Kat's Designer Notebook
This notebook documents my ongoing analysis of emerging technologies through a design-centered lens. I focus on how physical form, interaction design, and psychological cues influence the way people understand, trust, and engage with products and systems. Drawing from Industrial Design, physical UX, and interests in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Human Robot Interaction (HRI), I examine both the functional and experiential implications of new technologies.
1/6/2026
Topic 01:
Why Humanoid Robots Shouldn’t Always Respond Instantly
Humanoid robots should use intentional delays instead of instant responses to appear more natural and trustworthy. When robots move with "mathematical perfection" or react too quickly, they can fall into the Uncanny Valley, making humans feel uneasy or startled. By using animation techniques like "anticipation," designers can help robots communicate their intent and feel like reliable partners rather than just mechanical tools.
1/20/2026
Topic 02:
The Blank Visor vs. The Halo: Why Functional Clarity Beats Minimalism in Humanoid Robot Faces
This analysis contrasts the minimalist "blank visor" face design in humanoid robots like Tesla's Optimus—prioritizing engineering efficiency, sensor integration, and a neutral, expressionless aesthetic to avoid emotional attachment and the uncanny valley—with Boston Dynamics' illuminated "halo" interface in the 2026 Atlas, which emphasizes functional abstraction through dynamic signaling of status and intent for enhanced clarity in collaborative industrial environments. Drawing on Don Norman's Three Levels of Processing, it argues that such designs foster trust by aligning visceral appeal, behavioral feedback, and reflective judgments with the robot's helpful, non-human identity. Industry trends are shifting away from anthropomorphic mimics toward adaptive, non-verbal communication hubs to reduce cognitive load, promote predictability, and position robots as reliable tools rather than unsettling human replicas.