n≠1
n≠1 is a VR installation designed to explore whether it can help people who are grieving. It focuses on creating a digital version of someone who has passed away, allowing users to interact with them in a virtual space. We use artificial intelligence to build these avatars with details such as their voice, pictures, and behaviors. This way, users can enter a virtual world and have real-time conversations with these digital beings. The goal is to make these interactions feel like genuine conversations, offering people a chance to say goodbye or share final words.
n≠1 aims to investigate new ways of handling loss by blending memories with reality, providing a deeper, more personal form of remembrance.
Supervisior - Prof. Andreas Ingerl
Camera for Showcase Video - Felix Henke
Talk to your deceased loved ones at Ars Electronica Festival
The Ars Electronica Festival is the world's leading festival for new media, digital art, and technology. Held annually in Linz, Austria, it attracts artists, scientists, and technology experts from around the globe. The festival provides a platform for presenting and exploring innovative projects at the intersection of art, technology, and society, focusing on themes such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and digital culture.
Within this context, we are conducting a study that offers participants the opportunity to interact with digital twins of their deceased loved ones. The aim is to investigate how such virtual interactions can influence and support the grieving process. Participants will engage in a virtual environment with avatars created using photos, voice recordings, and character descriptions.
Participation in the study is free of charge and is solely for scientific purposes; there is no commercial interest. All submitted and collected data will be anonymized. Upon completion of the study, all data will be immediately deleted to ensure the privacy of the participants.
01
Evaluation
Apply by August 15th via the provided form. This form captures basic eligibility criteria and does not constitute a binding commitment. Applicants will be notified after the evaluation process.
02
Detailed information
Selected participants will provide detailed information about the deceased person by August 1st, including images, character descriptions, and voice recordings. If necessary, individual conversations will be scheduled to address any questions. Subsequently, an appointment for the festival will be arranged.
03
Study Participation at the Festival
Selected participants will attend their scheduled appointment during the Ars Electronica Festival from September 4th to 8th in Linz, Austria. After the installation, participants will complete a questionnaire. The entire process is free of charge and solely for research purposes. All data will be completely deleted immediately after the installation is conducted.
Chantal Pisarzowski
New Media Designer Berlin