Time Bridge

Prototype link: Figma Link

Describe your project

People from different generations often struggle to communicate effectively, leading to feelings of isolation, not being heard, and persistent misunderstandings. Differences in language, communication styles, and comfort with technology can make meaningful conversations feel intimidating. So, we asked the question: How might we design a safe, inclusive community that makes cross-generational communication easy and comfortable for everyone through participating in skill swap daily challenges related to their interests?

Time Bridge, our mobile application, aims to reduce this communication gap by creating a low-pressure, stress-free environment where users can connect without fear of judgment. Bridging generations means providing a safe space where individuals can naturally learn, experience, and adapt to the communication styles of other age groups. Ultimately, Time Bridge strives for users to feel heard, valued, and understood, helping build stronger relationships and more meaningful connections across generations.

Describe your research process and findings.

Our research aims to understand the difficulties in communication between generations and to explore why feelings of frustration, misunderstanding, and inability to communicate often arise. To gain a well-rounded understanding of user needs, we conducted both primary and secondary research. Our primary research was collected through Google Forms surveys, while our secondary research involved reviewing existing academic and scientific literature on intergenerational communication.

We distributed two surveys, each with unique questions, to the younger generation (Generation Z and Generation Alpha) and to the older generation (Millennials and older) to gather insights into how they communicated with the other generations. Each survey contained unique, tailored questions designed to capture the most accurate and relevant responses from each generation. The questions focused on which topics are most difficult to communicate across generations, how individuals attempt to understand perspectives different from their own, and the role technology plays in shaping communication styles. The only shared question between both surveys asked participants to list their “top three apps,” which allowed us to identify differences and overlaps in technology use across generations.

Across both surveys, miscommunication emerged as a recurring and central theme. Many younger participants expressed that communication with older generations would be more effective if older individuals were more open-minded. Although younger respondents often admired older generations for their experience and willingness to engage in conversations, they also reported feeling fearful of being judged when expressing their thoughts, particularly on sensitive topics such as mental health and social issues. Younger generations also noted that Generation Alpha appears to experience fewer cultural divides, possibly due to growing up in a more digitally connected and socially progressive environment.

In contrast, many older participants expressed a strong preference for in-person communication and reported confusion with abbreviations commonly used by younger people. Older respondents also described difficulties adapting to new technologies, devices, and applications, with some relying on YouTube tutorials to navigate unfamiliar tools. Additionally, several participants expressed concern that younger generations may be becoming overly reliant on the internet and AI-based tools such as ChatGPT, which they fear could impact critical thinking skills and interpersonal communication.

Another component of our research was looking for different scientific published articles about understanding the difficulties in communication across generations, how the workforce has an impact, and learning how to bridge the gap. From these papers, we found that intergenerational differences affect the efficiency of communication, as different age groups tend to have distinct communication styles, preferences for tools, and values, leading to misunderstandings. Research also emphasizes that recognizing and respecting these varied communication styles, such as understanding that Baby Boomers may prefer phone calls and Millennials or Gen Z may prefer text or instant messaging, can help foster more inclusive and effective communication.

Based on these insights, we designed Time Bridge, an app that uses customization challenges and gamification to encourage consistent, meaningful interaction across generations. By creating incentives and building habits around connection, Time Bridge aims to bridge generational gaps and foster empathy, understanding, and long-term communication.

Describe your most important design decisions. What research findings and/or user testing results led you to make these decisions?

Our most important design decisions were guided by insights from both our primary research surveys and secondary research on intergenerational communication. These findings consistently highlighted the need for motivation, emotional safety, clarity, and shared points of connection across generations.

One key design decision was to incorporate gamification into Time Bridge. Our survey results reported that many reported being hesitant or unmotivated to initiate conversations due to fear of judgment. By gamifying our app, we introduce low-stakes challenges, progress tracking, and rewards that encourage repeated engagement without pressure. Framing communication as a series of achievable interactions allows users to build confidence and develop more consistent habits.

Inspired by the idea of building bridges and dams, another design choice was the use of a beaver as the app’s central mascot. Research showed that users often associated intergenerational communication with emotional disconnects. The beaver serves as a friendly, non-judgmental guide that symbolizes the construction of peace and teamwork. The playful visual helps reduce intimidation, making the app feel welcoming and accessible.

We also prioritized creating a simple and intuitive design throughout the app so people across all generations could participate. In our research, older participants expressed frustration with complex interfaces and unfamiliar icons. To address this, Time Bridge uses clear labeling, minimal visual clutter, and straightforward pathways to core features. This ensures that all users can navigate the app without needing external help.

A major decision was enabling users to communicate and bond through a love for shared activities rather than direct conversation alone. Our research showed that sensitive topics and generational differences in language often create anxiety around talking. Allowing users to connect over common interests, such as cooking and music, creates a natural foundation for communication.

Finally, we included the creation of logging experiences to support reflection and continuity. Both younger and older participants expressed that meaningful communication takes time and repetition. The log allows users to track interactions, shared moments, and progress over time to reinforce the strengthening of bonds.

Each design decision was shaped by user feedback and research findings. By directing responses to user concerns, Time Bridge effectively bridges and logs communication across generations.

If applicable, describe how you utilized AI in your design process in detail.

For the sake of time, we chose to use AI to make more refined questions for the interviews after the brainstorming session. After we had compiled a large amount of sticky notes of different interview questions, we agreed that the wording of several different questions were a bit too wordy and/or confusing. To quickly solve this, we asked chat gpt to reword two questions. This influenced the design thinking and research part of our survey slightly by creating more digestible interview questions for our users, allowing for more precise and helpful feedback.

Built With

• adobe-illustrator
• figma
• miro