Above: Users filling in their "speed dating questionnaires"
Above: A layout of the final prototypes of the speed dating cards
Above: The inside of the speed dating cards along with the questions/prompt
My final project in studio during my spring semester was to create an interactive speed dating card that allowed 2 people to be able to get to know one another in a quick and enjoyable way. Graphic design revolves around how people react to designs and use them easily and effectively, so I really wanted the emphasis of this project to be on the fun and personal experiences users could create through these interactions.
My concept is a videogame avatar creator. Similar to a mobile dating game in the form of an app, I wanted users to create a profile and "rate" themselves in their skills and personality. Many of the users enjoyed the fact they had to be honest in rating themselves in order to portray their true character. They also enjoyed the drawing element where they could draw themselves however they wanted, which would reveal their creative and imaginative sides. I included prompts on the bottom related to "adventure-type" games that allowed for users to continue long discussions as to why they chose their answers. To avoid superficial, game-related questions only, I also added a prompt asking what was the character's "quest" or its purpose, which alludes to the common question, "What is your life's purpose?" or "What do you want to achieve?" In this way, people would be able to find out some of the other person's values or goals, which is always a good thing to know when looking for a partner or friend.
After filling in their profile, I added another "screen" to the tablet that prompts the two users to pair off after comparing their profiles and draw their characters together. Then, they would choose a team name and go off on a metaphorical adventure together, which implies that this is the start of a new relationship or friendship. Users loved the aspect of working together and used this as a sort of bonding activity.
Another small element is that the "tablets" are laminated and users could erase their answers and start anew with other people, which allows bonding with more than one person.
The project turned out to be a huge success in getting to know quirky elements of another person while also inciting longer discussions and interest in getting to know one another. In my personal experience, building profiles is something people love to do because it allows a physical view of their own personalities.