SMALL MOMENTS / THOUGHTFUL CHOICESSmall moments deserve
thoughtful design.
Values need to make sense in everyday encounters. We use familiar situations to consider how an interaction should unfold: not only what a robot might say, but whether someone wants to listen or has more to share.
AWhen someone is focused on something else
Imagine someone reading or attending to a task. They might welcome a brief conversation, or prefer some quiet. A robot sharing the same space does not mean that it should initiate an interaction at every moment.
A design considerationWe want willingness to engage to come first, with clear ways to begin, pause and end. Fewer irrelevant prompts and respect for an explicit refusal are also part of companionship. Quietly making room deserves design attention too.
When “I’m fine” can mean different things
The same words can mean different things to different people and in different situations. We do not want a single expression or a short answer to become a conclusion about someone. Interpretation can be mistaken, and that uncertainty should be made clear.
A design considerationFor example, continuing the conversation or taking a break could be offered as an open choice. It should be easy to correct an interpretation, decline or end a topic. The person’s wishes should guide the distance they keep.
