Anthropomorphic design and anticipated user experience : A two-step provocational design study of the user experience of smart anthropomorphic products

Abstract: We often see anthropomorphic designs in movies as highly intelligent robots, created to make our lives easier, but anthropomorphic is far more common than that. From cameras that look like eyes to face and voice recognition technology and avatars used by companies to support their brands. Despite this, relatively little research has been made about anthropomorphism in smart everyday products, and how that affects the anticipated user experience. Two provocative studies were conducted, where the participants provided their first impressions to picture prototypes. This generated an understanding of the general opinion of anthropomorphic designs, and when added a smart daily product. These studies showed that people are open to the idea of anthropomorphic designs, but the practicality and functionality are crucial. Through identification of multiple themes and thorough analysis, this study can serve as a blueprint to aid future studies about the anticipated user experience of smart daily products with anthropomorphic elements.