Sonam Adinolf

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About

Sonam Adinolf explores the intersection of human-computer interaction and game design, with a particular focus on how users form relationships with digital agents. Her research investigates the psychological and design factors that make virtual characters—from game companions to personal assistants—more engaging and meaningful to users. In her highly cited work "My Little Robot: User Preferences in Game Agent Customization" (2020, 13 citations), Adinolf demonstrates that customization is a powerful tool for fostering user attachment to non-player characters. By allowing players to personalize their in-game agents, she shows that users develop stronger emotional bonds and a greater sense of ownership, which enhances overall engagement and satisfaction. This contribution has implications for game developers and interface designers seeking to create more immersive, user-centered experiences. Adinolf’s work is particularly notable for bridging empirical user studies with practical design insights, making her research valuable to both academics and industry practitioners. Her findings continue to inform how we think about agency, identity, and relational design in interactive systems.