I have a soft spot for projects that make technology feel a little more human — and Tendril’s collaboration with Microsoft Design might just be one of my favorites. This creative studio, with offices in Canada and Brazil, teamed up with Microsoft to imagine a new kind of digital identity — one that doesn’t need a human face to feel alive.
The result? A delightful lineup of quirky 3D avatars that are anything but ordinary. Each one is a mash-up of colorful shapes, smooth textures, and that perfect touch of silliness — think geometric blobs with googly eyes and plenty of personality. Somehow, even without mouths or eyebrows, these characters manage to express joy, curiosity, and all sorts of human vibes.
What I love most about this project is how it challenges the usual idea of what “identity” looks like online. Instead of polished profile pics or overly realistic renders, Tendril and Microsoft Design went abstract — proving that emotion doesn’t have to look human to feel human. There’s a warmth and playfulness in every character that makes you smile before you even realize why.
It’s design that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly why it works. If you’re into projects that blend art, humor, and technology in unexpected ways, check out more of Tendril’s vibrant work on their website and Instagram. You’ll leave inspired — and maybe a little more open to the idea that your next digital self could be a wobbly, one-eyed cube.
