Kagami

A full-stack research platform that uncovered the "Adaptation Paradox" in companion AI.

For my master’s thesis I designed, built, and ran a preregistered 3×2 experiment on a self-built GenAI companion chatbot — finding that visible user agency builds rapport while covert AI mimicry erodes it.

Role: Principal Investigator · Designer · Sole Developer. 2024–25.

james@brandtj.com