Memory Lane – Saving life stories with voice AI
BETTER SOUND 2020 | Categories: 3.2 Health, 3.4 Social & Culture, 5. Voice & Audio Dialogue
Entrant
Lexter Ljuddesign AB
Abstract
”Memory Lane” is the world’s first reversed voice assistant, developed with the purpose and aim to reduce loneliness amongst elderly in Stockholm. With conversational artificial intelligence this audio innovation offers not only companionship, it’s a personal biographer interviewing the users about their life stories and saving them for the future.
Description
Individuals are not strong when they stand alone. Scientific research shows that loneliness, depression and dementia are rapidly growing health issues amongst elderly and that undesired loneliness can be as harmful as smoking and obesity. ”Memory Lane” is the world’s first reversed voice assistant, developed with the purpose and aim to reduce loneliness amongst elderly in Stockholm. ”Memory Lane” interacts with the user through a smart speaker, inviting to conversations about old memories and experiences.
A combination of Google Voice Assistance and artificial intelligence enables an active dialogue where relevant and personal questions are asked to the user. Based upon the users answers and information, ”Memory Lane” can determine which question or sequential question to be asked next, and in what area. In this way, a meaningful conversation and a unique, emotive storytelling is created. This enables the users to tell their life stories, that otherwise could be lost, and in the same time the unique artificial intelligence offers companionship. The interviews are then automatically transcribed into text.
“Memory Lane” has made it possible to create the world’s first book co-authored by human and artificial intelligence, converting the stories to lasting memories. The stories are continuously recorded into podcasts, passing the stories forward to future generations. The concept and software for “Memory Lane” was developed for Stockholm Exergi by Accenture Interactive, together with Lexter Sound Design as audio partner. The project has received a lot of international attention and was twice nominated to Cannes Lion and has also won awards in Stockholm Sound Awards, Strategié and DADI Awards.