Role: Art Direction & Character System Strategy
Led cross-functional collaboration across illustration and motion, directing the strategic development and execution of Nova as a modular AI character and interaction system.
Challenge: Aktana needed to translate its agentic AI platform into a trusted, approachable digital presence — without diluting the sophistication of its technology.
The goal was to create a scalable character and interaction system that could evolve across product UI, motion, and campaign applications.
Strategic Foundation
Defining the personality framework before visual exploration.
Concept Exploration
Three distinct strategic directions were explored to test tone, relatability, and scalability across platforms.
Refinement Through Collaboration
Following concept selection, I led cross-functional refinement — aligning Nova’s visual system with Aktana’s brand architecture and digital product needs.
Building a Scalable Character & Interaction System
Nova was intentionally designed as more than a single illustration. We developed a modular character system that could evolve across platforms, formats, and use cases. This included facial expression variations, active and inactive core states, alternate accessories, and adaptable brand integrations.
By defining these components early, Nova could scale seamlessly from product UI to campaign creative while maintaining visual consistency and personality.
System Components Included:
- Expression library
- Active & inactive core states
- Modular accessory framework
- Brand-integrated core logic
- Motion behavior guidelines
- Governance & usage guardrails
Motion Exploration
To ensure Nova felt alive within digital environments, we explored subtle motion behaviors including core activation states, idle animation, and facial micro-expressions. Movement reinforced her intelligence while maintaining approachability.
Campaign Execution
Nova extended seamlessly into paid media, social, and web environments.
Character Governance & Brand System
To ensure long-term consistency across product, marketing, and motion, I formalized Nova’s behavioral and visual governance system.
