ROLE
CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER · CREATIVE PRODUCER · DESIGN LEAD
PROJECT
AR SANA TECH is a Kazakhstan-origin HealthTech startup developing a digital speech therapy platform for children.
The product transforms traditional speech therapy exercises into interactive games using 2D, 3D, augmented reality and AI-based feedback. It connects children, parents and speech therapists, making regular practice at home more engaging while allowing specialists to guide and monitor progress.
CONTRIBUTION
I joined at the concept stage, when the company had an ambitious idea but limited resources and no established development process.
I led product development, creative direction, and production, turning the founders' vision into a roadmap, design requirements, and manageable development sprints.
Working with speech therapists, child psychologists, and researchers, I researched therapeutic exercises and designed 6 different games for two age groups, adapting the interactions to different speech abilities and developmental needs.
I also developed the product's visual identity and characters, coordinated designers and developers, and oversaw the delivery of several working prototypes.
KEY FEATURES
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Speech Recognition Game: Designed an interactive game where children select objects on screen, say their names aloud and receive encouraging responses that prompt further speech. The smartphone captures their spoken answers to support repeated practice.
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Mirror & Articulation Training: Designed a split-screen exercise featuring Sana, an animated character demonstrating mouth and tongue movements while pronouncing sounds. The other half uses the smartphone's front-facing camera so children can observe and practise their own articulation alongside the character.
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Breath & Sound Interaction: Designed games for children with more severe speech difficulties, where blowing into the phone causes virtual objects to move. Different blowing patterns and simple vocal sounds introduce playful exercises for breath control and early sound production.
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Product Identity & Character Design: Developed the visual identity, creative direction, character designs and tone of voice, establishing a consistent visual language across the games.
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Product Roadmap & Prototype Delivery: Structured the product into development work packages, planned and managed sprints in ClickUp, and coordinated the delivery of multiple prototypes for testing.
OUTCOME
The wider AR SANA TECH project has since reported engagement with 5 therapy centres, 2 schools, and 35+ specialists.
The startup has also received recognition:
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3rd place — Digital Qazaqstan Battle
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2nd place — Her Silicon Valley Pitch
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Participation — Draper University Hero Training programme
The product remains in development.
