Engaging through her eyes : embodying the perspective of a robot companion

Abstract

In response to a change in the use of computers and interactive technologies, traditional Human-Computer Interaction concepts of usability, efficiency and productivity have progressively been enriched with other concepts such as curiosity, empathy, playfulness and affection. Korhonen et al. state that the acceptance of a product depends not only on its utilitarian properties but also on non-utilitarian ones including playfulness. However, even if there seems to be near consensus on the importance of designing interactive systems beyond rational and functional requirements, the way in which this can be achieved is still an open research issue. In this paper we describe our design approach to develop an embodied and playful mobile interface to control a robot companion in a smart home environment.\nA major challenge of the research is to engage an older person in rich, empathic and playful interaction with a robot to encourage a prolonged, subtle, and stimulating effect beyond the initial encounter. This challenge is explored through the design of innovative concepts of playful interaction embodying the perspective of the robot companion.