Definition of Interaction
I believe interaction to be defined as when two individual entities “converse” and intelligently respond to each other’s shared information. But the tricky part about pinpointing whether or not something is interactive is dependent on what you think an intelligent response is. Is a simple action like switching a light on or sounding a buzzer intelligent? One could even argue that some conversations between humans lack intelligent responses. I think as long as there is something more than just a simple true or false logic behind the result, it can be considered intelligent.
Project Comparison
Project that aligns with my definition: The Pulse Room (http://www.lozano-hemmer.com/pulse_room.php)
This project matches my definition because it is dependent on another individual for the device to work. Once the person comes in contact with the sensors, the device tracks and displays something completely unique to that individual. Without the person interacting with the sensors, the project wouldn’t be able to serve its purpose. Also because it creates a unique visual representation of a persons pulse, this shows an intelligent response occurring.
Project that doesn’t align with my definition: LED Coffee Table (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3l-zJafOnc)
Even though this project is dependent on an outside force to work, the logic behind the change of color is whether or not an object is present. This is a simple boolean logic therefore is doesn’t match up with my definition of interaction. Although she is able to change the color on her phone and set the brightness. But this isn’t interaction either since she isn’t actually interacting with the table itself, technically the phone is.
Our Project
MiniMi Poster
The idea for the MiniMi stemmed from some of our group member’s a lack of companionship during childhood and through all of us knowing how hard it is to make decisions sometimes. So, we thought what better way to fix these problems than to create something that would be personalized for each person. This AI would be able to replicate “you” and your desires, habits, likes, dislikes, etc. while also figuring out what the best course of action would be. The AI would also be constantly developing and changing just as much as the user does in real time. We wanted the embodiment of this AI to not be limited to just one physical thing, so we gave it the freedom to be placed into any object the user wished, adding to the level of customization.
MiniMi follows my definition of interaction quite well because it receives massive amounts of input which it then is able to understand and literally communicate back to the user in an intelligent manner. Not only does it work with the information it is given to by the user, it uses outside statistics and takes this data into consideration as well. It also is constantly receiving new information that is changing the kind of responses the MiniMi will give.