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[Case 02]

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Social

Anti-Algorithm Designathon App

[Project Overview]

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.

[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?

[Industry]

Social

[My Role]

UX Designer

[Platforms]

iPhone

[Timeline]

Designathon - 2 hours

View Live Project

View Live Project

[Persona]

Jamal Riveria

Software Developer

"I am tired of routine I need something new and crazy"

Age: 29

Location: New York City

Tech Proficiency: Moderate

Gender: Male

[Goal]

Driven by a desire to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures

With the pace of work and the routine of adulthood, he’s searching for gentle disruptions: things that spark wonder, laughter, or thought without needing a detailed plan

He 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

[Process]

[01] Defining the solution

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.

[01] Defining the solution

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.

[01] Defining the solution

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.

[02] Key Features

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

[02] Key Features

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

[02] Key Features

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

[Click image to make larger and click image again to zoom out]

[Click image to make larger and click image again to zoom out]

[03 Interactive Demo]

Click through our interactive protoype below

We split up and designed key features

Towards the end of the 2 hours we prototyped it together

[03 Interactive Demo]

Click through our interactive protoype below

We split up and designed key features

Towards the end of the 2 hours we prototyped it together

[03 Interactive Demo]

Click through our interactive protoype below

We split up and designed key features

Towards the end of the 2 hours we prototyped it together

[04] Presentation

After we created our app we needed to create a presentation

I presented and made it quirky, funny, and engaging

My teammate demonstrated the demo

[04] Presentation

After we created our app we needed to create a presentation

I presented and made it quirky, funny, and engaging

My teammate demonstrated the demo

[04] Presentation

After we created our app we needed to create a presentation

I presented and made it quirky, funny, and engaging

My teammate demonstrated the demo

[Outcome]

WE WON FIRST PLACE :)
Faculty were judges and 100% were impressed by our prototyping skills
All students and faculty highly rated the app idea for the designathon theme

[Key Learnings]

Break Free from the Algorithm

Encourages users to step outside curated feeds and embrace authentic, serendipitous experiences.

Break Free from the Algorithm

Encourages users to step outside curated feeds and embrace authentic, serendipitous experiences.

Break Free from the Algorithm

Encourages users to step outside curated feeds and embrace authentic, serendipitous experiences.

Prioritize Well-Being Over Engagement

Shifts focus away from endless scrolling toward mindful, meaningful human moments.

Prioritize Well-Being Over Engagement

Shifts focus away from endless scrolling toward mindful, meaningful human moments.

Prioritize Well-Being Over Engagement

Shifts focus away from endless scrolling toward mindful, meaningful human moments.

Foster Empathy Through Shared Journeys

Connects people through diverse perspectives, building trust and understanding across different walks of life.

Foster Empathy Through Shared Journeys

Connects people through diverse perspectives, building trust and understanding across different walks of life.

Foster Empathy Through Shared Journeys

Connects people through diverse perspectives, building trust and understanding across different walks of life.

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