BRIDGE

1. Prototype link (Please submit a link to a playable prototype, not a link to your design file) Link

2. Describe your project (max 150 words) BRIDGE is a social engagement platform designed to help people stay connected in an AI-driven world. As technology reshapes interactions, maintaining real-life friendships is harder than ever. Based on survey insights, BRIDGE tackles scheduling conflicts, financial constraints, and decision fatigue by allowing users to sync availability, connect with friends, and receive AI-powered activity suggestions. Unlike platforms that isolate users, BRIDGE enhances real-world connections, using AI to facilitate and not replace human interaction. The warm yellow interface symbolizing friendship and clear typography for ease of use, the app balances technology with authenticity. In a world dominated by algorithms, BRIDGE ensures that friendships remain real, meaningful, and effortless to maintain.

3. Describe your research process and findings. If you conducted any surveys or interviews, please include the survey form and/or interview questions here. If you conducted secondary research by pulling from online sources, please include a link to your sources. (Max 500 words)

Google Form : https://forms.gle/H7wvU65kczRXGZpF6

For this research, our group conducted a primary data collection process using a Google Form survey to gather insights on how college students plan and coordinate hangouts with their friends. We did not use any secondary sources or external research materials. Our survey included multiple-choice and open-ended questions, allowing us to explore students' social planning habits, preferences, and challenges. The survey was distributed online among college students aged 18–25 across different academic years and genders. Respondents were asked about their frequency of making plans, preferred planning methods, scheduling difficulties, spontaneity versus structured planning, and their interest in an app that could assist with planning activities. Additionally, we explored their privacy concerns, notification preferences, and desired features that could enhance the planning process. From our findings, most students organize plans through text messaging, group chats, or social media platforms like Instagram, Discord, and TikTok. Planning timeframes varied significantly, with some preferring same-day spontaneous hangouts, while others scheduled activities a few days to weeks in advance. The most common challenge in coordinating plans was conflicting schedules due to academic, work, or personal commitments. Other difficulties included transportation issues, last-minute cancellations, financial constraints, and struggling to decide on activities. When it came to spontaneity versus structured planning, there was no strong overall preference. Some students enjoyed spontaneous meetups for their excitement and flexibility, while others valued structured scheduling to ensure availability and minimize last-minute cancellations. Opinions on an app that suggests activities from AI were mostly positive. Most respondents believed such an app could introduce new ideas and help with scheduling conflicts, while a minority felt they already relied on existing tools like Google or social media to find things to do. Those in favor of an app suggested useful features such as a shared calendar, a scheduling assistant, and budget-friendly activity filter. Privacy was also a major concern among respondents, with many emphasizing the importance of data protection, encryption, and the ability to control what information is shared. Regarding notifications, responses varied; some people found reminders helpful and encouraging, while others preferred minimal notifications to avoid being overwhelmed. The survey questions covered topics such as students' planning frequency, preferred coordination methods, scheduling challenges, activity preferences, and attitudes toward a planning app. We also included questions about post-hangout features like journaling or photo sharing, as well as privacy concerns and data security preferences. This research provided valuable insights into how college students navigate social planning, the obstacles they face, and the potential benefits of an app designed to facilitate easier coordination and decision-making.

1. Describe your most important design decisions. What research findings and/or user testing results led you to make these decisions? (Max 500 words)

BRIDGE was developed with a deep understanding of the challenges and preferences shared by survey respondents. The survey revealed that students often struggle with coordinating schedules, finding affordable activities, and deciding on plans that align with their friends’ interests. Many respondents highlighted issues such as last-minute cancellations, conflicting availability, and a lack of inspiration when choosing what to do. Additionally, privacy concerns and notification preferences varied, emphasizing the need for a customizable and secure user experience. To address these concerns, BRIDGE integrates a scheduling system that allows users to input their availability and sync with friends, reducing the back-and-forth often required to make plans. Recognizing that many students prefer a mix of spontaneous and scheduled hangouts, the app offers flexibility—allowing users to plan in advance or quickly find available friends for last-minute meetups. Given that financial constraints were a recurring issue in the survey, BRIDGE includes an AI-powered suggestion tool that helps users discover free or low-budget events, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to socializing. Survey respondents also expressed frustration with indecision when planning activities, sometimes friends struggle to find a common ground. To solve this, BRIDGE’s AI assistant suggests personalized recommendations based on users' shared interests, making it easier to agree on plans. This feature not only reduces time spent searching for ideas but also encourages users to explore new experiences together. Furthermore, privacy was a significant concern, with many users emphasizing the importance of data security. BRIDGE incorporates features that allow users to control what information is shared, ensuring a safe and trustworthy platform. In terms of design, BRIDGE was built with accessibility and engagement in mind. The use of yellow as an accent color was intentional, as color psychology suggests that yellow fosters warmth, friendship, and positivity, things align perfectly with the app’s goal of strengthening real-life connections. Additionally, the choice of Spartan and Poppins fonts ensures a clean, modern, and easy-to-read interface, making navigation simple and enjoyable for users. By tailoring its features to the specific needs and concerns of survey respondents, BRIDGE creates a seamless social planning experience. It reduces scheduling conflicts, offers budget-friendly activity suggestions, and provides a platform that prioritizes both convenience and security. With a focus on fostering meaningful in-person interactions, BRIDGE transforms the way students plan and experience social hangouts.

Built With

• figjam
• figma
• googleform