Generative AI has changed the world of advertising. Large Language Models create draft copy instantly. Image generators produce visuals in minutes. Text-to-video tools will make creative development even more streamlined. But what about the risks from all this AI-led efficiency? Can Generative AI really design compelling ads?

Emotional engagement is critical for advertising success. Will the rush to automate the creative process strip advertising of its emotional power?

Today, we are featuring our own Sasha Mukhanova, Account and Business Development Director at Affectiva. With 15 years experience in advertising effectiveness research, Sasha is an advertising nerd and neuroscience enthusiast. Her mission is to humanize technology with ad testing AI. She is joined by Graham Page, Affectiva’s Global Managing Director of Media Analytics for a moderated discussion with Mike Stevens, the Founder of Insight Platforms. 

This episode shares how Emotion AI can work with Generative AI to ensure that ads drive long-term brand equity, audience engagement and even virality. Listen in to learn more. 

Links of interest: 

• [eBook] Generative AI meets Emotion AI: AI Disruption in Advertising: https://go.affectiva.com/generative-ai-meets-emotion-ai-ebook 
• [Watch] Original webinar presentation with Insight Platforms: The Future of Advertising: Generative AI meets Emotion AI: https://go.affectiva.com/the-future-of-advertising-generative-ai-meets-emotion-ai-webinar 
• [Read] Blog on Generative AI & Emotion AI: https://blog.affectiva.com/generative-ai-meets-emotion-ai

Today, we are joined by a guest whose journey traverses the dynamic realms of traditional media and cutting-edge Emotion AI technology. Dr. Leon Hawthorne is not only a former news anchor for CNN International and CNBC Europe but also a Founder CEO of two satellite television channels. His extensive experience in the media landscape has been complemented by his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to explore the forefront of Artificial Intelligence in digital communication.

Dr. Hawthorne recently earned his Ph.D. in 2024, delving into the captivating world of Generative AI and its impact on our digital lives. Long before the current surge in AI adoption, Leon embarked on a research project titled 'Talking Heads.' This initiative aimed to evaluate the integration of AI-generated virtual humans as on-screen news presenters, a concept that has gained unprecedented relevance in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.

His findings, which we will be exploring in detail, shed light on audience perceptions, preferences, and the challenges that arise when blending human authenticity with the prowess of Generative AI. Let’s listen in to learn more.

Links of interest: 

• [Listen] Leon's prior episode appearance on Emotion AI in journalism: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotion-ai-in-journalism-trust-me-im-human-virtually/id1458361251?i=1000558032877
• [Read] Dr. Hawthorne's PhD Thesis, Talking Heads: The use of virtual human presenters for the delivery of news content: https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/32443/ 
• [Download] eBook: Generative AI meets Emotion AI: AI Disruption in Advertising
• [Learn More] About Affectiva Emotion AI: https://go.affectiva.com/affdex-for-market-research

Today we have a very special episode featuring Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, former Co-Founder and CEO of Affectiva, currently Deputy CEO of Smart Eye, having a discussion with Smart Eye CEO Martin Krantz. 

In their conversation, Rana and Martin touch on the significance of recent design wins, the methodology behind estimating revenue and lifetime value, and the exciting potential of combining interior sensing with generative AI. Listen in to learn more.

Links of interest:

• [Read] Press Release: Smart Eye Announces New Automotive Interior Sensing AI Design Win with European Premium Car Manufacturer
• [Watch] Watch full livestream video of this conversation
• [Read] Blog Article: Smart Eye Achieves Another Milestone with Interior Sensing Design Win
• [Download] eBook: Interior Sensing: The Next Frontier in Improving Road Safety and the Mobility Experience

• [Watch] Expanding Human Insights: Combining Eye Tracking with Biosensors to Assist University Research Labs: https://smarteye.se/webinars/expanding-human-insights-combining-eye-tracking-with-biosensors-to-assist-university-research-labs/
• [Read] UND puts Humvee through its paces, assisted by minivan mom: Me - https://blogs.und.edu/und-today/2023/10/und-puts-humvee-through-its-paces-assisted-by-minivan-mom-me/
• [Read] Unleashing the Power of Smart Eye: Transforming Research Capabilities at UND / RIAS - https://smarteye.se/blog/unleashing-the-power-of-smart-eye-eye-tracking-transforms-research-capabilities-at-und-rias/

