Exploring the Personality Design Space of Robots Personalities and Design Implications for Non-Anthropomorphic Wellness Robots

Non-anthropomorphic robots can be cost-effective and efficient choice in certain context in comparison to social or humanoid robots. However, introduction of non-anthropomorphic robots can evoke uncertainty and anxiety due to novelty of technology. The goal of this paper is to explore personality design space for non-anthropomorphic wellness robots in office environment to foster acceptance among users. Through Participatory Design approach, we explored appropriate personalities for a well-being robot, which would detect employees' sitting posture and suggest small wellness interventions. We addressed the following research questions: (i) How can personalities be designed and integrated to non-anthropomorphic wellness robots to promote users' acceptance? (ii) How do the users perceive designed personalities of non-anthropomorphic wellness robot in the office context? We conducted one contextual inquiry (n=5) and one co-design workshop (n=15) followed by evaluation (n=5) in IT office environment with office employees. As a contribution to the paper, we present personalities and design implications for non-anthropomorphic wellness robot in the office context. Our contribution will serve as a guideline for designers to explore and expand their knowledge on designing robot personalities for non-anthropomorphic robots in the context.