The Inclusive Camera

Microsoft

When it comes to cameras and computer vision algorithms, people with darker skin often don’t show up in photos, videos or live-streams with as much expression, detail or features as those with lighter skin. This felt wrong so I assembled a small team to investigate solutions. Our goal was to create a camera that captures the details and expressions of all people equally and recognize the need to expand the conversation around inclusion in tech. We started by better understanding the user and technical challenges and then looked at the history of cameras and bias that exists in code. This approach helped develop exciting prototypes that went on to influence product teams that integrate with camera software and hardware.