Red Rocket

Friday, June 24, 2005

Ikea's automated assistant

How to have fun with Ikea's perky, automated web-based assistant, Anna:

("M" is my friend Mike)

M: Does IKEA sell reusable coffins?

A: The IKEA business idea is: "We shall offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them."

M: How about a portable office crematorium then?

A: Sorry, but that's an object that I don't really know enough about to be able to comment on. Let's talk about something else...

M: Ok. How about those Red Sox?

A: You can find all products on the REDD product line in the page I am now opening for you?

M: Can you use that REDD shoe rack to bang the dirt off your cleats?

A: Here you can find more information about REDD shoe rack.

M: Looks pretty flimsy. Do you thing it will hold my enormous crushing weight?

A: Which product would you like to know the package weight for?

M: The product in my pants.

A: It's not always possible for me to fully understand what it is you mean. This is one of those times.

M: That's ok. It's not possible for me to fully understand what I mean.

A: I am sorry if my answer was unclear. Could you please rephrase your question and we will try again.

M: Do you thing the REDD shoe rack would collapse under the enormous crushing weight hidden in my pants?

A: Here you can find more information about REDD shoe rack.

M: The care instruction says clean with lukewarm water. Do you mean the REDD shoe rack, or my pants?

A: Here you can find more information about REDD shoe rack.

M: That's the same information you sent me before. Could you please answer my question?

A: I can only answer questions about IKEA.

M: IKEA is the company trying to sell that flimsy REDD shoe rack.

A: Here you can find more information about REDD shoe rack.

M: Yeah, yeah. Anna, could you lower the graphic a bit so I can see your rack?

A: Please have a look at the Hooks and hangers.

M: I'm hung pretty good already. I will have a look at those Hookers.

A: So what can I help you with, Hung?

M: My full name is Hung Lo. You could help me in the men's room. My doctor told me I'm not supposed to lift anything heavy.

A: As I am only an advanced computer program, I cannot answer more than one sentence at a time. Please simplify and repeat the most important question within your previous input, and I will try to reply as accurately as possible. I am opening a page now which you can use if you wish to contact Customer Services. Thank you very much!

M: Hung Lo, back hurts, I need a lift.

A: I can't help you with that I'm afraid, but if you need furniture I think you know who I recommend: IKEA

M: Bye Anna.

A: Bye, then! It was very nice talking to you!

posted by Jim at 10:32 AM
link |

2:

This username does not exist commented at 9:11 PM ~: Is this for real?? Or am I just gullible?
Jim commented at 2:35 PM ~: Hi Thanks for visiting.

Yes, it's real. Try it yourself:
http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/customer_service/splash.html

Want to Post a Comment?

back to main page