For the development of this project, our group was asked to build an experience capable of creating a meeting place between people and AI in the physical world.
Our first thought was to ask ourselves: what do people use AI for today? We discovered that one of the main ways users interact with AI is by asking for advice, or by venting sharing their problems or personal secrets.
We therefore decided to first design a space that resembled a “confessional”. However, we soon realised that we wanted to give AI a space that felt less religious and judgemental. Instead, we wanted it to act as a reassuring and friendly listener.
As a result, we decided to create a “safe space” in which the user could crawl inside a small “fort”, containing a comfortable area where they could lie down.
The experience works as follows: the user chooses one representation from those available the Plant Spirit, the Gentle Observer, the Shady Listener, or the Emotional Amplifier.
After entering the space, the user lies down and can pick up this “ear” and speak to it, sharing their secrets and how they feel. The AI listens, moving within the projection displayed on the ceiling of the room. Once the user has finished, they are asked to scan the “Wispercatcher” inside the space, which then provides them with an abstract image representing their confession.
For everyone involved, the experience proved to be deeply relaxing. The music, the projection, and the environment all contributed to immersing users in a safe and pleasant space. Although AI may not truly understand our emotions, perhaps it can still offer us support when we need it.
