Name: Describing Detroit’s Murals: Google Lens, Visual Interpretation, and Cultural Memory
Start: 2026-10-08T13:30:00-0400
End: 2026-10-08T14:00:00-0400

Describing Detroit’s Murals: Google Lens, Visual Interpretation, and Cultural Memory

Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Lecture Hall

Detroit’s murals are visual expressions of community identity and cultural memory. This study examines how Google Lens influences the description and interpretation of murals through an analysis of its AI-generated metadata. Participants recorded Google Lens outputs, verified the information through independent research, and reflected on the process. Findings indicate that while Google Lens provides useful descriptive starting points, inaccuracies, omissions, and contextual gaps require substantial human verification. AI-generated metadata frequently served as an initial interpretive lens through which participants understood the murals before undertaking verification. The study highlights the continuing importance of human expertise in documenting visual culture and preserving cultural memory.

Speakers

Joan Beaudoin

Associate Professor, School of Information Sciences, Wayne State University

Joan E. Beaudoin is an Associate Professor in the School of Information Sciences at Wayne State University. Her research examines the description, access, and interpretation of visual materials, with a focus on digital cultural heritage. Recent projects explore AI-generated image... Read More →

Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm EDT
Lecture Hall

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Joan Beaudoin

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IVLA 2026 Charleston

Joan Beaudoin

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