INTERACTIVE READING ADVISOR & COMPANION

forthcoming

The Interactive Reading Advisor & Companion [IRAC] is an interdisciplinary European project that reimagines classic literature for young audiences by transforming iconic works into interactive, voice-based experiences by means of a new reading format. Using AI-driven dialogue, gamification and high-quality visual storytelling, our new format invites readers to engage directly with literary characters, turning reading into an immersive and playful journey. By making classic literature more accessible and relevant for digital native youth, the project is also designed to be inclusive - reaching individuals with disabilities and those from marginalised communities. It brings together experts from culture, education and technology in a cross-border collaboration that blends artistic innovation with inclusive design principles. Through collaborative literary discussions, co-creation workshops, usability testing and qualitative impact evaluation across participating countries, the project enables the development of a scalable, ethical, and sustainable model. This will be complemented by practical resources, including a teacher's guide, a research paper and a training toolkit tailored for use in educational and cultural institutions. Together, these efforts position IRAC as a pioneering example of how literature, education and technology can converge to make Europe's cultural heritage vibrant, accessible and engaging for new generations.