Strategy Meeting
Artifact info
Title:

Village Builders alyx MVP meeting

Engagement:

Village Builders (alyx)

Client:

Village Builders

Meeting Date:
March 1, 2025
Next Meeting Date:
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People
Simone Torrey
Adam Rose
Roarke Clinton
Artifact Image
Meeting Summary

Alex Prototype Project Summary

Project Overview

Adam and Simone are developing an AI-based application called "Alex" designed to help combat loneliness and disconnection. This project aims to create a digital companion that facilitates real-world human connections rather than replacing them.

Core Problem Being Addressed

  • Growing disconnection and loneliness, especially among younger generations
  • Health implications of social isolation (including impacts on mortality, heart disease, etc.)
  • Digital-first culture reducing in-person interactions and social skills

Product Concept

Alex is an AI conversation partner with three distinct functions:

  1. Reflection Agent: Helps users reflect on their challenges, emotions, and underlying motivations
  2. Advice Agent: Provides relationship guidance based on expert input about building meaningful connections
  3. Behavior Change Agent: Breaks down connection-building into manageable steps using principles from tiny/atomic habits

The product also includes emotion recognition capabilities and trauma-informed support, offering nervous system regulation techniques when needed.

Current Development Stage

  • Currently at prototype/pre-MVP stage
  • Backend API in progress (built over past ~2 weeks)
  • Need for a simple web interface to interact with the API
  • Previously used a third-party solution (PMFM) but moving to a custom interface

Technical Details

  • Moving from OpenAI's "black box" assistant to a more customizable backend
  • Using Claude as the LLM
  • Implementing an agent framework to manage different AI functions
  • Working on streaming text capability
  • Future plans to incorporate Humi (speech-to-speech with emotion recognition)
  • Eventually will be a mobile app, but starting with web for faster iteration

Immediate Deliverables

  1. Deliverable 1: Simple web interface for internal team to interact with the API
  2. Deliverable 2: Slightly more polished version for limited external testing
  3. Deliverable 3+: Iterative improvements based on testing feedback

Business Model & Context

  • Set up as a public benefit company with a mission-driven focus
  • Intended to work with practitioners (therapists, coaches) and partner organizations
  • Not a replacement for human connection but a tool to facilitate it
  • Positioned against "character AI" apps that may increase isolation
  • Working with advisors including relationship experts

Phase & Timeline

  • Currently in early prototype phase
  • Planning three waves of prototyping before reaching true MVP
  • Immediate goal: web interface within 1-2 weeks
  • Long-term vision includes voice interaction

Distinctive Approach

The team emphasizes that Alex is designed to:

  • Get users to engage in real-world activities, not replace human connection
  • Recognize emotions and provide trauma-informed support
  • Offer a safe, non-judgmental space for users to open up
  • Eventually incorporate voice interaction for more natural engagement

Relevant Initiatives

AI Prototype Integration

Priority: 
Size: 
Complete
Transcript