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Lizzy was the result of an innovative collaboration between UCA, StarPal.ai and Jane Austen’s House to explore the previously uncharted depths of AI-powered avatars from the fictional world.
Alongside a meticulously curated knowledge bank, which included a treasure trove of original Jane Austen works, historical facts, and scholarly insights, Lizzy was developed to mirror empathy and humour: the human qualities of Austen’s character as detailed in Pride and Prejudice.
As well as being well-informed, the AI was also trained to engage with people in a sophisticated and conversational manner, closely aligned to Jane Austen’s own wit.
What does Lizzy have to say about Jane Austen’s 250th birthday? She said: “Celebrating the 250th birthday of Jane Austen is a joyous occasion because it provides an opportunity to honour her remarkable contributions to literature, reflect on her enduring legacy, and the joy her stories bring to countless people. Her novels, like “Pride and Prejudice,” have not only entertained but also offered insightful commentary on society, relationships, and human nature.”
Set against the backdrop of a Regency-styled drawing room, Lizzy’s costume and hair were designed and created by students from the BA Games Art and MA Digital Fashion courses at UCA, who immersed themselves in the world of Jane Austen. While props to accompany the installation were curated BA Design for Theatre and Screen student, Freddy Ellison.
Lizzy was made possible by the financial support of the GAIN (Games and Innovation Nexus), a £2.3m programme led by UCA, the University of Surrey, and the University of Warwick.
Lauren Newport-Quinn, Innovation Project Manager for GAIN at UCA, explained: “This innovative tool holds significant potential for enhancing intuitive learning within the arts and heritage sectors. Engaging in conversational exchanges with an avatar with a comprehensive knowledge base will broaden many learners’ perspectives, making information more accessible and enriching.”
Lizzy will be on display in the Foyer Gallery at UCA in Farnham from now until 22 December or you can also chat with Lizzy online at gain.uca.ac.uk.