Table of contents / Vol. 01
05 / Character concept

A character is a system of responses.

Explore a small expression library, then consider what each state means in your product.

CSS CONCEPT / CURRENT STATE: idle

Illustrative HTML/CSS model. These controls change static expression poses; this is not a Rive file or a hardware integration.

Give every expression a reason

Use idle when nothing needs attention, listening when input is being captured, thinking while a request is pending and speaking during playback. Happy can acknowledge a meaningful user action. Define a neutral recovery path for every state.

A prototype, ready for discussion

This face is built from CSS shapes. It has no skeletal rig, live audio, Rive file or stored application state. Its value is in testing a vocabulary before investing in a complete animation system.

Plan an interactive mascot