2026

Design Awards Silver Winner - Mingyue Hao

Airo

Entrant

Mingyue Hao

Category

User Experience (UX) - Voice Interaction UX

Client's Name

Airo

Country / Region:

United States

Airo is a voice-first, AI-integrated airport kiosk designed to bring a sense of assistance back into self-service travel environments. While traditional kiosks replace frontline staff, they often reduce support to touch-based interfaces, asking travelers to complete multiple tasks at moments when their hands and attention are already occupied.

Airo reframes the kiosk as an intelligent, approachable assistant rather than a single-purpose terminal. By prioritizing hands-free, voice-driven interaction, Airo reduces physical effort for travelers, particularly in busy travel moments when managing luggage, documents, and surroundings simultaneously. Voice interaction is designed as the default to support movement and situational awareness. At the same time, Airo allows users to switch to a traditional touch-based interaction when needed, supporting inclusive use across different abilities and environments.

Through secure NFC-based interaction zones, Airo integrates with existing Digital ID frameworks to enable quick identity verification with a single tap. Travelers are greeted by name and presented with relevant flight information, ready for check-in without having to handle physical documents. For more specific or customized needs, Airo offers features such as 3D cabin-view seat selection for better spatial understanding.

Once connected, Airo continues to support travelers beyond the kiosk. Flight updates, gate changes, and arrival information are synced directly to personal devices. Deployed across departure, transit, and arrival zones, Airo also provides real-time baggage updates and practical AI-driven airport guidance.

Airo is designed to reduce anxiety, restore confidence, and make travel systems feel more humane. Rather than asking people to adapt to machines, Airo represents technology that adapts to people, supporting movement and care throughout the journey.

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