Maddi Firminger
Student Work

Kiko

A simple way to know they’re okay.

Kiko is a parent-child communication system that pairs a kid-friendly keychain device with a parent app for quick, low-friction check-ins without the complexity and distractions of a phone.

Kiko presentation cover showing the blue and teal keychain communication device

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01Kiko: a simple, screen-light way for parents and kids to know they’re okay.

Project snapshot

Parents and kids need a fast, low-friction way to stay connected throughout the day, but phones introduce distracting interfaces, unnecessary features, and communication that is easy to miss.

2026

Role
Product designer and UX researcher across hardware, interaction design, prototyping, and testing
Timeline
2026
Tools
Product research • Form exploration • Physical prototyping • Focus groups • UX design • CMF development

Overview

Parents and kids need a fast, low-friction way to stay connected throughout the day, but phones introduce distracting interfaces, unnecessary features, and communication that is easy to miss.

I developed Kiko as a paired device-and-app system, moving from interviews and competitive research through form exploration, ecosystem mapping, CMF direction, physical prototyping, focus-group feedback, and iterative parent and child UX flows.

Outcomes

Full case study

The complete project, presented in sequence with every slide fully visible.

Kiko presentation cover showing the blue and teal keychain communication device
01

Kiko

Kiko: a simple, screen-light way for parents and kids to know they’re okay.

Kiko framing slide contrasting connection benefits and phone distractions
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Kiko

Opportunity framing: phones enable connection, but introduce new distractions and complexity.

Kiko problem statement, discovery insights, and how might we question
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Kiko

Discovery distilled the need for fast reassurance, low-effort communication, and fewer screens.

Market research comparing child watches and screenless communication products
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Kiko

Competitive review of kid-focused watches and simpler screenless communication devices.

Kiko form exploration and early device and message-flow sketches
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Kiko

Early ideation connected character-led form exploration with setup, messaging, and screen activation.

Kiko system integration and parent app feature wireframes
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Kiko

System mapping for device integration, location, settings, messages, profiles, and setup.

Kiko CMF moodboard and design language study
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Kiko

CMF direction balanced playful personalization with durable, flexible, and tactile materials.

Kiko design criteria focused on clarity and distraction-free communication
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Kiko

Design criteria prioritized simple messages, real-life use, and intentional communication without distractions.

Kiko focus group with physical prototypes and participant rankings
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Kiko

A focus group used physical prototypes and rankings to identify the strongest form direction.

Rows of Kiko physical prototypes showing progressive form refinement
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Kiko

Prototype iterations explored grip, texture, thickness, character features, and keychain attachment.

Annotated Kiko prototype feedback across child, teen, and parent participants
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Kiko

Feedback from children, a teen, and a parent shaped the final tactile and visual details.

Kiko parent app UX alternatives and participant feedback
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Kiko

Parent-app testing favored a fresher layout, clearer prompting, and familiar message alignment.

Kiko child-device UX alternatives and participant feedback
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Kiko

Child-device testing favored a clearer color system and a more distinctly kid-friendly layout.

Final Kiko identity and teal keychain device render
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Kiko

Final Kiko identity and resolved communication-device direction.

Exploded Kiko device view with internal and external component specifications
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Kiko

Internal and external specifications connect the enclosure, display, controls, electronics, power, and keychain hardware.

Kiko exterior detail specifications including grip, controls, screen, and USB-C port
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Kiko

Exterior detail specification for the silicone character features, tactile grip, controls, display, and charging port.

Kiko child-device message and emoji reaction flow
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Kiko

The child flow moves from one received message to a simple reaction choice and clear confirmation.

Kiko parent onboarding and Bluetooth pairing flow
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Kiko

Parent onboarding pairs the device, creates the child profile, and selects response emojis together.

Kiko parent app quick message flow
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Kiko

The parent message flow combines quick prompts with the option to create a custom check-in.

Four-step explanation showing how Kiko is set up and used
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Kiko

How Kiko works: pair once, clip it on, send a quick check-in, and receive one clear message.

Kiko additional features including location, notes, privacy, battery, and school use
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Kiko

Additional features support location checks, lunch notes, privacy, long battery life, and school-friendly use.

Final blue and teal Kiko devices against a bright sky
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Kiko

Final hero view showing the tactile back and message-focused front of the Kiko device.

Child using Kiko while riding a scooter in a park
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Kiko

Kiko in context: clipped to a bag and available for a quick check-in during an everyday outing.

Kiko brand pattern with colorful device illustrations and wordmarks
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Kiko

The closing brand system extends Kiko’s playful device forms into a flexible graphic pattern.

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