How strategy can be learnt even by a computer (and why you should too)
If you are involved in any form of product development an understanding of strategy is important in any decision you make in a competitive environment. But we learn very little of this from our day to day training. Very little situational awareness beyond 'gut feel' is ever part of our education system. This talk hopes to combine two inspirations. The first one is Simon Wardley and his mapping techniques. I share how his techniques and thought processes can help you in your decision making whether directly building products or managing large teams. Then I share my passion for tech from two angles - a fascination of the new wave of A.I. algorithms of the last few years plus a love of the game Starcraft. These two recently combined with Deepmind being able to beat top e-sport professionals not by being faster but by being smarter. This forms a background to my talk as I show even a computer can learn strategy. A sprinkling of Sun Tzu's Art of War along the way to demonstrate the power of these algorithms.
Outline/Structure of the TED talk
Provide a definition of strategy based on Simon Wardley and his mapping techniques. Look at what strategy is and how it is important in modern day product development.
With those definitions in mind and how they are important then overlay how Deepmind (https://deepmind.com/blog/alphastar-mastering-real-time-strategy-game-starcraft-ii/) applied high level strategic thinking to beat e-sports professionals. Will demonstrate the importance of situational awareness. This will be done by visuals (almost certainly video) Will mix in some strategic thinking from Sun Tzu's Art of War to highlight the high functioning thought processes going on.
Learning Outcome
The take away is to believe that strategy is not a "you have it or you don't" ability but something we can all learn and apply in our day to day business to a positive effect. And also incidentally the power of Deep Learning (technically Reinforcement Learning in this case) Bonus you develop a passion for Starcraft!
Target Audience
Inquisitive minds
Prerequisites for Attendees
Some understanding of product development. Will discuss certain Deep Learning and A.I. technologies and while I explain some A.I. concepts little prior knowledge is assumed though beneficial. A knowledge of computer games is also probably helpful but not necessary. I try and make this relevant to people doing the actual building of products (developers/testers/XD) to those making decisions around large programs of work.
Links
Presented about BDD at LAST Melbourne a few years ago.
Have presented at AWS summit twice. Deep links not available but can provide at least one of those (2018)
Slides/video still wip - can provide proof as needed.
schedule Submitted 3 years ago
Recent Activities
Call for Proposals CLOSED
Ended on Jun 30 '19 11:59 PM AEST
Find Your Edge
Welcome! We are super excited to hear from you.
- The theme this year is Find Your Edge. We want you to talk about what is currently challenging you or the thing that gives you an advantage in your field. What is the theory, practice or concept that you are struggling with but that also excites you. It's not just about answers, it's about questions.
- Pitch us your ideas! Talks, hands-on sessions, workshops. This year we have also added 5 min lighting talks and 20 min TED style talks. There are lots of options, just make sure you let us know what kind of room layout would work best and any special requirements you have.
- Be as detailed as possible in your submission, as this will help you to refine your idea in your own mind, help the content curation team select your session, and enable people who are coming to LAST Sydney to decide that they want to come and participate in your session/s.
- Don't forget, you can edit your session and adjust the idea in the coming weeks, so don't think that you've only got one chance. You can also submit multiple ideas and proposals.
- The LAST Sydney committee is here to help. If you would like to have some coaching or shaping of your idea just let us know.
- LAST Sydney looks forward to finding your edge with you!
Out of town submitters
As we are focused on the local community, we don’t expect people to travel from interstate or overseas to participate, although you are welcome if you choose to come. LAST Sydney is an event with low registration prices, so we need to keep overheads low. Therefore, we generally do not reimburse travel and accommodation or pay a fee to session leaders/speakers.
Registration
Paid registration for LAST Sydney opens on Monday 6th May. As we always sell out, and as successful submitters won't be notified until early July, it could be wise of you to grab a registration. If you are accepted onto the schedule, you can request a refund.
Who needs a nudge?
We would love to know who else you know who has a great idea but needs a nudge. LAST welcomes first time and experienced speakers. Let us know, and we'd be happy to reach out.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Alex Sloley
Kynan Stewart Hughes
Darren Thorpe
Jeremie Benazra
Romain Vailleux
