Anti-Algorithm Designathon App

About the project

Ctrl Z is an experience generator app that rejects algorithmic predictability in favor of spontaneity. My Team won #1st place in this designathon!

My role:

Group of 5 UX Designers

Timeframe:

2 hours

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?

Personas and Scenarios

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.

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.

Human-Curated Chaos.


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


Interactive Demo 👇🏽

Click through our interactive prototype below

Impact 🙂

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.

My Team (Team Spaghetti 🍝) also won first place in the designathon! 🥇