A design methodology for abstracting character archetypes onto robotic systems

Given the increase in robotic systems for the household, it is imperative to design the expressive modes of these systems, that in turn engender likability, animacy, acceptance, and trust. This paper approaches this problem by proposing a design methodology that can be used to abstract archetypal characters across the system, including form factor, user instructions, and interactive modalities. This approach uses Laban Movement Analysis paired with the Kansei Engineering iterative design approach to dissect movement and visual traits of archetypal characters and marry them to features of the robot. These character traits are explored in a product, channel, consumer framework and are realized through interface elements, such as color, animated eyes, and character specific motion profiles. Finally, the use of priming using familiar characters from popular culture as a means to enhance the recognition of character traits is explored. Results show that users associated traits specific to each character archetype that were consistent with the intended design and that an aggregate measure of interaction success went up with character priming. This was bolstered in the priming cases, where users rated these traits more strongly. Thus, this methodology serves as a tool to create meaningful design variations to robotic systems using character archetypes, allowing us to design user-specific personality traits and interactive elements.