Tomo
2023
An AI math helper with generative UI
Role
Product design, design engineering
Collaborated with
Marco W., Ken N.
Timeline
2 months
Tools
Figma, Fusion 360, Raspberry Pi/electronics, Python, Javascript
Tomo is an AI-powered toy experience that reimagines childhood play at the intersection of physical and digital worlds. Through a tactile companion device paired with an interactive web platform, children engage with adaptive AI characters that evolve based on their unique interests and play patterns. Using fine-tuned large language models, Tomo creates personalized storytelling adventures—from underwater explorations to cosmic journeys—through natural conversation and responsive play. This research-backed project demonstrates how thoughtfully designed AI companions can foster creativity, emotional development, and learning while reducing screen dependency in children ages 6-12.
CHALLENGE
While watching my younger siblings (ages 8 and 11) grow up from abroad, I observed their increasing screen dependency and the resulting social isolation. Our video calls revealed a concerning pattern: diminishing imaginative play and growing difficulty with extended concentration. This personal observation connected to a broader challenge: how might we design technology that fosters rather than inhibits creativity, particularly for children with limited access to educational resources or consistent adult guidance?
SOLUTION
Designed and prototyped Tomo, an embodied AI companion with distinct personalities that adapt to children's interests and learning styles. The physical toy features emotion-responsive LED animations and speech recognition that enables natural, two-way conversation with fast latency. The companion web interface allows parents and children to customize character traits, review learning progress, and create new adventure scenarios. User testing with 25 children showed an average engagement time of 45 minutes per session—triple the duration of typical educational apps—while parents reported a 40% reduction in passive screen time.
Physical Toy Design
Ars Electronica Festival, Linz, Austria, September 2023.
Click here to explore our functional web prototype, which we developed for initial user testing.
Web Interface Design
I designed a basic chat interface on the web for character selection and customizing conversations. In the future, I hope to implement a portal for parents to learn about their child and safeguard the usage of Tomo.
