AiThority Interview with Matthias Neumayer, Co-Founder & CEO at Oscar Stories

Hello Matthias Welcome to our Interview Series. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to Oscar?

Hello, thank you for having me. My background is quite diverse. I have a degree in law and also studied film directing, which is where I discovered my passion for storytelling. My Co-Founder Dima Rubanov has a background in airport consulting and development of large infrastructure projects and  holds an MSc in Finance. Together, we brainstormed ideas on how we could use our combined skills to make a meaningful impact in the world.

The inspiration for Oscar came from a little boy named Oscar, the godchild of Matthias Oscar’s insatiable appetite for fresh stories featuring himself and his best friends sparked the idea for our app. We already played around with GPT3 a lot at that time.

We wanted to create an app that would not only entertain children but also teach them valuable life lessons. With Oscar, we’re able to do just that by leveraging AI technology to generate personalized, engaging stories that are tailored to each child’s interests and preferences. It’s been an exciting journey so far, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with Oscar.

How was AI used while creating Oscar? Does the technology have a cognitive-development stage-appropriate design?

As for the design of our app, we’ve worked closely with parents to ensure that the content is child-friendly,  inclusive,  and  diverse.  We  also ensure that our stories cover various themes such as honesty,  kindness,  courage,  empathy,  and  responsibility,  allowing  children  to  absorb  valuable  life lessons in a fun and engaging manner.

We believe that our app is designed to be developmentally appropriate for children of different ages. We have created different story themes and prompts that are tailored to different age groups and cognitive  abilities.  We  strive  to  provide  children  with stories that are engaging and stimulating, but also appropriate and helpful for their cognitive and emotional development.

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While creating the app, how did you and your team educate parents on how AI works and how it is used?

We worked closely with parents during the development phase to get their feedback and address any concerns they had about AI. We made sure to answer any questions they had and provide them with the necessary information to help them understand how the app works.

AI will play a vital role in the lives of future. What are your thoughts on developing trustworthy AI for children? What should companies keep in mind while designing AI products for children?

In designing AI products for children, companies should keep in mind that children have unique needs and requirements that differ from adults. For example, they need simple and easy-to-use interfaces that are visually appealing and engaging. Additionally, companies should prioritize privacy and security features to ensure that children’s data is protected.

Moreover, it’s crucial to design AI products that are age-appropriate and have a cognitive-development stage-appropriate design. Companies should take into account the developmental stages of children and design AI products that are suitable for their age and cognitive abilities.

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Are AI-driven apps the future of children’s stories? And if so, what new AI tools can be leveraged to educate and empower children and youth while creating a positive impact on society?

While AI is extremely powerful, I don’t think they will completely replace traditional methods of storytelling. There will always be a place for physical books and the human element of storytelling.

But I certainly believe that AI has great potential to enhance children’s stories and education. AI can create more interactive and engaging experiences for children, tailor content to individual needs and preferences, and provide insights into learning and development.

Do you think it’s crucial for children to learn about artificial intelligence in simple language at an early stage?

Absolutely! In today’s world, AI is everywhere, and kids are smarter than ever, so it’s essential for them to understand the technology that’s shaping their lives. It doesn’t have to be rocket science, though; explaining AI in simple language can be both fun and educational. Plus, who knows, we might be raising the next generation of AI experts!

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What’s your take on the future of AI-powered apps for children?

Well, as a co-founder of an AI-powered app for children, I’m obviously pretty excited about the future of this technology in the space. I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible, and as AI continues to improve, the possibilities for educational and empowering apps for kids will only grow. Of course, it’s crucial that we keep in mind ethical considerations and ensure that any AI-driven app is designed with the best interests of children in mind. But overall, I’m optimistic about the potential for AI to help children learn and grow in new and innovative ways.

Thank you, Matthias! That was fun and we hope to see you back on AiThority.com soon.

[To share your insights with us, please write to sghosh@martechseries.com]