Ctrl Z

Anti-Algorithm App

In this designathon we were tasked with building a product that embraces anti-algorithm in today's society. We had 2 hours to brainstorm and design a product that serves this purpose.

Figma File

Institution University of Michigan, School of Information

Designathon Converge — FLUX (Figma Learning for UX)

Time 2 Hours

Team 4 Members

Tools Figma

🏆 First Place

Ctrl Z took home first place out of all teams at the designathon — built in just 2 hours.

Problem Statement

Undo control over lyfe!

In a world dominated by personalization algorithms, our choices—and even our joy—are increasingly filtered and predicted. This control stifles spontaneity and limits the possibility of unexpected, meaningful moments.

How might we create experiences that reject algorithmic influence and instead embrace randomness, human spontaneity, and the thrill of the unknown?

Brainstorm

Ideation

User Persona

Meet Jamal

Age 26

Occupation Software Developer

Goals

Driven by a desire to slow down and savor life's simple pleasures.
Searching for gentle disruptions: things that spark wonder, laughter, or thought without needing a detailed plan.
Values experiences that foster presence and authenticity over efficiency or optimization.

Frustrations

Finds planning social events exhausting or awkward.
Feels like apps over-filter his choices instead of broadening them.
Craves authentic, soulful interactions that feel human.

Solution

How Ctrl Z works

You sign up with no plan. Just share your basic preferences, like dietary needs and hard no's. That's it.

We design your day, not an algorithm. A rotating crew of humans (not bots) craft a one-of-a-kind experience just for you.

You show up with no clue. No previews, no ratings, no itinerary. Just trust the journey and go with the flow.

You come back surprised (and kinda proud). Maybe you danced. Maybe you pet a goat. Who knows? You lived a day you'd never have planned yourself.

Key Features

What makes Ctrl Z different

One Day. One Box. No Returns.

Think of it like a subscription box for your soul. But instead of snacks, you get stories.

Hard No? We Hear You.

Hate heights? Allergic to drama? Just tell us your red flags and we'll take care of the rest. You're safe, even in the surprise.

No Profiles. No Tracking.

We don't remember your last trip. There's no "For You" page. You're not a pattern, you're a person.

Human-Curated Chaos.

No AI. No data trails. Each experience is handcrafted by real people, artists, explorers, and kind-hearted weirdos.

Live Prototype

Try it yourself

Impact

Why it matters

Breaks the filter bubble.

Users step outside their algorithm-curated worlds and into unexpected, real-world experiences.

Reintroduces trust & serendipity.

By giving up control, people rediscover the joy of not knowing.

Prioritizes well-being over engagement.

No endless scrolls. Just meaningful, human moments.

Promotes digital detachment.

A day without data collection, optimization, or notifications.

Builds empathy through diversity.

Every journey is crafted by different people, from different walks of life.