Avatars, agency and performance : the fusion of science and technology within the arts

Abstract

The Project: The aim of this thesis was to develop a deeper understanding of the nature and context within which interactions between a robotic exhibit (dynamic avatar and conversational agent) called the Articulated Head (AH) and a human interacting with it took place. The main focus of the research was directed at understanding the nature of the experience of avatar, conversational agent and audience interaction within the constraints and context of the Articulated Head's exhibited status: that of an enclosed situated robotic exhibit in a public exhibition space. The Articulated Head is predominantly referred to in the past tense because the project is essentially over. The hardware components of the Articulated Head were decommissioned from exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, Sydney, Australia in November 2012. The purpose of this research: The purpose of this research was to consider how interaction between humans and the Articulated Head could be improved. Therefore, a primary goal of this investigation was to find ways in which human engagement was enhanced during these interactions. The following research questions underpinned the investigation: a. In which ways 'has and can' the avatar be given agency? b. In which ways 'is and can' the avatar be multi-sensory and multi-present? c. In which ways 'can and do' the characteristics of a 'virtual' performer (e.g., personality, nuance of response, context) condition affect and engagement? Auditory-visual creative new media additions (see section 6) were added to the Articulated Head's exhibit space with the express intention that they would help contribute to enhancing the interactive experience for the active audience visiting the Articulated Head. These auditory-visual additions were tested to determine whether they would enhance active audience engagement and thereby improve the exhibits interaction design.

Date of Award	2014
Original language	English