My Avi

Overview

My Avi is a compact notification gadget that uses facial expressions and animations to communicate notification importance.

Key Features

Emotion-based notifications
Customisable avatar
Multi-faced interaction
Portable keychain form
Expressive animations
Smartphone connectivity

Design Challenge

How might notifications feel less distracting and overwhelming?

My Avi explores an alternative to text-heavy alerts by using emotional cues to help users understand notification urgency at a glance.

Design Direction

Inspired by 2.5D visuals, anime culture and character-driven products, I developed a personalised avatar that becomes part of the physical interaction.

Development

I explored different forms, expressions and interaction methods through:

Sketching → 3D Modelling → Prototyping

Different facial expressions were developed to represent different levels of notification urgency.

Final Concept

A palm-sized notification gadget designed as a portable keychain and connected to a smartphone through the My Avi app.

Users can customise their avatar and assign different emotional reactions to notifications.

Reflection

This project helped me explore how product design can move beyond functionality to create more meaningful user experiences. It also challenged me to balance emotional interaction, visual identity, physical form and technical feasibility within one product concept.

Designing for Emotion, Not Overload.