2026 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Silver Winner

Lumi

Entrant

C&Z Investment Ltd.

Category

Product Design - Toys

Client's Name

Yirun Chen

Country / Region

Canada

Lumi is an AI-powered interactive plush unicorn for children aged 3–9. More than just a toy, Lumi is a gentle, conversational companion dedicated to emotional support, storytelling, and imaginative play. By blending the softness of a huggable plush with safe, child-friendly AI technology, Lumi offers a unique "screen-free" friendship that listens, responds, and encourages. Screen-Free Connection Lumi’s core innovation lies in liberating AI from cold screens and bringing it into the warmth of a child’s arms. We believe technology should foster connection. Lumi "downsizes" complex AI capabilities into interactions that are perfect for young minds: using short sentences, a slow rhythm, and positive reinforcement. It creates a safe space where children can express themselves naturally without the over-stimulation of tablets or smartphones. Unicorns symbolize kindness, courage, and imagination. Lumi’s rounded design, warm colors, and ultra-soft texture are crafted to reduce anxiety and serve as a "secure base." When a child feels lonely or overwhelmed, hugging Lumi encourages them to open up. We intentionally avoided a "robotic" look to ensure Lumi feels like a fairy-tale friend, not a gadget. Key Features Natural Voice Interaction: Lumi chats with your child about their day, engages in role-play, and answers curious "whys" with child-appropriate knowledge, fostering language skills and confidence. Bedtime Stories & Routines: Lumi helps establish healthy sleep habits by telling calming stories and guiding children through a relaxing bedtime routine. Music & Soothing Sounds: From cheerful nursery rhymes for playtime to gentle lullabies for sleep, Lumi creates the perfect auditory atmosphere to soothe emotions or spark joy. Emotional Intelligence: Lumi is programmed to recognize emotional cues, offering gentle vibrations or soothing words to help children navigate anxiety, excitement, or sadness. Safety & Parent Control: "Connection with boundaries." Lumi acts within strict content guidelines aligned with family values. Parents have full control, ensuring every interaction is safe, wholesome, and positive. Lumi represents a shift towards Healthy Digital Companionship. It reduces passive screen time, promotes Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and helps children build empathy and self-soothing skills.

Credits

C&Z Investment Ltd.
Yirun Chen
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