DARI
DARI
DARI
Overview
Overview
Overview
Dari is an AI-powered assistive technology that bridges the communication gap between Deaf and hearing individuals. It features the Woori armband, which interprets ASL gestures into speech, and Sari smart glasses, which provide real-time captions and environmental awareness. By combining gesture recognition, AI translation, and contextual alerts, Dari enables natural casual communication, fostering inclusivity and seamless interactions.
Dari is an AI-powered assistive technology that bridges the communication gap between Deaf and hearing individuals. It features the Woori armband, which interprets ASL gestures into speech, and Sari smart glasses, which provide real-time captions and environmental awareness. By combining gesture recognition, AI translation, and contextual alerts, Dari enables natural casual communication, fostering inclusivity and seamless interactions.
Dari is an AI-powered assistive technology that bridges the communication gap between Deaf and hearing individuals. It features the Woori armband, which interprets ASL gestures into speech, and Sari smart glasses, which provide real-time captions and environmental awareness. By combining gesture recognition, AI translation, and contextual alerts, Dari enables natural casual communication, fostering inclusivity and seamless interactions.
My Role
Visual Lead / UI Design Lead
My Role
Visual Lead / UI Design Lead
Duration
26 Weeks
Duration
26 Weeks
Tools
Figma, Rhino 3D, Keyshot, Blender, Adobe Suite, After Effect, DaVinci Resolve
Tools
Figma, Rhino 3D, Keyshot, Blender, Adobe Suite, After Effect, DaVinci Resolve
Team
Sejoon Kim, Team Lead, UX Strategy
Lukas Wiesner, UX Engineer, Research
Lara Kurt, Branding Lead, Marketing Lead
Team
Sejoon Kim, Team Lead, UX Strategy
Lukas Wiesner, UX Engineer, Research
Lara Kurt, Branding Lead, Marketing Lead
WHY
🧐
Despite major technological advances, the Deaf community still encounters significant communication barriers, hindering their ability to engage in seamless everyday interactions.
WHY
🧐
Despite major technological advances, the Deaf community still encounters significant communication barriers, hindering their ability to engage in seamless everyday interactions.
HOW
Utilize the vast collection of data and stories to inspire the next generation, encouraging their engagement with science and technology.
HOW
🧠
HOW
Utilize the vast collection of data and stories to inspire the next generation, encouraging their engagement with science and technology.
HOW
🧠
WHAT
An educational platform designed to showcase videos and activities, allowing users to experience the wonders of space and explore how science is applied.
WHAT
😮
WHAT
An educational platform designed to showcase videos and activities, allowing users to experience the wonders of space and explore how science is applied.
WHAT
😮
My Role
Visual Lead / UI Design Lead
Duration
26 Weeks
Tools
Figma, Rhino 3D, Keyshot, Blender, Adobe Suite, After Effect, DaVinci Resolve
Team
Sejoon Kim
Lukas Wiesner
Lara Kurt
WHY
Despite major technological advances, the Deaf community still encounters significant communication barriers, hindering their ability to engage in seamless everyday interactions.
🧐
Utilize the vast collection of data and stories to inspire the next generation, encouraging their engagement with science and technology.
HOW
🧠
An educational platform designed to showcase videos and activities, allowing users to experience the wonders of space and explore how science is applied.
WHAT
😮
Background
Background
Uncovering the unnatural
Uncovering
the unnatural
Uncovering the unnatural
Existing technologies primarily support one-way communication unless interpreters are involved. However, there are still gaps in ASL technology, which do not do justice to the language, including limitations in ASL gloves that hinder truly seamless interaction.
Existing technologies primarily support one-way communication unless interpreters are involved. However, there are still gaps in ASL technology, which do not do justice to the language, including limitations in ASL gloves that hinder truly seamless interaction.
Existing technologies primarily support one-way communication unless interpreters are involved. However, there are still gaps in ASL technology, which do not do justice to the language, including limitations in ASL gloves that hinder truly seamless interaction.
Wearable
Tech Gloves
Research
Background
Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
We needed to make sure we understand the Deaf community and the industry in general before getting into details in the how American Sign Language works.
We collected the meaningful information that would explain why we need to start this project in the beginning.
We needed to make sure we understand the Deaf community and the industry in general before getting into details in the how American Sign Language works. We collected the meaningful information that would explain why we need to start this project in the beginning.
