Meng (Vicky) Zhao
Between
How could we assist couples in long-distance relationships during their good and bad times by helping them connect, share and understand each other easily and remotely?
Between is a social app designed for Long Distance Relationship (LDR) couples to help them stay connected remotely. It is a “gamified” communication app that provides a digital private space where a couple can spend time together online. The app provides fun and engaging ways for couples to interact with each other on the homepage in real time. Individually, they can also share happenings in their daily life and build a collection of memories through the digital album. The drifting bottle is an innovative feature that appears at random to remind the couple in a delightful way about the days they have been together. Ultimately, Between helps ensure that a couple’s relationship experience will not be compromised because they are physically apart.
Insight
Long Distance Relationships have become a universal and trendy phenomenon in the global context because of online social networking and digital dating services. Due to the pandemic (2020-2021), people have become isolated, and many couples have been forced to be apart because of the lockdown and border closures. If one experiences some difficulties communicating with others remotely, LDR couples go through similar struggles everyday. The barriers are amplified because of the amount of content and emotions they exchange daily, but all they are able to do is talk. Rather than a substitute for physical conversation, it is important to find meaningful ways to improve online communication
Idea
My solution is a gamified app that provides a digital private space for the couple to spend time online with both synchronous and asynchronous interactions. It also serves as a digital album for them to share and keep track of their memories and emotions during the period they are apart. Plus, the drifting bottle feature has a fun and surprising part which reminds them of their memorable experiences from the past. The interaction space and record of the digital content will act as adhesive to help them build stable and long-lasting relationships.
Impact
Between can be an essential digital bridge between couples and provide them with a variety of communication methods. This app helps record their ordinary daily activities into a “love album”. It allows the relationship to be more memorable and engaging even if they are physically separated. They can appreciate this album when looking back on past events, and allows them to enjoy their important dates by celebrating in the app. At the same time, it helps them to reflect on themselves and understand each other better when they have conflict. It provides them an alternative way to communicate emotions and understand each other.
Biography
Meng Zhao is a Toronto-based designer who graduated from OCAD University’s Industrial Design program earlier this year. Her background includes an internship as a Branding and Content Strategist at the company Hedgehog Umbrella and participation in the Reversed Inclusion project (which was displayed at the DesignTO 2020 exhibition). Inspired by Don Norman’s books and theories, Meng is passionate about designing products and services that engender a real emotional connection with users. She believes this approach offers a way to maximize a product’s value and enhance the experience of potential users, especially when contrasted with designs that focus purely on the visual appeal or functionality of a product.