Using design methodology to enhance interaction for a robotic receptionist

It is believe that developing a robot without considering users feedback on appearance, functions and behavior will cause a share in the failure of research and evaluation of human robot interaction. This paper researched and solicited feedback from targeted users on their expectations and views of a robot, which will be used as a receptionist in a Singapore research centre. Based on design inputs from BMW Group DesignworksUSA, an experiment with 36 participants was conducted. The study covered areas such as perceptions of a robot, concerns of developing a robotic receptionist, expectations for a robotic receptionist, and preference in terms of overall appearance and functionalities of the intended robotic receptionist. The approach to the robotic development was based on a design methodology that took into consideration elements that would improve human robot interaction. The robotic receptionist was designed with a strong emphasis on the robot's appearance, behavior and functions that would impact the end users. The intent was to create a pleasurable experience for the end users during their encounter with the robot. This study finally led to conceptual designs based on response and selection from the participants. The robotic receptionist design had been selected and the first prototype, Olivia 2.0 has been developed for further human robot interaction studies.