Dawon Kim

Graduate HCI Researcher, Designer, and XR Developer

I am a master’s student in HCI at Sogang University, exploring human-AI interaction with embodied agents and immersive interfaces. With a background in animation and 2+ years as a designer/animator in TV/film production, I focus on anthropomorphic AI and creative approaches toward human-AI interaction. I currently work on industry-academic collaboration projects with Samsung Research while pursuing a master's degree. As founder of Dawn Intelligence Lab, LLC, with funding from the Seoul Business Agency's R&D commercialization programs, I hold 5 patents in virtual humans and immersive interfaces. Outside academia, I have served on Seoul's Youth Policy Committee for 2 years, advocating for inclusive youth opportunities and responsible technology adoption.

Link: CV /  Statements about Research,  Personal,  Diversity 

News

Dec 2024

Received patent application funding from the Seoul Business Agency. (KRW 8,000,000)

May 2024

Joined Samsung’s UX design research project as a project coordinator and graduate research assistant.

Mar 2024

Selected for outstanding graduate research and awarded survey funding at the Korean Media Management Association Conference.

Mar 2024

Appointed as a Youth Policy Committee Member at Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Department of Youth Policy.

Dec 2023

Received mayoral commendation for youth cultural initiatives at Seocho District Office, approved for 2024 implementation.

May 2023

Selected as top 20 nationwide for AI/XR research commercialization at Korea Techno-Venture Foundation’s Deep-Tech Entrepreneurship Program.

Mar 2023

Appointed as a Youth Policy Committee Member at Seocho District Office’s Department of Youth Policy, Culture and Arts Division.

Research & Projects

I am interested in Human-Computer Interaction, Anthropomorphic AI, Virtual Humans, Machine Creativity, and Human-Centered Design in Immersive Media.

AI as a Commercial Artist: How Intention and Context Shape Human Perception of Machine Creativity

Systems and Methods for Generating Artificial Intelligence Artist Statements (AIAS) in Response to AI-Generated Artworks, and Related Computer Applications

🏆 Excellence Prize (The President’s Award, Sogang University)

Meta Design Jam in APAC at Seoul National University

Designed “Controls-At-Hands” and “Safety Mode” prototypes for AR Glass user experience at music festivals, focusing on body-based data transparency and control.

EMotion

🏆 Grand Prize (The Ministry of Science and ICT, Minister’s Award)

Developed an AI-enhanced XR virtual production solution as a next-generation metaverse service, winning first place among 992 participants in a government-sponsored national competition. The project was featured in an official government article.

Born Digital

We developed an experimental Virtual Hand Interface using AI+XR, allowing audiences to interact with virtual objects in real time. The project was showcased at a Seoul Metropolitan Government-hosted exhibition and featured in an official government article.

TV & Films

2+ years of experience as a concept designer and animator for animated feature film and TV shows, currently streaming globally.

“Business Proposal” Television Series

Animated opening sequence for K-drama series distributed via SBS Broadcasting Network, Wavve Platform, and Netflix. The series reached #1 non-English show on Netflix (March 2022) and #2 in global rankings (April 2022).

“Rainbow Ruby 2” 3D Animated Television Series

Designed sets and props for 52 episodes of a global 3D animated series, providing comprehensive 3D set dressing support for the Layout Department. Series has been distributed internationally on 30+ networks, including EBS (Korea), CCTV (China), and Family Jr. (Canada), and has been streaming on Netflix and other OTT platforms since 2020.

“Creaky Breath” Animated Short Film

Synopsis: On a snowy day, a robot who wants to breathe steals coffee from a coffee truck and meets a girl whose body is warm.

ⓒ 2024 Dawon Kim.  Last updated: December 2024.  [site template]