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A-I-CTIVISTS - Ethics in human-conversational agent relationships

Degree Project 2021

The usage of conversational agents in domestic spaces is constantly increasing - with this, ethical issues that we have not anticipated will arise, both because these relationships are human-like and not human-like.

This thesis shows that ethically responsible relationships between humans and conversational agents are much more than conversational design.
It takes a closer look at the qualities and values these relationships are based on and points out some of the possible unintended consequences that could occur if these agents are staged, like personas with human-like features or if they go in between human-human relationships.

My approach is not to provide solutions but to create provocations to raise awareness, trigger more relevant questions and start debates.

The overall aim of this project is to point out what designers need to pay attention to in order to create more ethically responsible future relationships.

If you want to learn more, contribute or give feedback - visit the project's website www.a-i-ctivists.com, my portfolio www.leabachmann.com or write me an email at lea.v.bachmann@gmail.com

Lea Bachmann

Master's Programme in Interaction Design
lea.verena@hotmail.com
A-I-ctivists project site
Final Thesis Pitch Lea Bachman

Short project pitch (Including Intro to fictional organization A-I-CTIVISTS + BLOODSISTERS Provocation)

Illustration Image:Umeå Institute of Design
Illustration Image:Umeå Institute of Design
Illustration Image:Umeå Institute of Design

Terminology - Definition of Conversational Agents

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Aim of Thesis Project

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How might we...

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Process in a Nutshell

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Directions from the Research (Blue = Chosen Direction)

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First Fear behind Chosen Direction

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Second Fear behind Chosen Direction

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Polarities based on Fears as Basis for Final Design Space

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Final Design Space

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Placement of Provocations on the Evolution of a Human-Agent Relationship

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Project Mission on A-I-CTIVISTS Website

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First Provocation BLOODSISTERS - QR Code for more Info

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Fictional Interview with Laura and Jess

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Quote from an Interview with Laura and Jess

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Bloodsister Information Graphic - Affect of human-agent relationship over time

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Bloodsister Placement in Design Space

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Check out the other Provocation & Join the Conversation

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Thank you - Get in Touch