Encounters with A Tangible Smart Radio

Less Social Affordances, More Critical Engagement with LLMs?

Abstract

The main mode of interaction with Large Language Models (LLMs) for today's users takes the form of a conversation between two agents (human and machine). This occurs on the same devices where conversations with a person happens, and the interactions share the same language. This sociomaterial scaffolding implies familiar circumstances which steer users to act and trust AI in certain ways. This paper presents an object called the Smart Radio, an exploration in the design of AI systems where AI operates tangibly and non-conversationally. This design artifact sheds some light on how current AI designs may steer users away from critical engagement, and how through the use of tangibility the experience can still be a positive engagement with an actor. Through embodiment and multiple media channels the Smart Radio shows potential for AI systems to meet a user as an actor but one that encourages critical engagement.