Date of Award
Spring 5-22-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Industrial Design
Department
Industrial Design
First Advisor
Paolo Cardini
Second Advisor
Tom Weis
Third Advisor
Scott Jenson
Abstract
This is an experimental interaction design project that challenges anthropomorphism in human-computer interaction. In particular, the recent advancement of artificial intelligence technologies like Large Language Models has taken anthropomorphism to new heights. The conversational chatbot interface of AI prioritizes mimicking an inherently human communication medium to maximize human-likeness. However, anthropomorphism has several downsides. Conversational interfaces obscure the limitations and the tangible cost of the technology. They also imply fictional moral status and human-level cognitive capabilities, which means general public sentiment focuses on the ``overhyped'' excitement and fear rather than on other socio-ethical and capacity questions that are far more urgent and relevant. In short, through this work, I wish to argue that anthropomorphism in AI has made the impression of the technology overly intuitive, overly trustworthy and impenetrable. The project uses physical design and tangible human interface to propose an alternative paradigm of interaction design for AI -- one that is rooted in the nature of computing as a tool to help human. This work presents several examples of machine-like interfaces for human-AI interaction. These tangible interfaces pursue the exact opposite of human-likeliness. They are frictional, attention-seeking and informative. This project questions the long tradition of anthropomorphism in computing and aspires to plant a seed for a radically new paradigm for interaction design that acknowledges the true capabilities and limitations of technology and the tool-building nature of human.
Recommended Citation
Cheng, Posheng, "Frictional Intelligence" (2026). Masters Theses. 1541.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1541
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