Kinda Human / Exploratory Phase

Dates: October 2018 to December 2018
Team: Scott Dombkowski
Advisors: Stacie Rohrbach and Molly Wright Steenson
Work Type: Academic

The exploratory phase focused on studies designed to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the models users have of artificial agents and intimate relationships. Emphasis was placed on developing insights based on first-hand experiences withan artificial agent and in an intimate relationship. These studies led me to design a set of 'How Might I...' statements that deeply informed concepts in the generative phase.

Three Studies

In the exploratory phase, I complete three studies that provided me with an understanding of how humans model both artificial agents and intimate relationships. These studies revealed diverse opportunities for artificial agents to improve relationships, which include: individual and joint reflection points, delivery of a guide for conversation, and immersion in conversations couples find tough.

For a deep dive into each study and the insights gained please refer below.

How Might I... Statements

Insights from the discovery and definition phase were used to generate a number of how might I... statements. These statements helped me better understand how and where I might intervene in an intimate relationship. Statements were organized into three levels, each focusing on a different aspect of an experience that could enhance an intimate partners' capacity for expression and understanding.

How Might I... Statements Visualization

Inner Level

The inner level of the visualization is comprised of statements focused on the experience I was creating for an intimate partner or intimate couple. The following is a list of those statements. This list is not exhaustive, but is instead composed of those statements to which I paid particular attention.

How might I...

  • ethically manage a couple's data?
  • effectively communicate within the context of an intimate relationship?
  • effectively communicate the boundaries and capabilities of an artificial agent?
  • support the evolution of one's relationship with the artificial over time?
  • alter practices beyond a single interaction?

Inner Level of How Might I... Statements

Middle Level

The middle level of the visualization is comprised of statements focused on conversation between intimate partners. The following is a list of those statements.

How might I...

  • increase a partner's understanding of nonverbal communication?
  • monitor the sentiment of a conversation?
  • share frameworks to intimate couples?
  • share concepts to intimate couples?
  • start a needed conversation?
  • de escalate conflicts? Decrease negative affect reciprocity?

Middle Level of How Might I... Statements

Outer Level

The outer level of the visualization is comprised of statements focused on different aspects of intimate relationships that may benefit from an enhanced capacity for expression and understanding. While some statements are closely connected to others, each of them represents an aspect that could lead to unique design outcomes.

How might I...

  • provide a place of reflection for partners and couples?
  • enable greater understanding of a partner's view?
  • support greater acceptance of one's partner?
  • support greater appreciation of one's partner?
  • support greater recollection between partners?
  • design greater self disclosure between partners?
  • increase a partner's perceived relational value?
  • investigate the stigma of getting help with one's relationship?
  • encourage more reasonable expectations of a relationship?
  • reframe a partner's thinking about their relationship?

Outer Level of How Might I... Statements

Next Phase

To learn more about the various concepts I designed, and how each artificial agent could enhance intimate partners’ capacity for expression and understanding, please refer to the generative phase of my research.