Role

Product Designer, Team of 2

Year

2022

Type

Advanced Prototype

Community Building with AR: 7 Day Designathon

Community Building with AR: 7 Day Designathon

Community Building with AR: 7 Day Designathon

My teammate and I designed an AR game aimed to help solve the loneliness many of us experience in digital social spaces.

Of over 200 submissions, we received 2nd place.

My teammate and I designed an AR game aimed to help solve the loneliness many of us experience in digital social spaces.

Of over 200 submissions, we received 2nd place.

As part of Avocademy's 2022 Designathon, my teammate and I had one week to create a product idea in response to the prompt: "How might we intentionally create a better world through the metaverse?"

Our answer? Memento, a social AR game that connects the metaverse to physical spaces. Users can leave and collect mementos—audio, video, photos, text messages, and virtual gifts— bringing neighbors together and fostering interaction with the world outside our screens.

Check out our 5 minute pitch here! If you're in a pinch for time, at least check out the prototype walkthrough at 1:32 :)

The Process

In just 7 days, we completed 5 user interviews, defined 3 key user flows, and conducted prototype testing before submitting our final product.

In just 7 days, we completed 5 user interviews, defined 3 key user flows, and conducted prototype testing before submitting our final product.

In just 7 days, we completed 5 user interviews, defined 3 key user flows, and conducted prototype testing before submitting our final product.

As we brainstormed virtual spaces for connection, we were reminded of childhood internet worlds like Club Penguin, Gaia Online, and Neopets.

Drawing inspiration from these, we initially focused on a world of mutual aid but soon realized that even sharing small moments could bring light and connection to users’ lives. Our goal was to transform an ambiguous problem into a simple, clear, and delightful solution.

Quick persona creation and brainstorming

3 key userflows: onboarding, creating a memento, and finding a memento

The Solution

A delightful interactive prototype allowing people to connect through small moments.

A delightful interactive prototype allowing people to connect through small moments.

A delightful interactive prototype allowing people to connect through small moments.

I’m passionate about prototyping and UI, and I took the lead in ensuring every interaction was crisp, delightful, and aesthetically pleasing.

This project taught me so much! Working under a tight deadline pushed me to stretch my problem solving skills, and showed me that centering delight and connection in digital spaces is something I deeply care about and would love to continue working on in the future.

oh hi! still here? as a reward for making it this far, click here for some cute kittens 😸