How can design address the need for compliance with rules while encouraging resistance to foster their evolution?
For example, the management of power dynamics, the respect of authority or the conformity to standards, the top-down and bottom-up forces?
Absurdist Chatbots
A pataphysical design challenging trust in generative AI chatbots
TEAM
Romée Postma
CONTEXT
MSc Design for Interaction
Graduation Project
2024
PROFESSORS
Roy Bendor
Kars Alfrink
Can absurdist chatbots change how we design AI? Inspired by the surrealist philosophy of pataphysics, this project uses absurdist, critical design to question AI solutionism, specifically trustworthy AI. Three travel chatbots were developed, each addressing core requirements of trustworthy AI—transparency, human control, or fairness. By exaggerating the mechanisms behind these assumed requirements, users are prompted to critically reflect on the pursuit of trustworthy AI. In doing so, the project disobeys the prevailing view of AI as a catch-all solution, creating space to rethink the way we should design AI.
