Building a platform to provide opportunity
for connection and discovery within communities
Timeline
September – November, 2024 (3 months)
School
Parsons School of Design
Program
MPS Communication Design
Course
Major Studio 1
Overview
The goal was to evoke a sense of community through a digital forum. I drew inspiration from the idea of a gathering place, similar to an old village square or community house. The problem arose from the observation that people struggle to meet others within their community or to get involved locally. I wanted to create a digital space for people to discover what was happening around them, and get involved. I explored how we can create a sense of community in a city environment, where our repeated interaction with others is limited.
Solution
For this project, we went through a regimented process to create a product, from problem discovery to high-fidelity prototypes. We interviewed, sketched, tested, and designed apps around the topic of our choosing. My main issue was grappling with the concept of how to create lasting connections with other people. I solved this through attempting to showcase local happenings, giving people the option to attend, meet, and connect in person and on the app.
Problem
People struggle to meet others within their community or to get involved locally.
Research Questions
How do people interact with their community?
How do people define community?
How are people making lasting relationships?
Goals
Find a people in your area with similar interests and hobbies
Suggest events for people to attend in their neighborhood
Make it easy for people to find things happening in their community
User Interviews
Insight
People need familiarity when meeting new people to feel safe.
“I would find a mutual friend or friend to try new things with me.”
Vee Mai
New to the city
Introvert
Creative
How Might We
Make users feel safe and familiar while meeting new people online?
Insight
People want to build relationships naturally.
“When you first meet someone and it fits, you know.”
Emma de Suyrot
New to the city
Extrovert
Athletic
How Might We
Create a natural feeling when people are meeting online?
Insight
Friendships are built on values, not just hobbies or interests.
“I need to have common beliefs with my friends.”
Rice Gallardo
6 Years in NYC
Introvert
Gamer
How Might We
Match people based on values and background instead of interests?
Insight
Community is not just about knowing people.
“I don’t know if community and knowing people are the same.”
Amely Richter
New to the city
Extrovert
Artistic
How Might We
Build community through a digital platform, connecting people to their environment?
Ideation
Idea
Find people based on events, which creates a group chat.
Idea
Use games to make bonding fun and refine your match algorithm for people and events.
Idea
Create a quiz that makes you describe one of your best friends.
Low-Fidelity
Testing
High-Fidelity
