Robot mirroring: A framework for self-tracking feedback through empathy with an artificial agent representing the self

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel self-tracking feedback framework using an empathetic artificial agent that mirrors the user's state to promote self-help and healthier behaviors.

Contribution

It proposes a new empathetic mirroring approach for self-tracking feedback and outlines an agile, multidisciplinary design methodology for implementing such systems.

Findings

Expert interviews highlight the need for multidisciplinary teams.

An agile development process with iterative sprints is effective.

The framework fosters empathy and helping behaviors in users.

Abstract

Current technologies have enabled us to track and quantify our physical state and behavior. Self-tracking aims to achieve increased awareness to decrease undesired behaviors and lead to a healthier lifestyle. However, inappropriately communicated self-tracking results might cause the opposite effect. In this work, we propose a subtle self-tracking feedback by mirroring the self's state into an artificial agent. By eliciting empathy towards the artificial agent and fostering helping behaviors, users would help themselves as well. Finally, we reflected on the implications of this design framework, and the methodology to design and implement it. A series of interviews to expert designers pointed out to the importance of having multidisciplinary teams working in parallel. Moreover, an agile methodology with a sprint zero for the initial design, and shifted user research, design, and implementation sprints were proposed. Similar systems with data flow and hardware dependencies would also benefit from the proposed agile design process.