Designing Delightful Applications with OpenHome

Imagine a future where technology talks back, not just with answers, but with personality. Voice is more than just transcribed speech; it has emotion, subtlety, and intelligence. Applications should be immersive. This is the essence of OpenHome.

We’re excited for developers to innovate and bring their voice AI applications to life using OpenHome’s Voice SDK. To get started, here are some useful tips when it comes to building compelling voice AI applications.

In addition to this article, the OpenHome community team will regularly share tips and tricks in our Discord. Join our lively community of developers working on AI-powered voice projects and exploring the implications of voice-first AI applications.

The possibilities for innovation are endless. For inspiration, take a look at the ideas on our blog and explore more on our ecosystem page.


🎭 Start Personality-First:

Voice applications should be driven by personality, capability, and voice. A therapist offers a much different interaction than a fitness coach or a comedy personality. Begin by imagining who the user will interact with. Is it an ancient philosopher or an improv comedian? Personality shapes the conversation. Consider the persona deeply, as this will set the tone (voice) and engagement level for your application. Create a backstory of your AI host and the personality that makes them come alive.

🎙️ Make It a Two-Way Conversation:

Design for dynamic interaction. Think beyond one-sided responses. Create a debate where the AI challenges you, or a radio show host that immerses you in an alternate reality.Interactivity brings out the best in users, keeping them engaged and coming back for more. Applications like Debate Bot offer intense debates on any topic, with the AI always taking the opposite stance. Or consider your host in the “Whispers of the Weird Hour” radio show. The interaction should be engaging and thought-provoking.

🎧 Go Beyond Listening:

Envision your app sensing the room’s atmosphere. OpenHome allows for ongoing listening. For example, your app could automatically interject and tell people to quiet down if the noise gets too loud. This feature enhances the user’s environment and experience.

☀️ Frequency Fuels Function:

Decide if your app will be a daily necessity or a niche delight. Solutions that become part of a user’s routine tend to stick. Think about how your app can seamlessly integrate into daily life. Will your application be a daily ritual or an occasional helper? Identify the daily hassle it aims to solve. Keep it simple, make the product indispensable, and get people hooked. For instance, DreamWaver caters to lucid dreamers every morning for logging dreams, while GoalChecker offers a daily recap of goals, turning into a weekly report to keep users engaged.

💬 Write a Few Examples of How They Speak:

This helps the AI learn to talk like your ideal personality. Providing examples can guide the tone and style of the interactions. Shift from simple commands to rich, intuitive conversations. This isn’t just about tech responding; it’s about creating a natural, flowing dialogue that feels human.


Ready to build? Dive into the OpenHome SDK and start creating the next big thing in voice applications. The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with. Join our Discord community to connect with fellow developers, share your ideas, and get real-time support and inspiration.