AI Theatre
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AI Theatre: Interactive Conversational Interfaces with Virtual Agents Can Increase Confidence and Self-Efficacy in Devising Solutions for Interpersonal Conflict Scenarios, Daniel Pillis*, Pat Pataranutaporn*, Pattie Maes, Misha Sra, MIT Media Lab — 2024
AI Theatre: Interactive Conversational Interfaces with Virtual Agents Can Increase Confidence and Self-Efficacy in Devising Solutions for Interpersonal Conflict Scenarios
Recent advances in AI and large language models have enabled real-time interactions with virtual characters.
AI Theatre explores multi-agent conversations to study how virtual interactions can improve real-life communication. Inspired by Augusto Boal, AI Theatre simulates interpersonal conflict, allowing users to practice resolution strategies in a safe environment. A study with 240 participants showed increased confidence and skill.
Storytelling through Multimedia
I collected public domain 2D animations comprising a geneology of CGI from 1963 to 1987, and used fragments of the animations to create a 3D environment for storytelling.
Interacting in a 3D Timeline
Users explored a chronology of CGI history by retargeting their hand gestures via a Leap Motion Controller onto Catmulls’ “hand”.
The dialogue of the story was told by two bookended iMac G3 monitors, each animated by Parke’s faces, re-animated with the original Apple text-to-speech engine, “MacinTalk”.
A Spatial Narrative on Hardware
Using media artifacts with contemporary technology, the story of “The Machine Stops” was told through the medium of media archaeology.
Demonstration of User Interface
