Anastasia Kouvaras Ostrowski

 Voice-user interfaces (VUIs), such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, are increasingly becoming present in domestic environments. Users attribute agency and personality traits to these AI agents. Due to the social attributes of these technologies, users try to understand the agents' characteristics based on social norms. These factors affect user experience quality and overall engagement, which, when considering first experiences, can impact continuous usage and engagement with VUI technology.

Our work examines users’ first impressions and interactions with  VUI agents, such as Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Jibo, with varying brands and modalities. Using personality and experience questionnaires, we seek to understand how VUI modalities, form, and personality affect engagement with VUIs. 

We have investigated how social embodiment, interpersonal movement, and branding influence users' perceptions of VUIs and their behaviors when interacting with VUIs.

Published works from this project include:

• Ostrowski, A.K., Fu, J., Zygouras, V., Park, H.W., & Breazeal, C. 2022. Speed dating with voice user interfaces (VUIs): Understanding how families interact and perceive VUIs in a group setting. Frontiers in Robotics and AI Journal Special Issue: Social Dynamics in Multi-Agent Groups and Teams. [link] [news article]

• Ostrowski, A.K., Zygouras, V., Park, H.W., & Breazeal, C. 2021. Small group interactions with voice-user interfaces: Exploring social embodiment, rapport, and engagement. ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) 2021 (23% acceptance rate). [link]