The idea proposed by the Italianometer project is a cultural exchange designed to tackle Italy’s demographic challenge by bridging the gap between two generations and aligning their needs. On one side, Italy offers young individuals the opportunity for citizenship, inviting them to become a part of its community and contribute to the revitalization of its aging population and workforce. In exchange, these individuals are expected to help sustain and renew the country’s social fabric. On the other side, Italy’s elderly population—viewed as the custodians of Italy’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and values—play a central role in assessing the requirement for these candidates. This evaluation process becomes a way for the older generation to pass on their cultural knowledge and ensure that Italy’s identity is preserved for the future.
The test is not just an economic or demographic solution; it is a means of cultural preservation and renewal. It acknowledges that Italy’s identity is deeply rooted in its traditions, and by involving the elderly, who have lived these traditions their entire lives, it ensures that the new generation taking up citizenship genuinely appreciates and respects them.
The Italianometer project uses artificial intelligence as a tool to facilitate this exchange. It bridges the gap between generations by analyzing non-verbal cues such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language to determine if applicants embody enough “Italianess” to be considered worthy of citizenship. This assessment method integrates the wisdom and intuition of the elderly with the efficiency and precision of technology. The AI system captures subtle, culturally significant behaviors that go beyond language and formal knowledge, tapping into the essence of what it means to be Italian.
By 2050, Italy faces a severe demographic crisis: a third of its population is over 65, and the country struggles with a dwindling workforce as young people seek opportunities abroad. To address this issue, the Italianometer was developed, using AI to identify the most suitable candidates for Italian citizenship. Unlike traditional immigration tests, the Italianometer assesses non-verbal behaviors deeply rooted in Italian culture, such as gestures, facial expressions, and vocal intonation. This novel approach ensures that new citizens not only help the economy but also preserve Italy's cultural identity and traditions. The evaluation criteria, set by Italy's elderly population—considered the guardians of the country's heritage—create a dynamic where cultural values are transmitted to the new generation.
The project addresses Italy’s demographic challenges, including its aging population and the outflow of young talent seeking opportunities abroad. Italy’s declining birth rate has led to a shrinking workforce and an imbalance between elderly and working-age citizens, threatening the country’s economic sustainability and social support systems. Simultaneously, the departure of young Italians creates a “brain drain,” depriving Italy of talented, innovative individuals.
The project also tackles the complex process of earning Italian citizenship, which is often slow and bureaucratic, discouraging many young people and immigrants from integrating into society. This barrier prevents Italy from attracting the new generation it needs to revitalize its economy and cultural life.
By highlighting these issues, the project aims to draw attention to the broken aspects of Italy’s system and the potential consequences if these problems remain unaddressed. If left unchanged, Italy risks a weakened economy, reduced cultural influence, and a widening generational divide. The project seeks to stimulate discussions and raise awareness about the urgent need for reforms that attract and retain young talent while creating a more inclusive, sustainable future for those wishing to contribute to Italian society.
The Italianometer incorporates friction within its experience to recreate the typical processes of Italian bureaucracy. Each interviewee is asked general knowledge questions related to Italy, which serve only to allow the person to articulate their response. Meanwhile, the AI within the dedicated totem measures gesticulation, vocal emphasis, and facial expressiveness to evaluate the individual’s “Italianess.” The entire interview includes the presence of an operator at the desk, as well as the use of a tablet to answer questions, emphasizing the redundancy of Italian procedures. The experience concludes with the test results being downloadable on the participant’s mobile phone.
The prototype created is a totem designed to be introduced in Italian offices as a support for the citizenship application procedure. To simulate the experience, an interface was developed in Figma, where, using variables and components, the operator can enter the interviewee’s data and rate their “Italianess,” acting as the AI. The iPad is remotely controlled with a Bluetooth keyboard to synchronize with the interview steps, while user-totem interactions utilize Figma components. To make the result as realistic as possible, the assigned scores update the charts and descriptions of the final document, which can be downloaded via a QR code after being uploaded to Google Drive by the operator.