We needed to make sure we understand the Deaf community and the industry in general before getting into details in the how American Sign Language works.
We collected the meaningful information that would explain why we need to start this project in the beginning.
🔍
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360 million people are considered Deaf.
360 million people are considered Deaf.
360 million people are considered Deaf.
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🔍
More than 90% of Deaf children are born to hearing parents.
More than 90% of Deaf children are born to hearing parents.
More than 90% of Deaf children are born to hearing parents.
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🔍
🔍
More than 70 million Deaf individuals use sign language as their primary language
More than 70 million Deaf individuals use sign language as their primary language
More than 70 million Deaf individuals use sign language as their primary language
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🔍
🔍
ASL and English are NOT word-to-word translation
ASL and English are NOT word-to-word translation
ASL and English are NOT word-to-word translation.
Stakeholder Map
Stakeholder Map
Stakeholder Map
We mapped out the stakeholder map to understand the people and services that are closely related to the lives of the Deaf individuals. This helped us visualize the daily interactions that Deaf individuals usually have in general.
We mapped out the stakeholder map to understand the people and services that are closely related to the lives of the Deaf individuals. This helped us visualize the daily interactions that Deaf individuals usually have in general.
We mapped out the stakeholder map to understand the people and services that are closely related to the lives of the Deaf individuals. This helped us visualize the daily interactions that Deaf individuals usually have in general.
Primary Research
Primary Research
Primary Research
Now that we have a clear understanding of the scope and industry. We first spoke to experts to validate the information and gather holistic view before engaging with Deaf individuals to prevent any miscommunication or misunderstanding.
👤 Interviews are held on Zoom
👤 Topic guides are developed from the primary research questions
👤 Interviews were recorded/transcribed
Now that we have a clear understanding of the scope and industry. We first spoke to experts to validate the information and gather holistic view before engaging with Deaf individuals to prevent any miscommunication or misunderstanding.
👤 Interviews are held on Zoom
👤 Topic guides are developed from the primary research
questions
👤 Interviews were recorded/transcribed
Now that we have a clear understanding of the scope and industry. We first spoke to experts to validate the information and gather holistic view before engaging with Deaf individuals to prevent any miscommunication or misunderstanding.
👤 Interviews are held on Zoom
👤 Topic guides are developed from the primary research questions
👤 Interviews were recorded/transcribed
* Names changed to respect anonymity
Insights
Insights
Building on our analysis, we identified key insights from our refined themes that not only clarified the core challenges but also revealed meaningful opportunities for design. These insights helped us understand how we might better support Deaf individuals in conversations with the hearing population. From these opportunities, we distilled four actionable criteria to guide our concept development and spark meaningful ideation.
Building on our analysis, we identified key insights from our refined themes that not only clarified the core challenges but also revealed meaningful opportunities for design. These insights helped us understand how we might better support Deaf individuals in conversations with the hearing population. From these opportunities, we distilled four actionable criteria to guide our concept development and spark meaningful ideation.
Understanding
Understanding
Understanding
POV Statement
POV Statement
POV Statement
The Deaf Community needs an empathetic technological ecosystem to express their message articulately because ASL conveys nuanced meaning through spatial grammar, facial expressions, and cultural context that aren’t easily translated into written English.
The Deaf Community needs an empathetic technological ecosystem to express their message articulately because ASL conveys nuanced meaning through spatial grammar, facial expressions, and cultural context that aren’t easily translated into written English.
The Deaf Community needs an empathetic technological ecosystem to express their message articulately because ASL conveys nuanced meaning through spatial grammar, facial expressions, and cultural context that aren’t easily translated into written English.
Key Performance Indicator
Key Performance
Indicator
Key Performance Indicator
In the short term, product success will be measured by optimization, adaptability,
and accuracy.
In the long term, community adoption will reflect DARI’s true impact.
In the short term, product success will be measured by optimization, adaptability,
and accuracy.
In the long term, community adoption will reflect DARI’s true impact.
In the short term, product success will be measured by optimization, adaptability, and accuracy.
In the long term, community adoption will reflect DARI’s true impact.
