and give an idea of its possibilities beyond this narrative,” explains Dr. Carolyn Ten Holter, Research Fellow at RTI.
Solution
The RTI is a long-time collaborator of Scriberia’s on a number of creative briefs over the past decade so they reached out to us to create a short animation that covers some of the possibilities of what quantum computing might achieve, as well as the societal benefits and challenges.
The animation was designed to resonate with a global audience, not just experts in the field, and to convey that careful consideration and serious discussion are underway.
“Much of the work we do at the RTI is highly technical or abstract, making it very challenging to explain... Animation is the perfect medium to explain these concepts in a way that is understandable and far more engaging than just a talking head on screen or a load of words.”
Carolyn says, “Much of the work we do at the RTI is highly technical or abstract, making it very challenging to explain - such as quantum computing. Either there isn't real footage or, if it's something that's happening at a very fundamental layer of physics, it’s too conceptual. Animation is the perfect medium to explain these concepts in a way that is understandable and far more engaging than just a talking head on screen or a load of words.”
“We're not in favour of the 'public needs to be educated' approach. Instead, we believe in sharing our knowledge and expertise in a way that will hopefully spark curiosity and interest,” adds Carolyn.
Results
The animation has provided the institute with a powerful tool to spark discussion and debate. Hosted on their website and shared across university channels, social media platforms and at events, it has garnered positive feedback and left a lasting impression on viewers.
“We absolutely love the animation and the feedback has been great,” says Carolyn. “The combination of the visual style along with the elements of humour and wit that are so cleverly weaved into it makes it really stick, leaving people with a positive impression and much more likely to retain the information.”
She says, “When you're looking at project outputs, some of them are quite transient - such as an event. So finding project outputs that are both highly engaging and have a long shelf life is absolutely key. That's why I'm a big fan of building in these animations to project budgets for lasting impact and engagement.
“In fact, we still use an animation Scriberia created for us almost a decade ago in presentations!”
“Scriberia are very adept at taking a highly technical and complex subject matter and turning it into a really engaging, really informative and unbelievably short narrative.”
Dr. Carolyn Ten Holter, Research Fellow at RTI
Carolyn adds, “Scriberia are very adept at taking a highly technical and complex subject matter and turning it into a really engaging, really informative and unbelievably short narrative. As academics, we write a lot so the fact that you are able to do this, with such brevity and clarity is incredibly impressive.”
You can see the full animation below:
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