Interaction - Bachelors

Now Forming Companion

Now forming companion is an 'NFC' enabled deck of cards which use augmented reality to let users engage in interactive games and thoughtful prompts with each card. Designed to address loneliness, it encourages friendly interaction through a guided exploration in the process of forming a friend through varying "levels" of cards and activities.

A guided experience

First layer

animal cards in a line

In the early stages of friendship, there’s a feeling of discovery as you explore new things together. These moments create a foundation, as you start feeling comfortable sharing and asking questions, easing into each other’s company naturally. It’s a time of small adventures and genuine curiosity, where simple conversations lead to understanding and a growing bond.

In the cards characterised by a white border we find the first layer of friendship, exploration, cards each offer a unique 3D environment along with interactable elements for the users to explore and observe together.

Second layer

3 cards showing different iceberg depths

As friendship deepens, the knowledge one has of the other grows from surface details to an understanding that goes beyond appearances. At first, it may be simple things. But as time passes, one comes to know the person —their motivations, fears, and dreams that may not be easily shared. With each level, there’s a new layer of trust, a silent permission to see a little bit more.

In the cards characterised by a green border we find the second layer of friendship, connection, cards each offer a unique set of questions of increasing depth and substance encouraging thoughtful and meaningful conversation.

2 cards showing "the enigma" and "the quest" with space themed line art

More to find

The process of forming a friend is a complicated and varied experience, as the layers of cards reach their final depth, we find new and exciting possibilities…

Jonathan Man

Jonathan is an aspiring UX and product designer passionate about bringing accessible and interesting design to others. Passionate about gamified design experiences, he hopes to continuously explore emerging technologies and the new possibilities they bring to the world of design.