The project is built upon two basic assumptions: (1) that humans are far more intelligent interpreters of information than machines are and (2) that computers are far more efficient organizers of that information than humans can ever hope to be. Voices is an exploration into the burgeoning synergy between human and machine and the entities that emerge as a consequence of their complementing skill sets.

AIDA, the first chatbot created with the Voices code framework, is trained to listen for and even eavesdrop on the conversations occurring in the chatroom and sensibly organize the information that is rapidly being shared. As her knowledgebase grows, one can get a sense of the regular participants of the chat and their interests as well as make direct inquiries about what AIDA has learned about the others who share her virtual home.

See my 160A final paper, a more critical look at the technical and artistic influences that inspired this project.