Quokka

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)

In a world where AI makes everything easier, Quokka helps users reclaim autonomy, self-reflection, and personal growth. Our research found that while AI-driven convenience simplifies decision making, it also reduces creativity, problem solving, and emotional engagement. Quokka addresses this by encouraging users to break free from routine and embrace real-world experiences. The app offers daily challenges designed to push users outside their comfort zones, fostering resilience and self-discovery. A reflection feature helps users process their experiences, reinforcing personal growth. To keep engagement high, we incorporate gamification through collectible Quokka cards and streaks, making challenges fun and rewarding. Additionally, an AR feature encourages users to be more present in their surroundings. Quokka is a step toward a more mindful, fulfilling life where users regain control over their choices and embrace the satisfaction of overcoming challenges.

1. 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)

Our research combined user interviews and secondary research to explore how AI and automation impact decision-making, self-awareness, and human connection among college students. Three in-depth, one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted, covering topics such as technology use, convenience versus challenge, emotional impact, and stepping outside one's comfort zone. Participants shared insights into their automation decisions, the influence of AI on decision-making, and how AI might create a "bubble" of comfort that affects personal growth. These interviews provided valuable firsthand perspectives that validated key themes from our initial exploration.

In addition, a desk and literature review helped contextualize our findings, analyzing existing research on AI’s psychological effects, including its influence on cognitive effort, emotional engagement, and human adaptability. This combined approach provided a comprehensive understanding of both student experiences and broader trends in AI research. Moreover, we conducted some research about the effects of gamification to support the concept of our app.

From our secondary research, we found that AI technology offers superhuman capabilities, from detecting biases to personalizing recommendations. However, as noted by Jarno in a TED talk, the increasing reliance on AI-driven decision-making raises concerns about self-reliance and autonomy. These systems can diminish personal agency, as we become more dependent on recommendations that predict our choices. Research suggests that, as we rely more on AI, we lose opportunities for self-reflection and emotional growth, which are essential for maintaining empathy and decision-making skills. The rise of "digital butlers" that anticipate our needs may reduce self-awareness and make us passive in our actions. The danger lies in how these systems shape our preferences and behavior, often without our conscious realization. As AI develops, it’s important to encourage individuals to step outside their comfort zones and practice critical thinking and empathy, rather than letting algorithms dictate their choices.

Our primary research with college students mirrored these findings. Participants shared how AI tools, like ChatGPT, made tasks such as writing, studying, and coding easier but also diminished creativity and self-reliance. Many students used AI to streamline work and make faster decisions, such as choosing what to eat or watch based on algorithmic suggestions. This convenience reduced engagement in decision-making, leading to less self-awareness and reflection. The reliance on AI also diminished opportunities for problem-solving and personal growth. Several students noted that while automation made tasks easier, it also stripped away the challenge and satisfaction of solving complex problems. The over-reliance on personalized algorithms, especially in social media, created a bubble where students rarely encountered diverse perspectives or pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones. When participants did intentionally avoid AI, such as during exam prep without technology, they found the experience tedious and less enjoyable. This research highlights the dual nature of AI—offering convenience while also reducing creativity, personal growth, and self-reflection.

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

We chose a Quokka as our mascot due to its representation of positivity, something often overshadowed by the ease of AI and automation. By selecting the Quokka, the happiest animal on the Earth, we wanted to bring back a sense of joy and authenticity into the user experience, serving as a symbol of overcoming the passivity induced by too much reliance on technology.

Our decision to include daily challenges in the app was inspired by insights gained during our user interviews, where many participants expressed how AI makes decision-making easier but less fulfilling. They revealed that technology often reduces the effort put into tasks and reduces the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. Based on these findings, we introduced daily challenges designed to encourage users to step outside their comfort zones, helping them reconnect with their emotions and rediscover the joy of accomplishing difficult tasks. This approach was validated through both user interviews and secondary literature, where research emphasized the importance of engaging in non-automated tasks to foster growth, reflection, and self-awareness.

To further address the lack of self-reflection noted in our research, we introduced a super simple reflection feature that asks users to rate if the task made them feel “Uncomfortable”, “Happy”, or “Normal”. This was inspired by interview data, which indicated that participants were often too reliant on AI to think critically about their actions. By incorporating a super short, non-time consuming reflection period, we encourage users to pause and evaluate their experiences, but don’t force them to think too deeply leaving that up to choice. This helps the tasks feel not ‘too deep’ which allows them to continue integrating these tasks into their daily life without much hesitation or feeling of intimidation, fostering deeper emotional engagement. This component allows users to break the cycle of passive decision making and reconnect with their inner thoughts and feelings.

Our decision to gamify the experience with Quokka collectibles and streaks was guided by secondary research on motivation and gamification. Studies show gamification can make intimidating tasks more fun and less overwhelming, which would increase engagement and motivation. This feature helps users stay engaged with the app and provides external motivation, ensuring users are more likely to return and continue their growth journey.

We also explored adding an AR feature as a way to help users be more present in their surroundings. This idea emerged from a desire to promote mindfulness, which, while not directly related to breaking the AI "bubble," offers users an opportunity to interact with their environment in a creative way. Secondary research on mindfulness practices indicated that being grounded in the physical world can improve emotional well-being, so we wanted to integrate a feature that encourages users to engage with their surroundings. This AR element adds an extra layer of interaction, subtly encouraging presence without pulling users away from the core goal of personal growth.

Built With

• figma