In today's episode, we dive into a recent collaborative event Smart Eye attended at the University of North Dakota (or UND) and the Research Institute for Autonomous Systems (RIAS). With a comprehensive setup featuring multiple cameras, EEG data collection modules, and emotion sensing capabilities, the UND RIAS team is poised to unlock the true potential of eye tracking technology combined with other biosensors. Speaking with Smart Eye, UND Professor and project sponsor Philip Brandt and the students involved in this week-long tech event, we got a comprehensive look into their project, which includes equipping a HUMVEE with advanced Smart Eye Pro eye tracking systems and iMotions analysis software. This state-of-the-art arrangement provides a powerful platform for capturing and analyzing data related to driver and passenger behavior, setting the stage for groundbreaking research. Listen to learn more!

Links of interest: 

• [Watch] Expanding Human Insights: Combining Eye Tracking with Biosensors to Assist University Research Labs - https://smarteye.se/webinars/expanding-human-insights-combining-eye-tracking-with-biosensors-to-assist-university-research-labs/
• [Read] UND puts Humvee through its paces, assisted by minivan mom: Me - https://blogs.und.edu/und-today/2023/10/und-puts-humvee-through-its-paces-assisted-by-minivan-mom-me/
• [Read] Unleashing the Power of Smart Eye: Transforming Research Capabilities at UND / RIAS - https://smarteye.se/blog/unleashing-the-power-of-smart-eye-eye-tracking-transforms-research-capabilities-at-und-rias/

Marketers often talk about the art of storytelling, but how do they measure up to the experts in filmmaking? In a world where emotions drive engagement, Affectiva's Emotion AI database, with 80 thousand pieces of advertising and entertainment content, provides unique insights. This technology reads between the lines, decoding facial expressions to understand audience engagement and feelings in the moment of viewing.

In a recent webinar hosted by Greenbook, Affectiva's Mitzi Lorentzen guided attendees through case studies and quantitative analyses, uncovering the role of emotions in driving key outcomes such as advertising sales and box office success. Mitzi dove into the comparison between advertising and entertainment in evoking viewer emotion and the consequences that follow. She also covered the art of getting emotion right – when to use positive versus negative emotions and how to tailor them to different genres or messages. Throughout the webinar event, she showcased practical applications beyond box office hits, illustrating how the tricks of narrative revealed by emotional AI can drive attention and engagement across various industries. Listen in to learn more.

Links of interest: 

• [Watch] Emotion AI: How to Boost Business Outcomes with Narrative Insights: https://go.affectiva.com/emotion-ai-how-to-boost-business-outcomes-with-narrative-insights-webinar 
• [Read] Emotion AI and Facial Coding: The Power of Emotional Insights in Entertainment Content Testing: https://blog.affectiva.com/emotion-ai-and-facial-coding-the-power-of-emotional-insights-in-entertainment-content-testing 
• [Listen] Emotion AI Unveiled: Crafting Compelling Entertainment with MarketCast: https://smarteye.se/podcasts/emotion-ai-unveiled-crafting-compelling-entertainment-with-marketcast/ 
• [Learn More] Affectiva Media Analytics for Entertainment Content Testing: https://www.affectiva.com/product/affectiva-media-analytics-for-entertainment-content-testing/ 

Today’s episode features two Smart Eye team members, Mario and Aaron, discussing the transformative potential of Smart Eye’s eye tracking solutions in redefining the possibilities of automotive research in a recent live virtual event. Attendees discovered the essence of eye tracking, its profound relevance, and how it enables breakthroughs in road safety, human-machine interaction, and human factors research. Listen in to learn more. 

