How can we spark meaningful connections at a networking event?
In a post-pandemic world where casual conversations often feel strained, Blossom set out to reimagine the networking experience. Designed as an interactive Human Bingo game, the project aimed to transform awkward mixers into joyful, low-pressure spaces for meaningful connection.
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Blossom used personalized prompts with blended interactions to engage participants in authentic, goal-driven conversations.
The result? 89.8% of participants reported enjoying the event, 85.7% deepened existing relationships, and 89.8% expanded their networks.
Blossom
​March 2023 - August 2024
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Role: Product Designer
Research Methods: Interviewing, Qualitative Analysis, Journey Mapping, Surveying, Usability Testing, Focus Groups, Contextual Inquiry
Team: Irene Wong, Mansi Saini, Pichy Jumpholwang, Rishab Bajaj, Wing Koon, Blythe Chen, Michelle Tan, Hayat Malik, David Lee (Advisor).
Problem Area
The Challenge
Networking events such as luncheons, conferences, and mixers are designed to foster collaboration and connection.
However, their large scale often results in surface-level interactions, limiting opportunities for meaningful conversations and personal growth.
Problem Statement
How can community events be designed to foster authentic, goal-aligned connections between attendees with diverse interests and needs?
Research Gap
Previous research highlights the value of icebreakers, shared experiences, and digital facilitation tools in supporting early-stage interaction.
However, these methods often feel generic or fail to support deeper, individualized connections. While some tools support presenter-audience interaction or group engagement, few designs focus on helping attendees connect meaningfully with each other in real time.
Literature Review
Research Approach
Research Q's:
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To what extent does Blossom meet diverse individual and community goals in collocated settings?
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How do participants perceive the personalization, interaction design, and community-building value of the activity?
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What design challenges or contextual barriers limit the depth or longevity of the connections made?
Study Design
Method 1: Wizard-of-Oz (3 events)
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1 class (15min) + 2 lab meetings (1hr each)
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Pre-survey → manual analysis → single board per event with projector displays
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17 user interviews​
Method 2: AI-Generated (2 events)
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1 lab meeting (1hr) + 1 alumni reunion (1hr)
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Pre-survey → AI-personalized printed boards (Gemini 2.0), no screens
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12 user interviews
Solution
To support authentic and meaningful interactions in large, collocated community events, we created Blossom, an augmented human bingo experience.
How does it work?
While similar in structure to traditional bingo, Blossom introduced personalized prompts based on pre-survey data, enabling attendees to connect through shared interests, receive support, co-create ideas, and foster deeper social ties.
Wizard-of-oz (user testing)
Design Process
Ideation
Initial Sketches
Contingency Flow
Prototyping
Lo-fis
Hi-fis
Prototype [V1]
Prototype [V2]
Based on initial feedback, a paper prototype featuring a barcode was developed to facilitate connectivity while minimizing screen distractions. [V2]
Insights
1. Network Building
Participants expanded and deepened their networks
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85.7% deepened relationships
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89.8% expanded their networks
Many continued conversations beyond the event.
2. Support & Collaboration
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Enabled hands-on help (resume reviews, debugging, user studies)
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Sparked idea generation and collective brainstorming
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Exposed participants to others’ creative processes
3. Technology Trade-offs
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Digital boards(V1): Enable tracking, real-time displays, but consume time and reduce face-to-face interaction
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Analog boards(V2): Maximize in-person interaction, simpler completion (signatures), but lose tracking/displays
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​Projector displays fostered community but removed in v2 to reduce screen time
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4. Limitations
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Shallow connections due to time constraints
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Name/contact exchange not guaranteed
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Long-term impact unclear (short follow-up period)
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Single university context limits generalizability
Takeaways
1. Plan for content variability
Designing prompts of different lengths highlighted the need for clear typography rules early on. In future projects, I’ll better anticipate how copy affects layout, legibility, and flow.
3. Screens Should Support, Not Distract
A light game framework like bingo can guide interaction but it’s crucial to balance engagement without pulling users away from in-person connection.
2. Pixel structure
Prototyping Blossom showed me the value of grid-based spacing. Using consistent pixel measurements and layout systems ensures alignment and visual cohesion across screens.
4. UX Extends Beyond Screens
Designing and understanding the environment was just as vital as the interface to support the user's needs.