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Virtual Agent Design for Social Skills Training Considering Autistic Traits
Summary
This study explored how virtual agent design impacts automated social skills training. A female anime-type agent was most preferred, with personalization influenced by user characteristics like gender, age, and autistic traits.
Area of Science:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Virtual Reality
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Human coaches traditionally deliver social skills training.
- Automated social skills training using virtual agents has been developed.
- The impact of virtual agent design on training effectiveness requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of virtual agent design on automated social skills training.
- To identify user characteristics influencing virtual agent perception.
- To inform the design of personalized virtual trainers.
Main Methods:
- Prepared images and videos of virtual agents.
- Collected ratings from 912 crowdsourced workers on acceptability and likeability.
- Analyzed the relationship between virtual agent impressions and individual characteristics (gender, age, autistic traits).
Main Results:
- A female anime-type virtual agent was rated as the most likable.
- Participant gender, age, and autistic traits significantly correlated with virtual agent ratings.
- Virtual agent design preferences are influenced by individual user characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Virtual agent design is a critical factor in automated social skills training.
- Personalized virtual agents, tailored to user characteristics, can enhance training effectiveness.
- Findings support the development of customized virtual trainers for improved social interaction skills.
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