Explaining

Having a conversation | Composed | General Communication

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Preamble

Type

Composed Pattern, Having a conversation

Ranking

* (tentative)

Version

1

Author

Kathrin Pollmann (kathrin.pollmann@iao.fraunhofer.de)

Design Challenge

Interaction Situation

The robot talks to the user for a longer period of time. The user needs to understand that the robot is engaged in a monologue and that it is important for them to listen to what the robot is saying.

Communication
Goal

“I am explaining something to you. Stay focused on me!”

Design Solution

Solution

Let the robot express that:
  • It directs its attention towards the user using a user-oriented positioning in the room, letting robot and user face each other. (Attentive).
  • It wants the user to pay attention to what is happening next (Demanding attention).
  • Its operation mode is , setting the status light to permanently glowing (Operation mode on). Although the user is a passive listener, the robot needs to keep them engaged in the interaction, especially if the monologue exceeds 20 seconds. This can be achieved by letting the robot express: That it is alive through idle movements of body, facial parts or on the floor. (Lively)

    • Rationale

    Explaining something means that the user’s attention needs to be focused on the robot for a longer period of time, which requires two sub-actions: facing the interaction partner to signal that your attention is focused on them and being able to keep the attention during the whole time. Explaining naturally includes verbal output of the robot, which is attention grabbing by itself. If applicable, the demand for attention can be emphasized by an expression of vividness. From attention research, it is known that movements attract attention. Thus, idle movements on the spot or of body and facial parts can be used to maintain user attention on the robot. Further details about the described sub-actions can be found in the descriptions of the Atomic Patterns “Attentive”, “Demanding attention” and “Lively”.

    References and
    Context

    Needs: Attentive AND Demanding attention AND Operation mode on Is extended by: Lively Opposed patterns: all other composed patterns – two composed patterns can never be executed at the same time