Abstract
We present a vision for conversational user interfaces (CUIs) as probes for speculating with, rather than as objects to speculate about. Popular CUIs, e.g., Alexa, are changing the way we converse, narrate, and imagine the world(s) to come. Yet, current conversational interactions normatively may promote non-desirable ends, delivering a restricted range of request-response interactions with sexist and digital colonialist tendencies. Our critical design approach envisions alternatives by considering how future voices can reside in CUIs as enabling probes. We present novel explorations that illustrate the potential of CUIs as critical design material, by critiquing present norms and conversing with imaginary species. As micro-level interventions, we show that conversations with diverse futures through CUIs can persuade us to critically shape our discourse on macro-scale concerns of the present, e.g., sustainability. We reflect on how conversational interactions with pluralistic, imagined futures can contribute to how being human stands to change.
Highlights
How can we touch the consciousness of the people, even as we investigate their politics? With what voiceconsciousness can the subaltern speak? - Spivak, 1988 [69]To foster “futures worth wanting" [79], we propose a critical design approach to conversing with imagined future beings, things, and systems
The provocation we bring forward is that conversational user interfaces (CUIs) can be vehicles for speculating with regarding our diverse futures; our present selves can engage with “future voices" through CUIs
We frst outlined arguments against the current normative approach to CUIs that restrictively allow for request-response interactions while showing negative tendencies like sexism and digital colonialism
Summary
How can we touch the consciousness of the people, even as we investigate their politics? With what voiceconsciousness can the subaltern speak? - Spivak, 1988 [69]. The provocation we bring forward is that conversational user interfaces (CUIs) can be vehicles for speculating with regarding our diverse futures; our present selves can engage with “future voices" through CUIs. Whose voices from envisioned futures could infuence our current behavior, e.g., to address the climate crisis or future species’ well-being? The “subaltern”, i.e., the voiceless and marginalized [69]1, takes on a new meaning when considering whose voices presently get excluded by speech-based technologies. CUIs refect the dominant structure of society, echoing the voices of the privileged and disadvantaging or even neglecting those that fall outside that narrow frame [76]. This has triggered a number of deeper, long-term concerns. We propose to move CUIs away from voicing dominant norms, and towards being speculative carriers of future voices
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