Echo - the AI assistant that makes you think
According to a recent study, 62% (iFop) of young people think that artificial intelligence could have negative effects, in particular by increasing dependence on digital tools. Echo is an assistant designed to respond to this problem, aiming to restore the confidence of the younger generations in their own abilities...
- Date : September 2024
- Duration : 3 months
- Role : UX Design and prototyping
- Softwares : figma, illustrator, after effect, Rhino3D
1. Researches 📝
In a context where younger generations are increasingly immersed in the use of digital tools, a worrying trend is emerging: the growing dependence on artificial intelligence, especially GPT, to accomplish academic tasks. A survey of students reveals that the majority uses these technologies mainly to copy and paste answers, rather than develop active reflection. This behaviour raises concerns about its long-term impact on the development of cognitive skills and intellectual autonomy of young people.
"Faced with this challenge, Echo is positioning itself as an innovative response. By offering a mode of interaction centred on questioning and reflection, Echo aims to restore young people's confidence in their ability to solve problems independently. The objective: to encourage active and responsible learning, far from the ease of prefabricated answers."
2. Usage scenarios 🔎
The robot acts as a facilitator of cognitive autonomy, guiding the user through a dynamic questioning process. Rather than providing direct answers, it encourages reflection and exploration, thus strengthening self-confidence and empowerment through self-discovery and problem solving.
3. Prototyping ⚒️
A. Script
The user test is based on a scripted architecture inspired by the paths of the call centres, allowing the responses to be adapted according to specific needs. Dynamic flow adjusts the tone and depth of real-time assistance, providing a personalised experience. During the test, a simple question ('What is a chatbot?') Was posed, with the script read aloud via a virtual character, at a distance. A functional version is being developed on Voiceflow AI to validate the effectiveness of the model in a real context.
The iterative process has made it possible to create a user flow inspired by call centres, with micro-tests to refine the readability, tone and consistency of the responses.
B. Interface
User tests were done remotely via Visio, with an image projected on the Echo object, connected to a computer. A Memoji character, generated by Face ID, served as a virtual intermediary, allowing the experience to be evaluated without direct physical interaction.
With its sleek and futuristic design, the object seduces with its organic curves and minimalist look. The blue button and its bright eyes give it a touch of modernity, while the speakers and microphones, discreetly integrated, recall elegant ears. A perfect fusion of form and function.
The prototype was modelled on Rhino3D, and printed in 3D
4. User Test 🎤
5/6
Have recognised the effectiveness of the design
Users greatly appreciated the experience, emphasising that the mode of operation based on questioning pushed them to go further than they imagined
—
"I was frustrated that I was not given the answer, it was disturbing to think so much"
"At the end with the hologram, I had a project when I had started from nothing"
Concept: Echo guides young people through questioning rather than providing direct answers.
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