Interaction - Bachelors

PETBRIDGE

PetBridge is an interactive app designed to bridge the emotional gap between international students and their families, especially their pets. With features like secret photo exchanges, daily posts, and personalized monthly albums, it turns everyday moments into shared experiences, making homes feel a little closer.

Marino Shinkai

Problem space

Homesickness

The problem space for PETBRIDGE stems from the emotional gap experienced by international students and their families due to physical separation. Many students feel disconnected from their pets and families while living abroad, and existing technologies often fall short of fostering meaningful daily interactions. Homesickness and loneliness affect not only students but also their families, who miss being a part of their lives. Furthermore, while there are apps that allow remote pet monitoring, they primarily focus on surveillance rather than interaction and emotional connection. PETBRIDGE addresses these challenges by offering an engaging, daily platform that strengthens family bonds through shared updates, secret photos, and interactive prompts, helping bridge the emotional distance between students, their families, and pets.

APP Key features

Daily Posts Page

DAILY POSTS

PETBRIDGE encourages daily interaction by allowing students and family members to share snapshots of their lives. Family members post updates about pets, while students upload photos or videos of their day. This daily exchange of moments creates a consistent flow of communication, helping to bridge the emotional gap between students and their families. The feature not only strengthens connections but also provides a fun, visual way to stay engaged with each other’s daily experiences, making it feel like you’re never too far away from home or your beloved pets.
Daily Logs Page

DAILY LOGS

Daily Logs on PETBRIDGE provide a reflective space where users can write short entries about their day. Family members share updates about the pets, and students can log their personal experiences or thoughts from the day. The logs are shared the next morning, allowing both sides to catch up on each other’s lives. This feature helps create a sense of routine and continuity, while also providing an intimate way for family members and students to stay emotionally connected. It encourages meaningful communication and allows users to express themselves beyond photos and videos.
Secret Photos Page

SECRET PHOTOS

Secret Photos add an element of surprise to the PETBRIDGE experience. Every morning, users receive a hidden photo—family members share a picture of a pet, while students upload a photo of themselves. The photo remains a “secret” until revealed later, injecting excitement into the daily routine. It’s a lighthearted way to stay connected, allowing family members and students to surprise each other with glimpses of their lives. This feature fosters emotional closeness and adds a playful layer to the interaction, ensuring there’s always something to look forward to.
Monthly Album Page

MONTHLY ALBUM

PETBRIDGE automatically compiles daily posts into a personalized monthly album, creating a beautiful digital photo album. The album is customizable, allowing users to revisit and reflect on the past month’s highlights—whether it’s a cute pet moment or a student’s adventure abroad. This feature helps to preserve precious memories in a cohesive format, making it easy for family members and students to look back at their shared experiences. The monthly album not only strengthens family bonds but also serves as a keepsake of their journey together.
Bloom Streaks Page

BLOOM STREAKS

Bloom Streaks is a reward-based feature that encourages consistent engagement on PETBRIDGE. For every seven days of continued interaction, users receive a decoration for a virtual flower bouquet. After 28 days, the full bouquet is completed and can be sent to family members with a heartfelt message. This gamified experience adds an element of fun and motivation, making communication feel rewarding. Once the bouquet is sent, the streak continues, with a new bouquet unlocked every month. Bloom Streaks help maintain regular contact and reinforce the sense of connection between students and their families.
Daily Prompts Page

DAILY PROMPTS

Daily Prompts: PETBRIDGE keeps things fun and engaging with Daily Prompts! Each day, students and family members receive a playful or lighthearted question that everyone answers. These prompts are designed to spark laughter, share quirky moments, or reveal fun facts—whether it’s about pets, favourite foods, or dream adventures. The goal is to get everyone talking and sharing something new, making communication enjoyable and effortless. Daily Prompts help keep the conversation flowing and give everyone a reason to smile, strengthening family bonds in a light and creative way.

Marino Shinkai

Marino Shinkai is a passionate interaction design student at QUT, specializing in creating user-centred digital experiences. With a strong interest in innovative technology and emotional connectivity, Marino's work focuses on enhancing well-being through thoughtful and engaging design solutions.