The Story Maker

Cece Jiao and Weiyan Huang

The Story Maker was created with Wonda during Amany Alkhayat's AI Simulation workshop session.  We designed a creative  assistant named Pikaso to help users to build a story based on their intention, needs and interest. 

The Story Maker interactive site: https://pro.wondavr.com/embed/?course=05ca8e30-c57d-11f0-addb-a59a44741186

Final story:

In a cyberpunk world, There is a university in the sky where bird language is key. A bilingual student fluent in human and fish languages, can speak the bird language but still faces academic pressure. There is a service to embed bird language but it is genetic editing, which goes against this bilingual student's belief. This student grapple with identity conflicts because of the unfamiliar environment. Peers notice the difficulties of this bilingual student. With peer support, they form a study group, blending languages to overcome the challenge.

Full conversation with Pikaso:

Pikaso

Hello, how are you today?

Me

not good

Pikaso

I'm sorry to hear that. If you'd like, we can dive into some creative storytelling to lift your spirits. What do you think?

Me

yes sounds good

Pikaso

Great! Let's start by developing the core idea of your story. What message or theme do you want to express? Is there a particular feeling or concept you want to explore?

Me

I want to explore the "not good" feeling through story making process

Pikaso

That's an intriguing choice. We can delve into themes of overcoming adversity or finding light in dark times. What kind of journey or transformation do you envision for your main character?

Me

my main character feel depressed because they are a bilingual international student and struggling with the deadlines in college. They're not good at writing and standard test. There are too many courses in one semester. It's too overwhelming to them.

Pikaso

Your character's struggle is very relatable. Let's explore their personality. What are their strengths and flaws? What do they truly want to achieve despite these challenges?

Me

I don't know

Pikaso

No worries! Let's brainstorm together. Perhaps your character is resilient and empathetic, but struggles with self-doubt. They might want to find their voice and confidence in a foreign environment.

Does that resonate with your vision?

Me

yes. give me more

Pikaso

Great! Let's set the scene. Your character is in a bustling city, full of opportunities but also challenges.

The cultural differences and language barriers add to their stress.

Yet, they find solace in a small community of fellow students who share similar struggles. How does that sound for the environment?

Me

It doesn't sound very cool. I want more cools settings to show the conflict in the character What about happening a cyberpunk small town.

The campus is on the cloud up in the sky. As a bilingual student speaking human language and fish language, they feel struggle to be in the sky.

Pikaso

I love that idea! A cyberpunk small town with a campus in the sky sounds thrilling. The contrast between the high-tech environment and your character's unique bilingual ability adds depth. Their struggle to adapt to the sky setting while speaking human and fish languages creates a fascinating conflict. How do you envision them overcoming these challenges?

Me

They're going to a service to embed a new language pack that suitable for the sky setting, but the service is based on genetic editing technique, which has some ethical problem to them as a bilingual person, especially with their human origin. this. story is going far away from the deadline in college, help me to consider my initial ides or involving this into current developed setting

Pikaso

Let's weave your initial idea into this setting. The character's struggle with deadlines can be tied to the ethical dilemma of genetic editing

Perhaps the language pack promises to enhance their writing skills and test performance, tempting them to compromise their values. This internal conflict mirrors their external challenges, creating a rich narrative. How does that sound?

Me

I still need more. Give me a complete plot of what we discussed so that I can get a better rationale

Pikaso

In a cyberpunk town with a sky-high campus, our bilingual protagonist struggles with college deadlines and language barriers. They discover a genetic editing service offering a language pack to enhance their skills. Torn between ethical concerns and academic pressure, they seek advice from a community of fellow students. Ultimately, they discover a genetic editing service offering a language pack to enhance their skills. Torn between ethical concerns and academic pressure, they seek advice from a community of fellow students. Ultimately, they decide to embrace their unique abilities, finding creative ways to succeed without compromising their values. This journey highlights resilience and self-acceptance

Me

you missed my important bilingual setting of the character that speaks human and fish language and what is needed in sky is something like bird language

Pikaso

Apologies for that oversight! In this cyberpunk world, your character, fluent in human and fish languages, struggles in the sky campus where bird language is essential. They face pressure to undergo genetic editing for a bird language pack, which conflicts with their identity. Through support from peers and embracing their unique skills, they creatively bridge communication gaps, proving their worth without altering their essence.

Me

I like the peer support part. but how can the peer help?

Pikaso

The peers could form a study group, combining their diverse language skills to help each other. They might create a unique communication system, blending human, fish, and bird languages. This collaboration not only aids in academic success but also fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect empowering your character to embrace their identity and overcome challenges.

Me

I think this is good so far. What' thar next step I should do?

Pikaso

Next, let's articulate the conflict more deeply. Consider how your character's internal struggle with identity and external pressures from the academic environment evolve

Then, think about how they ultimately overcome these

obstacles and what they learn. This will help you shape the story's climax and resolution. Ready to dive into that?

Me

yes. And I think we've already talked about the conflict and get a good solution, which is peer support

Pikaso

Absolutely! With the conflict and resolution in place, let's reflect on the story's message. What do you want readers to take away from your character's journey? Is it about embracing diversity, the power of community, or something else? This will help solidify the story's impact.

Me

yes, I want to highlight the

embracing diversity and the power of community. Besides, how individuals reflect on their identity

Pikaso

That's a powerful message! Your story beautifully illustrates how embracing diversity and community support can empower individuals to reflect on and embrace their identities. It encourages readers to value their unique traits and find strength in collaboration. This theme resonates deeply in today's interconnected world. Anything else you'd like to explore or refine in your story?

