Freelance UX Designer – AI

Join an innovative project focused on developing an emotionally adaptive AI companion that leverages expressive animated eyes, conversational AI, and subtle embodied movement to deliver a real-time, persistent companionship experience. The system utilizes a smartphone as the core interface, paired with a motorized tracking dock to enable eye contact, orientation, and a sense of emotional presence. This role centers on designing and implementing emotionally expressive interaction systems, with a strong emphasis on believable, nuanced character behaviors rather than photorealism. You will collaborate closely with AI and backend teams to ensure seamless integration and a compelling user experience. Deliverables

• Design and implement expressive eye animation systems for real-time interaction
• Develop emotional state visualizations and gaze behaviors that enhance user engagement
• Create mobile interaction flows and lightweight companion character features in Unity for iOS
• Coordinate with AI/backend teams to ensure emotional responsiveness and system integration
• Prototype and iterate on interaction concepts to achieve a sense of emotional presence
• Document design decisions and provide clear communication to multidisciplinary teams

Requirements

• Proven experience in interaction design for emotionally expressive characters or AI companions
• Strong proficiency with Unity and iOS development environments
• Expertise in character animation, gaze modeling, and real-time interaction systems
• Background in game design, social robotics, XR, or related fields is highly desirable
• Deep understanding of emotional interaction design principles and user experience best practices
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, animators, and AI specialists
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication and documentation abilities

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