Hello!
I'm Dr. Sonia Tiwari. I design learning experiences for children informed by research.
I earned my PhD in the Learning, Design, and Technology from Penn State University. I've previously worked as a Game Designer and UX Designer in CA, and taught Toy and Game Design at National Institute of Design, India. Currently, I teach design & research at California College of the Arts in San Francisco (Interaction Design MDes, Game Design BFA programs) and Penn State World Campus (Learning, Design and Technology MA/PhD programs). I also volunteer as a Play Ambassador for the Genius of Play (American Toy Association).
I've lived across multiple cities in India & the US. The question "Where are you from?" often confuses me, because I've felt a great sense of belonging to every place I've lived in! San Francisco Bay Area is my home-base for now :)
Research Interests
As a character designer and education researcher, I study how AI characters can serve as parasocial learning experiences for kids (PreK-2) to improve their creativity and problem-solving skills. AI characters may include animated chatbots, digital pets, smart speakers, virtual influencers, and intelligent toys.
For character design, my process involves interpreting the script/character notes in a "kawaii" aesthetic. I hand-draw all the characters, and then either vectorize them manually using Adobe Illustrator, or give them a 3d "look" using KreaAI. I create or simulate the interactive element of AI characters using Adobe AE/Character Animator or Playlab AI.
For AI character research, my process involves capturing AI interactions using video observations, screen recordings, surveys, and semi-structured interviews with children, caregivers, and educators. I analyze the content, interactions, and conversations using qualitative thematic coding and quantitative multivariate relational models, as needed.
Open to AI Character research collaborations with ethical AI nonprofits, toy and game companies, and animated series (television/ YT Kids).
The challenge that makes me stronger at design
Growing up Dyslexic, Design Industry has been a great place to express my thoughts and ideas visually! Dyslexia also helped me develop the habit of over-preparing, organizing and simplifying complex information in order to learn smoothly - which comes in handy as a researcher.
Who am I outside work?
In my free time I love sketching, exploring museums and craft fairs, reading flash fiction and comedian memoirs, practicing yoga with my friends, and comedy writing. I'm a mom to a tween, a Cavapoo puppy, and a bunch of cacti. I'm known to bring up references from 30 Rock, The Simpsons, Conan O'Brien's show and podcast, and SNL. This is because many years ago my goal in film/animation school was to be a comedy writer. While it didn't pan out professionally, I embrace humor in my everyday life and have been taking humor writing courses as an stress-buster hobby!
Keep in touch, maybe?
I'm active on Linkedin: I write articles, share actionable ideas, and offer consultations related to design and research for children's educational products. Let's connect!
