Creating Positive Experiences with Digital Companions

Over the last decade, advances in machine learning have multiplied the possibilities for applications of artificial intelligence. One of these applications are digital companions that assist their users in tasks and activities. In this study, we wanted to evaluate whether digital companions can be designed to create possibilities for positive experiences in work contexts and also be perceived as such using a Wizard-of-Oz prototype of a companion that supports workshop planning. We find that the work is perceived as more positive, more natural, and the content that is presented as more positive after the interaction with a companion that has been designed for positive experience compared to a neutral companion with the same functionality.