Connect Uniquely With Comigo

Project Overview

Comigo combines a physical product with digital prompts to encourage real-world social interactions. The device tracks these moments, offers rewards, and helps users build stronger connections in a post-covid world.

Roles

Product Designer — Prototyping, User Testing, User Research, UX Strategy

Timeline

10 Weeks — Final Pitch May 2023

Prototyping In A Miniscule Form

The biggest challenge was designing interactions for a tiny product like Comigo. We had to figure out how to communicate prompts and feedback on a keychain-sized device. It took a lot of testing and creativity to make it feel natural and easy to use, without actually making a small functioning prototype.

The Goal

The goal of Comigo was to tackle loneliness and isolation after COVID, worsened by screen-based communication. We wanted to help people bridge digital and real-world interactions, making it easier to spark low-pressure connections in public and feel less alone.

Northstars Beginning The Project

Foster Spontaneity

Enable spontaneous, real-world connections through subtle prompts.

Encourage Exploration

Motivate users to explore new environments for social interactions.

Promote Trust

Build a reliable system that users feel comfortable engaging with for connections.

Focusing On Real People, Real Experiences

Breaking the Ice in Public Spaces

Research showed that many individuals felt uncomfortable initiating conversations with strangers. However, they were open to connection if given a non-verbal nudge or context to engage.

Blending Technology with Physical Interaction

Although technology is seen as an enabler for connection, users expressed that over-reliance on digital communication created more isolation. They sought solutions that blended digital prompts with physical interaction.

Fostering Consistent, Low-Pressure Social Moments

Participants emphasized the importance of consistency in building new social connections but wanted interactions to remain low-pressure. Creating regular opportunities for casual interactions became a core focus of the design.

Prioritizing The Physical World

We focused on making the Comigo device the heart of fostering connections. It had to feel natural and truly needed, so we designed, tested, and gathered feedback to get it right. Once the device felt solid, we optimized the mobile app for a seamless, in-person connection experience.

Device Conceptualization

We sketched designs for the Comigo device, focusing on a compact, user-friendly form that encourages spontaneous interactions.

Interaction Testing

We conducted user testing on the prototype, refining non-verbal cues to effectively promote engagement while ensuring comfort.

Brand Development

We developed a cohesive brand identity, crafting a narrative that inspires real-world connections and integrating it into our marketing materials.

The Heart of Cohesion: Our Design System

We created a design system for Comigo to ensure a smooth user experience across both the device, app, website, social media and other marketing content. By aligning visual styles and interaction patterns, we made it easy for users to engage and connect in the real world.

Connect Uniquely With Comigo

10+

Indigo Design Awards Won

2+

International Design Honorable Mentions

Comigo is a mobile app and keychain-sized device that helps tackle loneliness by sparking in-person connections. It uses digital prompts to encourage real-world interactions, tracks social moments, and rewards users for building meaningful connections, boosting mental well-being.

My Biggest Learning

This project underscored the importance of understanding mental models, especially when designing for significant emotional and behavioral change.

Some questions, some answers

Was this a client project or a student project? And is it live?

This was a student capstone project, completed for my Bachelor's in UX Design. While it’s not live, the concept and prototypes are fully developed with real-world potential.

What was your role through each process of this project?

I led the design process—from UX research to product design. This included directing user research, creating insights, and leading the design of both the physical and digital products.

What was the biggest challenge you faced through this project?

The challenge was designing a physical device that encouraged real-world interaction without pressuring users. We refined the device to use subtle nudges like gentle vibrations, finding the balance between encouragement and comfort through extensive testing.

NEXT PROJECT

/BMW