Me

I want all these in a clear and structured plot

Pikaso

Here's a structured plot:

*Introduction*: In a cyberpunk town, a bilingual student struggles with college deadlines and language barriers in a sky-high campus.

1           **Rising Action**: They discover a genetic editing service offering a bird language pack, tempting them to compromise their identity.

2           **Climax**: With peer support, they form a study group, blending languages to overcome academic challenges.

3           **Falling Action**: The group creates a unique communication system, fostering mutual respect and belonging.

4           *Resolution*: The protagonist embraces their identity, highlighting diversity and community power.

Does this align with your vision?

Me

Yes but you missed many details

Pikaso

Let's refine it with more details:

5           **Introduction**: In a cyberpunk town, a bilingual student fluent in human and fish languages struggles with college deadlines in a sky-high campus where bird language is essential.

6           **Rising Action**: They face pressure to undergo genetic editing for a bird language pack, conflicting with their identity.

7           **Climax**: With peer support, they form a study group, creatively blending human, fish, and bird languages to tackle academic challenges.

8           **Falling Action*: The group develops a unique communication system, fostering mutual respect and a sense of belonging.

**Resolution**: The protagonist embraces their identity, highlighting

the power of diversity and community.

Does this capture the essence better?

Me

yes, much better. Can I also have a paragraph of summary

Pikaso

In a cyberpunk world, a bilingual student fluent in human and fish languages faces academic pressure in a sky-high campus where bird language is key. Tempted by genetic editing, they grapple with identity conflicts. With peer support, they form a study group, blending languages to overcome challenges.

This journey highlights the power of diversity, community, and self-acceptance, as the protagonist embraces their unique identity without compromise

Me

Perfect! This is the story I want to tell

Pikaso

I'm thrilled to hear that! Your story is both unique and meaningful. Thank you for collaborating together. I hope this session helps you in your creative journey. If you need any more assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy writing!

Full conversation with Pikaso:

Pikaso

Hello, how are you today?

Me

I'm good. Thank you

Pikaso

That's great to hear! Are you ready to dive into some creative storytelling today? Let's start by exploring the core idea of your story.

What message or theme do you want to express?

Me

I have a specific business request.

We need to make a story to promote our brand. Our brand is about water bottle. And our water bottle is very light weight.

Pikaso

Interesting! Let's create a story that highlights the lightweight feature of your water bottle. Perhaps we can focus on a character who embarks on an adventure where every ounce matters. What kind of journey or challenge could they face that emphasizes the importance of a lightweight bottle?

Me

The main character is going on an adventure so they don't want to carry too much weight. I'm not sure what kind of challenge it could be.

Maybe it's just to dangerous to carry other heavy water bottle when climbing?

Pikaso

Climbing sounds like a thrilling challenge! Imagine our character scaling a steep mountain where every extra pound could mean the difference between success and failure. The lightweight bottle becomes their secret weapon, allowing them to move swiftly and safely. What kind of personality does this adventurous climber have? Are they experienced or a daring novice?

Me

They are novice! First time adventurer to climb a local mountain near their place

Pikaso

A novice climber adds a relatable and exciting twist! Our character is eager and determined, perhaps a bit nervous but driven by a sense of adventure. Their lightweight bottle symbolizes their readiness to embrace new experiences without being weighed down. What kind of environment surrounds this local mountain? Any unique features or challenges?

Me

It could be a normal mountain but we want a scenario that shows something suddenly happened and the adventurer in risk or feel unsafe with heavy water bottles? OR a normal mountain with a folktale saying a light water bottle saves life?

OR maybe we mix the two

Pikaso

Combining both ideas could create a captivating story! Imagine a folktale about a mysterious wind that sweeps through the mountain, making it treacherous for those carrying heavy loads. Our novice climber, aware of the tale, chooses the lightweight bottle. When the wind suddenly picks up, they feel grateful for their choice, realizing the wisdom in the legend. How does this experience change them?

Me

I don't think we need any change because this is an advertising plot for our water bottle

Pikaso

Got it! The focus can be on the climber's relief and gratitude for the lightweight bottle during the unexpected wind. This highlights the product's practicality and importance in adventurous situations. How about ending with a catchy line that ties the story back to your brand's promise of reliability and innovation?

Me

That's a great suggestion. Let me think about it. Do you have any thoughts?

Pikaso

How about something like: "When the winds of adventure call. travel light and conquer all." This line emphasizes the lightweight feature and the adventurous spirit your brand embodies. Does this resonate with the message you want to convey?

Me

We are thinking about "travel light, save your life", but I also like your wording. How can we improve this

Pikaso

Combining both ideas, how about:

"Travel light, conquer might. Your adventure, our promise." This keeps the focus on safety and adventure while highlighting your brand's commitment to supporting explorers. Does this align with your vision?

Me

I feel first, it's too many words.

Second, I think something positive and motivated like Nike's Just do it would be a better tone

Pikaso

How about simplifying it to: "Travel Light, Live Bright." This keeps it concise, positive, and motivational, emphasizing the freedom and safety your product offers. Does this capture the tone you're aiming for?

Me

That's great! Yes! exactly!

Pikaso

I'm thrilled you like it! "Travel Light, Live Bright" perfectly captures the essence of your brand. Thank you for collaborating together. Hope this session helps in promoting your lightweight water bottle effectively!