In this project we created interactive conceptual models for Conceptual Modelling class. Briefly we had to choose a topic, then come up with an abstract, and envision a model which would effectively communicate developed idea. As a group of four graduate students we decided to create a model that would help people to explore world's most common religious belief systems conveniently.

The process started with initial research of religions of the past and present. We tried to understand their similarities and differences based on several identified characteristics. We interviewed our friends to clarify some issues. In addition ourselves, we represented different religious groups. Later with the data we gathered from different digital resources we started brainstorming. Discussing similarities and differences of religious three major religious categories emerged. First, the Divine - a group of religions that primarily monotheistic and one creator oriented. Second, the Nature - a group of religions that worshipped nature, spirit world and wellness. 

If in our first model we tried to introduce a user abstract model of religious groups, then in second model we created an interactive conceptual models which would allow a user to explore belief systems from robot's perspective, who is machine and have no biases to any particular religion. Robot enters a world where he can choose any religion. Then when the initiation is done he will be 'plugged in'. We used metaphor of computer systems where each program is a religion and machine represents God who creates those programs. 

Our Advisor: 

Miso Kim, PhD Candidate, School of Design, Carnegie Mellon University

Ahmed Ansari,

Almas Tuyakbayev,

Katy Tsai