I built this project by modifying a rotary phone to function as an interactive installation. Inside, a Raspberry Pi processes user input and controls the experience. The handset’s microphone and speaker connect to a USB sound card, allowing the system to detect when the phone is picked up and enabling voice interaction. A sensor reads the rotary dial’s pulses to determine the selected “emotion,” which then affects the AI-generated conversation. By using speech recognition and text-to-speech, the phone engages the user in a dialogue that changes based on their tone and input, reinforcing the project’s focus on the nuances of conversation.

To make the installation inviting, I designed it to feel both nostalgic and intriguing. The phone sits on a pedestal under a spotlight, encouraging interaction. The choice of a rotary phone was deliberate—it forces a slower, more intentional interaction compared to modern devices. This mirrors how overthinking affects communication, requiring extra effort to process responses. The setup was built with a modest budget, primarily using secondhand parts and open-source software, making it both accessible and functionally robust.