Ideation
Ideation
Ideation
Logistics
Logistics
Logistics
To support seamless interaction, the team selected a semantic engine for matching ASL terms with English sentences. Sentiment analysis enhances emotional understanding, and gesture recognition links ASL terms to specific motion data.
To support seamless interaction, the team selected a semantic engine for matching ASL terms with English sentences. Sentiment analysis enhances emotional understanding, and gesture recognition links ASL terms to specific motion data.
To support seamless interaction, the team selected a semantic engine for matching ASL terms with English sentences. Sentiment analysis enhances emotional understanding, and gesture recognition links ASL terms to specific motion data.
Branding
Branding
Branding
As Visual/UI Lead, I defined DARI’s brand identity, typography, and visual language to reflect clarity, trust, and inclusivity. Named after the Korean word for “bridge,” DARI connects Deaf and hearing communities through seamless, human-centered communication. Gradients and glassmorphism create a fluid, dynamic aesthetic that enhances openness and symbolizes progress. More than a product, DARI is a movement toward connection, accessibility, and shared understanding.
As Visual/UI Lead, I defined DARI’s brand identity, typography, and visual language to reflect clarity, trust, and inclusivity. Named after the Korean word for “bridge,” DARI connects Deaf and hearing communities through seamless, human-centered communication. Gradients and glassmorphism create a fluid, dynamic aesthetic that enhances openness and symbolizes progress. More than a product, DARI is a movement toward connection, accessibility, and shared understanding.
As Visual/UI Lead, I defined DARI’s brand identity, typography, and visual language to reflect clarity, trust, and inclusivity. Named after the Korean word for “bridge,” DARI connects Deaf and hearing communities through seamless, human-centered communication. Gradients and glassmorphism create a fluid, dynamic aesthetic that enhances openness and symbolizes progress. More than a product, DARI is a movement toward connection, accessibility, and shared understanding.
Ecosystem
Ecosystem
Ecosystem
After extensive discussions, we developed an ecosystem for seamless interaction across various situations. Wearables will be the primary interface, enabling screen-free communication, while a mobile app and online community will provide the data needed for fluid and diverse interactions. Otherwise, the wearables will have too much datas to process in real-time.
After extensive discussions, we developed an ecosystem for seamless interaction across various situations. Wearables will be the primary interface, enabling screen-free communication, while a mobile app and online community will provide the data needed for fluid and diverse interactions. Otherwise, the wearables will have too much datas to process in real-time.
After extensive discussions, we developed an ecosystem for seamless interaction across various situations. Wearables will be the primary interface, enabling screen-free communication, while a mobile app and online community will provide the data needed for fluid and diverse interactions. Otherwise, the wearables will have too much datas to process in real-time.
Prototype
Prototype
Prototype
Physical Prototype
Physical Prototype
Physical Prototype
The team collaborated with an industrial design student to develop the wearables, from sketching and modeling to initial 3D printing.
The team collaborated with an industrial design student to develop the wearables, from sketching and modeling to initial 3D printing.
The team collaborated with an industrial design student to develop the wearables, from sketching and modeling to initial 3D printing.
UI Development
UI Development
UI Development
I designed the entire mobile app interface, starting from wireframes to low-fidelity screens, then applying our brand system to develop a cohesive mid-fidelity prototype. To support upcoming user testing, I prioritized completing the mobile app first, ensuring a strong visual foundation for evaluation.
I designed the entire mobile app interface, starting from wireframes to low-fidelity screens, then applying our brand system to develop a cohesive mid-fidelity prototype. To support upcoming user testing, I prioritized completing the mobile app first, ensuring a strong visual foundation for evaluation.
I designed the entire mobile app interface, starting from wireframes to low-fidelity screens, then applying our brand system to develop a cohesive mid-fidelity prototype. To support upcoming user testing, I prioritized completing the mobile app first, ensuring a strong visual foundation for evaluation.
User Testing
User Testing
User Testing
Atlanta Area School
for the Deaf
Atlanta Area School
for the Deaf
Atlanta Area School for the Deaf
Atlanta Area School for the Deaf were very nice to let us give a presentation to the students, to showcase our initial products to the students who are in the age group of our target audience. Everything had to be very intentional, since we had to go through interpreter who were conveying our message to the students.
Atlanta Area School for the Deaf were very nice to let us give a presentation to the students, to showcase our initial products to the students who are in the age group of our target audience. Everything had to be very intentional, since we had to go through interpreter who were conveying our message to the students.
