[London, ENGLAND] Not everyone took fashion advice from “Miss Boo,”
but other electronic virtual assistants are becoming popular, claims
Lingubot software developer Kiwilogic.
Kiwilogic announced Tuesday that international Web design agencies
Deepend and BlowUpC have taken out licenses to use Lingubots,
enabling them to add an interactive element to their clients’ sites.
Described as “interactive, intelligent online characters,” Lingubots
act as store greeters, customer support agents, product specialists and
general purpose entertainers.
Deepend’s Andy Donald, an interaction designer, believes that the Lingubot
software has great potential for entertainment and games Web sites.
“We’re really looking forward to exploring the possibilities of using
it to enhance interaction, conversation and having fun in online
environments,” said Donald.
Similarly, Steve Dooley, one of the founder members of BlowUpC, said
he and his colleagues are always looking at ways to increase
interactivity with visitors.
“www.fifa-mra.com is visited by tech-savvy gamers and we are very
interested in how they will react to, and with, Sweetpatch,” said
Dooley.
Sweetpatch is a sporty, sultry young lady who wears very short
shorts and has green, spiky hair. She would probably not have been
best friends with Miss Boo.
Dooley, who has studied the psychology of perception, believes the
new generation of virtual assistants can merge psychology, visuals
and interactivity. Designing for the Web, he says, is “Like using a
paint box on steroids.”
Kiwilogic puts forward a more sober argument for using Lingubots,
saying they play an important role as part of an integrated e-commerce
system, answering last-minute product questions and highlighting
promotional and cross-selling opportunities. The end result, claims
Kiwilogic, is an increase in revenues from online purchases.
Backed by Earlybird Venture Capital, Kiwilogic has offices in Germany,
the U.K. and the U.S.
