Proposing a Virtual Agent to Enhance Discussion through Idea Presentation

Abstract

In this study, the authors propose a virtual agent system to support idea creation in SF prototyping. Among the workshop methods for creating the future, SF prototyping is useful for exploring potential possibilities by removing constraints on participants. However, the participants are required to create ideas actively during the discussions, which is adding stress to the participants. The authors consider that the situations when the participants are added stress during the workshop are the time when everyone is silent, and at this time the agent creates ideas and tells them to the participants. The pre-experiment revealed the group that the agent provided a support for idea generation to the participants, there was a significant reduction in the silence time during discussions compared to the group that the agent did not provide support.