Design Framework for Conversational AI, Curatorial Insights in Cultural Heritage [pdf] (mkenely.com)

Researchers have introduced a novel design framework aimed at transforming passive heritage site experiences into interactive dialogues using conversational AI. This initiative, derived from the "Face-to-Face with Caravaggio" installation at St. John's Co-Cathedral in Malta, proposes a system where visitors engage with AI representations of historical figures, allowing for personalized discussions. This interaction not only enhances visitor engagement but also enables curators to collect valuable data-driven insights about visitor interests and engagement patterns through anonymized interaction analysis. The significance of this framework lies in its potential to revolutionize the presentation of cultural heritage by shifting from one-way communications to a dynamic, visitor-driven model. By incorporating large language models capable of generating historically accurate responses, this framework addresses important ethical considerations and scalability for heritage institutions. Key features include the ease of content management and interface design, which facilitate seamless interactions while preserving authenticity. Evaluation results showing a 72.4% visitor interest in AI companions point towards a promising future where technology enriches the cultural experience while providing deeper insights for curatorial decisions.