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Malaysia Design · ASEAN Hub Original IP Studio

Character Lab

Original Characters, Built for Connection.

Original characters, explored through plush.

Character Development Framework

From personality to a plush world.

1. Personality-Led Design

Start with personality, then shape the character.

2. Plush-First Thinking

Design expression and structure together, with physical sampling in mind.

3. Collectible & Social Logic

Explore characters people want to collect and share.

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Product Innovation

Plush Innovation Lab

Exploring the future of plush experiences.

Exploring new ways for plush to connect people.

What We Explore

Innovation Directions

We explore how plush can evolve beyond traditional forms, blending emotion, technology, culture, and human connection.

Emotional interaction

Emotional Interaction

Designing plush experiences that encourage emotional connection and human-centered engagement.

Social objects

Social Objects

Transforming plush characters into conversation starters, community symbols, and cultural artifacts.

Hybrid experiences

Hybrid Experiences

Exploring how physical products interact with digital systems, environments, and behaviors.

Featured Experiment

BUDDYBOND

A softer way to connect.

BuddyBond is an experimental social plush system exploring how soft objects can create new forms of human interaction.

Each plush contains a smart recognition chip capable of detecting nearby BuddyBond companions from the same series, transforming plush products into subtle social connectors.

Rather than forcing interaction, BuddyBond is designed around optional emotional discovery and comfortable social distance.

Watch BuddyBond
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Plush With Embedded Social Logic

Combines collectibility, emotional comfort, soft interaction, and subtle discovery mechanics.

Designed For Modern Social Culture

Built for creators, communities, fandom, couples, events, customer groups, and everyday social moments.

Comfort-First Social Interaction

No pressure, no competition, just soft, optional, and naturally discoverable interaction.

Designed Around Human Behavior

Experience Flow

1. NOTICE

Discover a companion from the same series nearby.

2. RECOGNIZE

A subtle signal creates a moment of shared connection.

3. CONNECT

Start a conversation or interaction in a comfortable way.

4. BELONG

Build relationships and strengthen community culture.

Real-World Scenarios

Where BUDDYBOND Comes Alive

Alumni mode

Alumni Mode

Find your schoolmates

Fan mode

Fan Mode

Meet your Bestie

Loyalty mode

Loyalty Mode

Bond over brand

Interest club

Interest Club

Start with same tribe

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Looking to Develop an Original Plush Character?

Contact Us

Have a character idea? Explore with Studio or discuss development with our team.