AN arts collective is about to release an interactive life coach app.

Blast Theory has been collaborating with an expert in data profiling, Dr Kelly Page, whose early research led to the creation of Google AdWords. Based in a converted Victorian ice house in Portslade since 2008, the group explores the social and political aspects of technology.

Drawing on popular culture and games, the work often blurs the boundaries between the real and the fictional.

The collective has refined Karen, a new smartphone app which adapts to its user through psychological profiling techniques.

A cross between gaming and storytelling, Karen offers an experience that reflects on the data mining employed by corporations and governments.

Matt Adams, co-founder of Blast Theory said: “We’re all familiar now with big data as used by companies like Google and Facebook and this knowledge represents massive social change.

“Karen is about both the limitations and the potential of gathering data about an individual and reflecting it back to them in a new way.

“Using profiling and personalisation, Karen is an experience that explores how art and culture might be affected by those changes.”

Karen gets to know the user by asking questions about their outlook on the world and life experiences.

As their week-long relationship with her unfolds, Karen becomes more and more curious.

The new work by Blast Theory has been produced in partnership with National Theatre Wales.

Co-commissioned by The Space, a not-for-profit public service set up by the BBC and the Arts Council England, and 539 Kickstarter backers, which brought in more than £17,500, Karen has been developed with support from the Mixed Reality Lab at the University of Nottingham and Dr Page.

Dr Page said: “This project fascinates me because it exposes how governments and organisations are collecting data on individuals.

“Where are the critical discussions about what this means for us as a society?”

Ruth Mackenzie, interim chief executive and creative director of The Space, said: “Karen by Blast Theory should delight and disturb. The Space look forward to welcoming Karen to our virtual world.”

Karen is set to be available on the Apple App store from tomorrow and on Google Playstore shortly afterwards.