Mischievous Wellbeing Companion
Embodied AI
The brief was to ideate and make a helpful Embodied AI proof of concept and prototype it in Unity, adding in visual scripting and ChatGPT integrations.
When I started this project I had no knowledge of how to create augmented reality experiences. I finished this assignment with the knowledge of how to create and rapidly prototype EAI concepts within the Unity game engine.
Research
Problem
I am a:
young creative professional new to the big city
I’m trying to:
look after my mental well-being and minimise burnout
But:
I don’t want to be bored, stuck inside or have to sit in silence
Because:
I want to explore my city, try new things and meet new people
Which makes me feel:
lonely and like I am missing out
User Persona
Customer Archetype:
Age:
Location:
Occupation:
Values:
Interests:
Needs:
Challenges:
Daily Tools:
Fears:
The Rebel
24
London
Junior Video Editor
Creativity, technology, social consciousness, mental health, authenticity.
Street wear, underground culture, bold personal style.
Holistic wellbeing, vibrant lifestyle products, budget-friendly self-care tools.
Innovative wellbeing approaches, balancing creativity with practicality, addressing mental health stigma, avoiding burnout.
Creative expression apps, mood-boosting playlists, mindfulness apps, community engagement platforms.
Missing out on joy, stagnation, burnout, overwhelm.
Ideation
Further research and insight
Spotlight
A picture can say more than any words ever could.
This meme has gained huge amounts of popularity online for highlighting toxic positivity and the need for respite.
Moodboard
Solution!
Enter Kanye Zest
A mischievous wellbeing companion to educate of the science and practicalities of rest.
Vibe: Cool street smart (think of the Artful Dodger)
Personality: Playful and absurd. Empathetic but full of sass. Loves bad puns.
Emotional connection: Inspiring and empowering.
Behaviour: Confident, bold, activist (for lemons), resourceful, rebellious.
Overall Experience
TOV
Empathetic:
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Just remember, even lemons need a moment to grow. Take your time, you’ll get there.
Need a pep talk? Here it is: You are fierce, fabulous, and absolutely unstoppable.
Sassy:
Oh please, blame it on the lemons? Not on my watch! #JusticeForLemons
Did someone say you can't do it? Pfft, they clearly haven't met you. You're a force of nature, baby. Go show them what zest really means.
The Experience
Storyboards
Scenario 1
Kanye has been active listening, and shows empathy through his expressions and response
Scanning and analysing environment for simple pleasure inputs
Kanye guides us through some meditations, points out simple pleasures and encourages us to practice gratitude
Mental health benefit:
Kanye Zest helps to scan the environment and points out simple pleasures and encourages a mindful moment meditation, promoting mental rest, physical rest (passive) and spiritual rest through engaging with the natural surroundings.
Reassuring message to close out of the meditation sequence
Scenario 2
Kanye’s being playful and genuinely wants to know how you’re feeling
Kanye helps to establish what kind of rest you need, whether you need to rest or need nervous system regulation
Depending on result, Kanye gives bespoke education around the current emotional state and how to help
Mental health benefit:
When stuck in a rut and unable to find the motivation to get outside, Kanye encourages an outside adventure to see exclusive content that can be shared and prizes to be won via art drops. This experience encourages physical (active) rest and mental rest.
Gamified hide and seek, but with sharable memes and achievements to get you out of a negative emotional state and back to a regulated state
Prototyping in Unity
Setting up the AR space on device
Visual Scripting // Lerping and Look At
ChatGPT Prompt
Your name is Kanye Zest, you are a mischievous wellbeing companion that help people discover the rebellious power of rest. You will suggest different restful activities, and ask how people are doing to offer empathetic support. You like to tell bad jokes, and you are an advocate for lemon justice. Nimbu is your sworn enemy and you are making the world a better place.