A friendlier way to interact with AI.
Consumer Electronics
Class Project 2026
Voice assistants are useful, but interactions often feel flat and impersonal.
RESEARCH / EXISTING SOLUTIONS.
Voice assistants
have gotten smarter.
Their physical
presence hasn't.
Social robots
create presence,
but often sacrifice utility.
Existing voice assistants are built around everyday tasks like answering questions, controlling smart-home devices, setting reminders, and playing music. While their simple forms fit easily into the home, they offer little physical expression or sense of presence.
Existing voice assistants are built around everyday tasks like answering questions, controlling smart-home devices, setting reminders, and playing music. While their simple forms fit easily into the home, they offer little physical expression or sense of presence.
Amazon Echo
Google Nest
Apple Homepod
Functional
But Not Personal.
Combine the utility of voice assistants
with the presence and personality of companion robots.
MOOD BOARD
Exploring form, emotion, and interaction to define Koko’s design direction.
IDEATION
Using quick notes to organize ideas, opportunities, and early directions.
SKETCHING / IDEATION
Exploring different forms, proportions, and interactions through rapid concept sketches.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
Refining the selected concept through form, movement, and mechanical development.
Koko’s rounded form was designed to feel friendly, approachable, and expressive. Lightweight 2.1g servos were used for the arms to keep movement quick and efficient, while a stronger 9g servo supports the main body motion. A late-stage LED ring adds another layer of expression through light, color, and visual feedback.
FABRICATION PROCESS
Printing
Custom PCB
Finishing
Coding + Assembly
Meet Koko.
Exploring different forms, proportions, and interactions through rapid concept sketches.
Where everyday utility meets personality.
INTRODUCING KOKO.
The Koko app gives you one place to personalize, control, and manage how Koko interacts with you.
MODEL PHOTOS
Final model photography highlighting Koko’s form, materials, and character.
DAMIAN CHAN
INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER
Purdue University • Class of ‘28
Seeking 2027 Internship Opportunities
© 2026 Damian Chan
DAMIAN CHAN
INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER
Purdue University • Class of ‘28
Seeking 2027 Internship Opportunities
© 2026 Damian Chan
DAMIAN CHAN
INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER
Purdue University • Class of ‘28
Seeking 2027 Internship Opportunities
© 2026 Damian Chan