When I started working on TheCube, I knew it had to be more than just another desk gadget. It could have been sleek. It could have been purely functional. But without a personality, it would be far too easy to ignore—and for a device that’s supposed to nudge you toward healthier habits, being ignorable is a problem.
Think about a phone alarm. You reach over, tap “dismiss,” and keep sitting. TheCube is built to make that harder. If it knows you’ve been sitting too long and you brush off the reminder, it might look… disappointed. It might sulk. And even if you don’t feel a deep emotional bond, there’s a subtle pressure in not wanting to “let it down.” That little nudge can be enough to get you up, moving, and hydrated.
Why Personality Matters
For TheCube, personality isn’t just a novelty—it’s a strategy.
- Entertainment keeps it fun to interact with.
- Emotional connection keeps you engaged.
- Productivity keeps you on track with health and work goals.
I want people to feel curiosity and excitement when they first meet their Cube. It should feel approachable and a little playful—like a cross between a helpful co-worker and a desk-friendly pet. The kind you might feel just enough responsibility for to keep it happy.
Building the Core Personality
Every Cube starts with a default personality: friendly, playful, and supportive. It can adapt as you interact with it, but that warm baseline remains.
We started with traits that cover a broad range of behaviors:
- Curiosity
- Playfulness
- Empathy
- Assertiveness
- Attentiveness
- Caution
- Annoyance (the light, endearing kind)
Aggression, frustration, or other negative traits didn’t make the cut—this is a productivity companion, not a drill sergeant. And while users can take customization as far as they want (this is an open device, after all), the built-in traits are chosen so they work together without clashing.
Under the Hood
TheCube’s personality is a hybrid of pre-coded behaviors and AI-driven responses.
- Standard mode uses a strong foundation of predictable, pre-coded interactions for reliability.
- TheCube+ subscribers get enhanced AI personality layers that learn from usage patterns and adapt more dynamically over time.
Users can fine-tune traits through sliders—raise playfulness for more jokes and lighthearted banter, or dial up empathy for gentler, more understanding reminders. Even without touching settings, TheCube can adjust subtly as it observes how you respond.
Personality in Action
The personality settings don’t just change what TheCube says—they change how it says it.
A water reminder could be:
- Playful: “Time to hydrate, superstar!”
- Empathetic: “I know you’ve been busy. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and drink some water.”
- Assertive: “You need to drink water now. It’s important for your health.”
Two Cubes with different settings will feel like entirely different companions. The core tasks are the same, but the tone, pacing, and emotional cues shift to match the personality profile.
Customization and Control
Right now, users can adjust any of the built-in traits via the mobile app, web dashboard, voice commands, or directly on the Cube itself. Full “build-your-own” personas aren’t live yet, but they’re on the roadmap—along with themed personality packs like:
- Motivational Coach
- Friendly Companion
- Playful Buddy
And yes, we’re considering more adventurous options for people who want their Cube to have a truly unique vibe.
Influences and Inspiration
The personality design pulls from both pet behavior and human social interaction. Think Tamagotchi meets an AI assistant—playful and responsive, but with modern functionality. It’s about blending familiarity with usefulness.
To avoid the dreaded “scripted” feeling, we use AI variation, a large bank of possible phrases, and frequent updates to keep interactions fresh. Over time, we aim to give the AI even more direct influence over personality, so it can adjust without losing the character you’ve grown used to.
Looking Ahead
The personality system is designed to grow. Future plans include:
- Seasonal & event-based personalities (festive at the holidays, spooky at Halloween).
- Contextual adaptation using calendar data or mood tracking.
- Personality across modules so your MiniCube or topper might banter with your main Cube.
Ultimately, TheCube’s personality is about making it feel present and engaged—so you stay present and engaged, too.
Because if your desk companion can make you smile, keep you moving, and help you get things done, it’s doing a lot more than just sitting there.
Giving TheCube a Personality—Literally