Atlanta Area School for the Deaf were very nice to let us give a presentation to the students, to showcase our initial products to the students who are in the age group of our target audience. Everything had to be very intentional, since we had to go through interpreter who were conveying our message to the students.
💡
💡
💡
Interpretation solution was very well received with excitement and many suggested practical applications.
Interpretation solution was very well received with excitement and many suggested practical applications.
Interpretation solution was very well received with excitement and many suggested practical applications.
💡
💡
💡
Environmental sound awareness works well within participants vision and is applicable to targeted contexts.
Environmental sound awareness works well within participants vision and is applicable to targeted contexts.
Environmental sound awareness works well within participants vision and is applicable to targeted contexts.
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LED color indication suggestions for color blind.
LED color indication suggestions for color blind.
LED color indication suggestions for color blind.
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Legibility and Deaf-blind concerns of low contrast between text and background concerns on mobile app.
Legibility and Deaf-blind concerns of low contrast between text and background concerns on mobile app.
Legibility and Deaf-blind concerns of low contrast between text and background concerns on mobile app.
Three Rivers Association
of the Deaf
Three Rivers Association
of the Deaf
Three Rivers Association of the Deaf
It was honored to be part of the Valentine’s event conducted by Three Rivers Association held at Cave Springs, Atlanta. This time, there were wide range of age group. The adults were able to provide us a validation with very technical and detailed example of how this could be impactful to the lives of the Deaf individuals.
It was honored to be part of the Valentine’s event conducted by Three Rivers Association held at Cave Springs, Atlanta. This time, there were wide range of age group. The adults were able to provide us a validation with very technical and detailed example of how this could be impactful to the lives of the Deaf individuals.
It was honored to be part of the Valentine’s event conducted by Three Rivers Association held at Cave Springs, Atlanta. This time, there were wide range of age group. The adults were able to provide us a validation with very technical and detailed example of how this could be impactful to the lives of the Deaf individuals.
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Averaged a 4.6 overall in usefulness, usability, effectiveness, and satisfaction with solution.
Averaged a 4.6 overall in usefulness, usability, effectiveness, and satisfaction with solution.
Averaged a 4.6 overall in usefulness, usability, effectiveness, and satisfaction with solution.
💡
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Received detailed contexts where our solution could be applied.
Received detailed contexts where our solution could be applied.
Received detailed contexts where our solution could be applied.
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Deaf-blind concerns on the contrast between text and background on mobile app.
Deaf-blind concerns on the contrast between text and background on mobile app.
Deaf-blind concerns on the contrast between text and background on mobile app.
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Even with good english proficiency, the application of ASL terms is faster and easier to recall than typing.
Even with good english proficiency, the application of ASL terms is faster and easier to recall than typing.
Even with good english proficiency, the application of ASL terms is faster and easier to recall than typing.
Final Design
Final Design
Final Design
Wearables
Wearables
Wearables
Our wearables enhance our app’s capabilities. Woori, our smart ASL armband, uses IMU and EMG data to let users respond by signing, paired with saved ASL terms. Sari, our smart glasses, keeps conversations phone-free with an embedded display and discreetly indicates sound sources for environmental awareness.
Our wearables enhance our app’s capabilities. Woori, our smart ASL armband, uses IMU and EMG data to let users respond by signing, paired with saved ASL terms. Sari, our smart glasses, keeps conversations phone-free with an embedded display and discreetly indicates sound sources for environmental awareness.
Our wearables enhance our app’s capabilities. Woori, our smart ASL armband, uses IMU and EMG data to let users respond by signing, paired with saved ASL terms. Sari, our smart glasses, keeps conversations phone-free with an embedded display and discreetly indicates sound sources for environmental awareness.
My Dari
My Dari
My Dari
As the UI/Visual Lead, I designed DARI with accessibility, clarity, and delight at its core. The app includes a soft gradient background that moves gently in response to sound, faster in noisy places, slower in quiet ones, making the experience more engaging without being distracting. MyDARI gives users real-time English captions, an AI-powered ASL signer, and voice output, so they can communicate smoothly, even without the wearable device.
