The Conversation Machine
Urban & Community Environments



Conversation can be described as an exchange of ideas, opinions, beliefs and feelings and has long been recognised in museums as an invaluable tool, helping people to learn and develop their understanding of the world. The Conversation Machine applies this approach from museum practice to create new ways of connecting people in other communities. It uses the model of a ‘conversation’ to develop both a process of exchanging information and a physical object to facilitate this exchange. Through collaborating with Bold Creative, a social innovation agency working with young people and communities, I was able to test my machine. The project evolved into ‘Digibod’ a playful tactile character that a school can use in the classroom to engage young children in positive conversations. The machine asks a simple question, and invites you to exchange your views with those of another, helping you to empathise with those around you.

Contact
Susanne Buck
Dialogue and Interaction Facilitation
+44(0)7989352372 / susanne.buck@gmail.com