Dollhouse Project Launches AI Chatbot to Source Diverse Dolls

The Dollhouse Project Inc., a nonprofit working to improve children’s mental health through play, released a new AI powered chatbot designed to help people find dolls with diverse skin tones, body types, hairstyles, assistive devices and more using natural language prompts. The tool is available now at dollhouseday.com/guide.

In 2023, Dollhouse Project founder and CEO Lesly Simmons launched Dollhouse Day, community playdates where kids get free dolls as part of the experience. said Simmons. All the dolls available represent a diverse range of skin tones, body types, assistive devices, hair styles, and nationalities.

Video example of Dollhouse Project AI toy shopping chatbot

"We use the power of play to nurture mental wellness in children, and at every event the most common question is ‘where do you find these dolls?’ ” Simmons said. “We include dolls you might not easily find on the shelves in most stores, and it takes some research to find them. This new chatbot uses AI to make it easier to shop with representation in mind.”

Visitors can ask questions in simple language and get recommendations on a wide range of dolls. Simmons sources each doll included to ensure it meets the themes of inclusion and representation.

“Every child deserves dolls, and our goal is to make sure they see themselves and their neighbors reflected in the toys they play with every day,” said Simmons. The guide will eventually expand to include inclusive books and toys.

Simmons, a former Commissioner for the San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Families, said The Dollhouse Project is expanding nationally next year. The chatbot will support raising funds through affiliate links, along with donations and sponsorships to help reach the group’s next goal of distributing 10,000 dolls to kids across the country.

Try the tool at https://www.dollhouseday.com/guide