Links of interest: 

• [Watch] Revolutionizing Automotive Research with Smart Eye Pro:
•  https://smarteye.se/webinars/revolutionizing-automotive-research-with-smart-eye-pro/
• [Read] How Georgia Tech Sonification Lab is Using Eye Tracking to Understand Driver Behavior: https://smarteye.se/testimonials/how-georgia-tech-sonification-lab-is-using-smart-eye-research-grade-eye-tracking-to-understand-driver-gaze-and-behavior/
• [Listen] VI-grade: How Vehicle Simulation Accelerates Product Development: https://smarteye.se/podcasts/vi-grade-how-vehicle-simulation-accelerates-product-development/
• [Download] Fit to Drive? 5 Key Insights into the State of Intoxicated Driving Research: https://smarteye.se/e-books/insights-into-intoxicated-driving-research/

Today we are going to dive into some of the latest advancements in visual attention measurement, and how it is revolutionizing ad creative effectiveness testing. We will also discuss creative development strategies, how to balance attention and brand goals, and briefly touch on integrating attention metrics into your existing measurement frameworks.Our expert speakers:

• Duncan Southgate, Senior Director, Global Creative - Insights Division at Kantar
• Graham Page, Global Managing Director of Media Analytics at Affectiva Smart Eye

Links of interest: 

• [Watch] See the original livestream video here, with visuals: Craving Attention: How to Capture and Retain the Attention Your Ad Needs. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7143336778693767168 
• [Sign Up] The joint Affectiva - Kantar webinar on February 28, Attention beyond views for creative effectiveness. Sign up here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4486406/F7D84352F9B82123DF33B52E58D1A61B/5253078

Today’s episode features Elsa Magner, Senior Project Manager at Smart Eye. Elsa has extensive expertise spanning various technical domains, including project management, quality assurance, and product development. With a mission to instill structure, purpose, and clear goals in her work, Elsa is a seasoned professional who thrives on delivering on expectations, collaborating with competent teams, and adapting swiftly to new challenges.

As a vital part of Smart Eye's Applied AI Systems team, Elsa shared insights into her role enhancing road safety through driver monitoring systems. As an expert navigating legislative requirements, she discussed challenges and successes in implementing safety systems, emphasizing the role of data. Listen in to learn more.

Links of interest:

• [Learn] Fleet Safety Technology:  https://smarteye.se/applied-ai-systems/
• [Read] Driver Monitoring for Commercial Vehicles: https://smarteye.se/ais/
• [Watch] How to Install Smart Eye AIS in 5 Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLJp4g6-Dcg
• [Download] The Ultimate Guide to Driver Monitoring Systems in the Fleet Industry: https://smarteye.se/e-books/ultimate-guide-to-dms-for-fleets/

Today’s episode features Dr. Tara Akhavan, Global Innovation and Ecosystems Director at Forvia. Dr. Akhavan is an award-winning technology entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in leadership and product strategy. She is the Founder, President & CEO of Faurecia, a groundbreaking company in the field of Perceptual Display/Image Processing for both consumer and automotive markets. Faurecia Irystec was acquired by Faurecia (Forvia) in 2020, where Tara now serves as the Global Innovation & Ecosystems Director, overseeing startups internally and externally, as well as leading the central Innovation team. She holds a Ph.D. in Image Processing and Computer Vision and actively contributes to industry committees such as CIE and SID. 

In our conversation, Dr. Akhavan unveils the fascinating journey from her Vienna PhD to pioneering human-centric mobility, teasing exclusive details about Forvia's CES 2024 presence and sharing insights on the impactful intersection of Emotion AI and innovative automotive technologies. 

Links of interest:

• [Watch] Tara’s TED Talk: Technology Followers or Leaders? | TEDxMontrealWomen -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFnNCuylXR4
• [News] Consumer Electronics Show : 4 FORVIA technologies win CES 2024 innovation awards: https://www.forvia.com/newsroom/consumer-electronics-show-4-forvia-technologies-win-ces-2024-innovation-awards
• [News] Smart Eye Announces Innovative Emotion Generative AI Capability and Key Partnerships at CES 2024: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240104295374/en/Smart-Eye-Announces-Innovative-Emotion-Generative-AI-Capability-and-Key-Partnerships-at-CES-2024 
• [More News] FORVIA and Smart Eye join forces on groundbreaking emotion AI demo at CES 2024: https://www.faurecia.com/en/newsroom/forvia-and-smart-eye-join-forces-groundbreaking-emotion-ai-demo-ces-2024 
• [Learn More] About Forvia: https://www.forvia.com/
• [About] Facial Expression Analysis Emotion AI: https://smarteye.se/technology/emotion-ai-facial-expression-analysis/