Aesthetics of a Robot: Case study on AIBO Dog Robots for Buddy-ing Devices
Aladdin Ayesh, Chris Joseph, Simon Perril, Sue Thomas
Journal of Intelligent Computing, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2014.
DOI: 
Link: http://www.dline.info/jic/fulltext/v5n1/1.pdf
Abstract:
The more embedded and ubiquitous computing devices are introduced in everyday domestic applications, the more important the aesthetics of interfaces become. In this paper, our interest is the aesthetics of domestic robots as an example of buddy-ing physical devices. We report on observations of using Sony AIBO dogs in outreach programs to new and untraditional user groups. The sessions were part of Narrative Lab workshops and Institute of Creative Technology (IOCT) Salon workshops. In the case of Narrative Lab workshop, AIBO robots were introduced to writers who were exploring new means of inspiration and writing in new media. A more elaborate study was conducted with undergraduate Humanities students. The observations in this paper will focus on the reactions towards the dog look and behaviour. It explores the relationships between the behaviours demonstrated, the physical appearance of the robot, and the usersâ€™ perceptions. We call upon aesthetics theories, aesthetics of interfaces, aesthetic metrics, and art theories research in our analysis of these observations. The outcome will be in the form of a framework to assess physical domestic devices design for buddy-ing interaction leading to design guidelines.