Nico app, Hands speak louder.
Creating Nico meant turning a personal wish to connect into a playful first step into sign language.
It started at a local gelateria 🍦 Nico, the guy behind the ice cream counter, is Deaf. We would chat when it was quiet, but I always wished I could say something to him in sign language.
So I started learning a few signs, then forgetting them. I wanted a little help in the moment. Something that made saying “hello” feel like the beginning of a conversation.
THE JOURNEY
Finding Nico’s personality took a few wrong turns. I explored AI illustrations, built a 3D character and experimented with animation. Some versions felt too mechanical; others had the charm, but the gestures weren’t clear enough.
Eventually, I came back to something simpler: a warm, playful character and a growing collection of signs. Adding a word could mean creating a new asset, giving the project room to grow.
Explorations: Looking for Nico in colours, shapes and little expressions. Some lovely experiments, and plenty that didn’t quite feel like him.
Character iterations: Finding the balance between personality and clear gestures, so Nico could feel friendly while keeping the hands easy to follow.
KEY DESIGN DECISIONS
• Give the sign room to shine. One clear action per screen keeps the focus on the gesture.
• Keep the sequence simple. Read the word, watch the movement, give it a try.
• Let the hands do the talking. Their size and contrast help keep each gesture visible on a small screen.
• Make room for the moment. Type a word or use your voice, depending on what feels easiest.
• Bring warmth into the details. Bold type, playful colour and soft shapes make the experience feel welcoming.
Nico is a small beginning: hello, friend, beautiful, I love you. A few words worth learning for the people we’d like to know.
ROLE & TOOLS
Concept, brand identity, character design, UI and motion. Solo project.
Tools: Claude Code, ChatGPT, Krea.Ai