Orli
A living desk lamp that draws attention to the presence of AI in our daily digital habits.
AI and Self
As an exercise to begin this project, my team and I recorded each time we used AI in a week. What we found was that almost everything we did on our devices used artificial intelligence in some way, revealing that it is more deeply incorporated in our lives than we had thought. The most common types of AI we encountered were Generative (Grammarly, ChatGPT, Dall-E), Computer Vision (Face ID, Zoom), and Algorithmic (Social Media, Google Search Engine). How can we be more mindful about our usage of AI?
Communication Through Behavior
Orli is a desk lamp that detects, records, and alerts you on your usage of AI. Connect it to your device through bluetooth and set your own limits on a widget. The AI alarm clock intentionally irks its user, bringing light to how desensitized we have become to the presence of AI in our daily digital habits.
Prototyping Orli
From determining the material of the lampshade to designing the widget's interface, there was a plethora of physical and digital prototypes alike. Orli's exterior is made of bristol paper, folded in the Kresling pattern, and is brought to life with Arduino parts.
A Holistic Experience
Customization
Users can personalize their usage limits for different types of AI through the companion widget interface.
Active
Orli comes alive when you engage with AI in your device. Through the lamp's behavior, the invisible nature of AI becomes visible and personified.
SEARCHING. Orli is curious to know what type of AI you are using.
PULSING. When you engage with AI, Orli begins to breathe. The color of the light reflects the type of AI being used.
BREATHING. If multiple types of AI are being used, the breaths get deeper and more colors shine through.
OVERWHELMED. You will be alerted when you have reached any of the time limits you have set for yourself. Calm Orli back down by covering the eyes.
Passive
When the user is not using their device, Orli emits colored light that represents the types of AI, replaying your past AI interactions.
Reflection
The user can reflect on their AI usage trends with the widget, which visualizes the data Orli has collected. Similarly to a "screentime" application, the statistics include the time spent using each type of AI over time and the platforms on which you used AI most.
User Journey
Physical Prototype
Personality of Products
My designs aim to evoke certain emotional responses from guests, hence why I always make an effort to empathize with the consumers of a product or space. Orli was the first project in which I put myself also in the product's shoes to see how it would feel. How would Orli behave if a user is not using AI? He wouldn't know what the user is doing, so maybe he would be searching for an answer while he waits. This lamp is like a pet that requires some food but not too much--it is fueled by your AI usage while also being overwhelmed when you pass your limit. It asks for a great deal of attention, but the cute eyes make up for it; after all, it's just doing its job. Considering the character traits of the product enhances the experience for the user as it makes the interactions more believable, and therefore more engaging. Many thanks to Sojung and Juhi, for making up a team that was able to blend ideas and create something memorable. Thanks also to Dina, who encouraged us continuously and provided us with the equipment necessary.
Team
- Sojung Pak
- Juhi Kedia
Programs
- Figma
- Arduino
- Adobe Ae
- Rhino
Roles
- UI/UX Designer
- Visual Designer
Skills
- Experience Design
- Interaction Design
- Physical Prototyping