Conversational futures

Emancipating conversational interactions for futures worth wanting

Conference paper (2021)

Authors

Minha Lee Eindhoven University of Technology
Renee Noortman Eindhoven University of Technology
Cristina Zaga University of Twente
Alain Starke Wageningen University & Research
G. Huisman Human Information Communication Design - IDE
Kristina Andersen Eindhoven University of Technology
Research Group
Human Information Communication Design (IDE) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 Minha Lee, Renee Noortman, Cristina Zaga, Alain Starke, G. Huisman, Kristina Andersen
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1145/3411764.3445244
Critical design Conversational user interfaces Design fction Spec- ulative design Futuring
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Department

Human-Centered Design

Research Group

Human Information Communication Design

Abstract

We present a vision for conversational user interfaces (CUIs) as probes for speculating with, rather than as objects to speculate about. Popular CUIs, e.g., Alexa, are changing the way we converse, narrate, and imagine the world(s) to come. Yet, current conversational interactions normatively may promote non-desirable ends, delivering a restricted range of request-response interactions with sexist and digital colonialist tendencies. Our critical design approach envisions alternatives by considering how future voices can reside in CUIs as enabling probes. We present novel explorations that illustrate the potential of CUIs as critical design material, by critiquing present norms and conversing with imaginary species. As micro-level interventions, we show that conversations with diverse futures through CUIs can persuade us to critically shape our discourse on macro-scale concerns of the present, e.g., sustainability. We refect on how conversational interactions with pluralistic, imagined futures can contribute to how being human stands to change.