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Design+ Design chatbot using activity theory

contexts. Conversational UX Design relies heavily on the interface of the chatbot is in constant development,
predefined conversation flows, which may not adapt changing the appearance as the user and use context
well to dynamic or evolving user goals. The framework develop. The interface and the computer artifact, in the
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focuses on chatbot design as an isolated system, which chatbots are mediators of learning because activity theory
may hinder its integration into larger workflows or assumes an asymmetric relation between people and things,
activities. Conversational UX Design often reacts to user in contrast to traditional symmetric relations offered by
input without actively shaping user behavior or workflows. cognitive science or other computer science approaches,
Its focus on efficiency and engagement might overlook where computer programs and human behaviors are
cultural nuances and diverse user needs. Activity theory, modeled using the same language and methods. From the
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with its focus on the interrelation of tools, goals, and activity theory perspective, computer applications, i.e., our
social contexts, offers a more comprehensive approach to chatbot, act as a mediator of human activity. 30
designing adaptive and inclusive chatbot systems. Applying activity theory for chatbot design enables us
Understanding human activity and work practices is to make important features of human endeavor stand out
the focus of activity theory. The principles and components through the hierarchical structure of activity instead of
of activity theory have been used as analytical tools for designing chatbot applications in isolation. It enables us to
many different subjects. These include human–computer focus on the context of use. According to activity theory,
interaction, information systems, interface design, Computer artifacts can only be understood in their context
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communities of practice, and education. There are many of use, as embedded in meaningful activity.
advantages for using activity theory for designing usable An activity comprises a variety of disparate elements,
and UX chatbots. It is our belief that the theory from AT voices, and viewpoints. It is not a homogeneous entity. The
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offers us an effective way to design chatbots. Principles multiplicity can only be understood in terms of historical
from activity theory have important implications for layers. Activities are constantly evolving and are not static
effective chatbot design. or rigid. It is important to know how it is developed into its
An activity is a precursor to learning in activity theory. existing form to understand a phenomenon. This applies
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To know something, we must understand the context to all the elements of an activity. To understand the current
of doing. Individual actions are always situated in a relationship between subject and object requires us to
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meaningful context and are impossible to understand in have a condensation of the historical development of that
isolation without the meaningful context as the unit of relationship. 23
analysis. Various artifacts, such as procedures, signs, History plays an important role in activity theory.
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instruments, methods, laws, etc., are always involved in an It is not simply an event in the past, but also is alive in
activity through which actions on objects are mediated. the present, that may shape the future. The structures
During the development of the activity, artifacts are and behavior of today’s learning reflect the culture and
created, manipulated, and translated, and carry the circumstance-specific historical development. Historical
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historical aspect of the development and the outcomes of analysis enables us to examine existing and emerging
previous actions on objects. 28 organizational structures, the result of their evolutionary
All activities are mediated by culturally defined development, sometimes intentional and others not.
tools in activity theory. Because activity is mediated, It is therefore important to describe and analyze the
the implications for road signs learning is crucial. The development and tensions within the activity system. It is
mediation redefines the nature of learning. Learning based the authors’ belief that by exploiting information relating
on the activity theory is now re-conceptualized as learning to users, devices, and environments through the notion of
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to participate in a cultural practice. Instead of viewing it awareness, using activity theory can bring about effective
as the rational abstraction of mental representation from chatbot design. Activity theory offers an ideal framework
one’s own experience, from an activity theory perspective, for the design of context-aware systems by providing
instead of designing learning based on teacher-centered or guidance on what elements of context to consider to
student-centered approaches, students move through the support the implementation process during the design of
activities and progress from being partial participants, who the chatbot.
are heavily dependent on the material mediation of tools, Our approach allows us to interpret the context of user
to full participants, who are able to more flexibly use the behavior in the application. This allows the minimization of
cultural tools of the narrative practice. 29 explicit input and becomes personalized for the individual
The interface design of the road sign chatbot is also user. Minimizing explicit input helps improve usability for
benefited from applying activity theory. This is because mobile learners. Applying activity theory to the design of

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 5 doi: 10.36922/DP025060009