As the UI/Visual Lead, I designed DARI with accessibility, clarity, and delight at its core. The app includes a soft gradient background that moves gently in response to sound, faster in noisy places, slower in quiet ones, making the experience more engaging without being distracting. MyDARI gives users real-time English captions, an AI-powered ASL signer, and voice output, so they can communicate smoothly, even without the wearable device.
As the UI/Visual Lead, I designed DARI with accessibility, clarity, and delight at its core. The app includes a soft gradient background that moves gently in response to sound, faster in noisy places, slower in quiet ones, making the experience more engaging without being distracting. MyDARI gives users real-time English captions, an AI-powered ASL signer, and voice output, so they can communicate smoothly, even without the wearable device.
Online Community
Online Community
Online Community
I designed the desktop experience to help users easily manage their account, review saved ASL terms, and revisit past conversations. Most importantly, I created a space for community, a forum where users can request, suggest, and discuss ASL terms by typing in English or recording themselves signing. This helps the platform grow with its users and better meet their needs.
I designed the desktop experience to help users easily manage their account, review saved ASL terms, and revisit past conversations. Most importantly, I created a space for community, a forum where users can request, suggest, and discuss ASL terms by typing in English or recording themselves signing. This helps the platform grow with its users and better meet their needs.
I designed the desktop experience to help users easily manage their account, review saved ASL terms, and revisit past conversations. Most importantly, I created a space for community, a forum where users can request, suggest, and discuss ASL terms by typing in English or recording themselves signing. This helps the platform grow with its users and better meet their needs.
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
As a Visual/UI Lead…
As a Visual/UI Lead…
As a Visual/UI Lead…
This 26-week journey with DARI was one of the most meaningful and challenging projects I’ve led as a Visual and UI Designer. Designing for the Deaf community came with a deep responsibility, and for me, it wasn’t just about accessibility. I wanted every user to feel seen, included, and equal under the same sky, regardless of how they communicate. Balancing clarity with visual warmth was a core challenge.
Crafting a UI that was both easy to read and emotionally engaging required constant care, especially with font sizes, contrast, and color. I dove into accessibility standards like WCAG and applied them with intention, learning how thoughtful design can create real connection. At its heart, DARI is about bridging the communication gap between Deaf and hearing individuals. And for me, it became more than a product, it became a reminder that inclusive design isn’t just about access. It’s about belonging. :)
This 26-week journey with DARI was one of the most meaningful and challenging projects I’ve led as a Visual and UI Designer. Designing for the Deaf community came with a deep responsibility, and for me, it wasn’t just about accessibility. I wanted every user to feel seen, included, and equal under the same sky, regardless of how they communicate. Balancing clarity with visual warmth was a core challenge.
Crafting a UI that was both easy to read and emotionally engaging required constant care, especially with font sizes, contrast, and color. I dove into accessibility standards like WCAG and applied them with intention, learning how thoughtful design can create real connection. At its heart, DARI is about bridging the communication gap between Deaf and hearing individuals. And for me, it became more than a product, it became a reminder that inclusive design isn’t just about access. It’s about belonging. :)
This 26-week journey with DARI was one of the most meaningful and challenging projects I’ve led as a Visual and UI Designer. Designing for the Deaf community came with a deep responsibility, and for me, it wasn’t just about accessibility. I wanted every user to feel seen, included, and equal under the same sky, regardless of how they communicate. Balancing clarity with visual warmth was a core challenge.
Crafting a UI that was both easy to read and emotionally engaging required constant care, especially with font sizes, contrast, and color. I dove into accessibility standards like WCAG and applied them with intention, learning how thoughtful design can create real connection. At its heart, DARI is about bridging the communication gap between Deaf and hearing individuals. And for me, it became more than a product, it became a reminder that inclusive design isn’t just about access. It’s about belonging. :)
Interested in exploring more? ✿˖°
Interested in exploring more? ✿˖°
Interested in exploring more? ✿˖°
Let’s
Collaborate! ✧˖°
Designing with users at the core, always. If you're ready to create something meaningful, let's make it happen together!
hysujikim@gmail.com
Let’s
Collaborate ✧˖°
Designing with users at the core, always. If you're ready to create something meaningful, let's make it happen together!
hysujikim@gmail.com
Let’s
Collaborate ✧˖°
Designing with users at the core, always. If you're ready to create something meaningful, let's make it happen together!
hysujikim@gmail.com