Thinking back to 10 weeks ago, before the start of CS247B, I wasn’t thinking about much besides how to beg my way off the waitlist to ensure a spot in this class. I appreciate you all bearing with me and my several emails. What a funny time that was, when for a second there I was not sure if I was going to be able to graduate on time. LOL! Shoutout that one guy who never showed up to class. I owe him big time. Any who, in all seriousness, I loved this class. The sketchnotes, the incredible course staff, the engaging ethical discussions, the process of learning how to create a proper wireflow, Nina, and all the in-between moments of exploration and iteration that made this class so rewarding.
One of the things I appreciated most about this class was how seamlessly it connected theory to practice. Learning about behavior change principles wasn’t just abstract—we actively applied concepts like friction and motivation to real-world problems, making them feel tangible and relevant. I had only done a few baseline or intervention studies prior to this class, so going through the entire research process, from gathering initial insights to testing solutions, was a very rewarding experience. It gave me a much deeper understanding of how small design choices can shape human behavior in meaningful ways.
When it comes to my group’s project specifically, I thoroughly enjoyed diving deep into the evolution of social connections post-college and uncovering the hidden struggles that recent graduates face. It was eye-opening to see how digital interactions can both facilitate and hinder relationships, and it gave me a much deeper appreciation for the complexities of maintaining friendships in adulthood.
Moreover, while working on our project, I found wireflows and sketchy screens to be incredibly useful tools, and I can definitely see myself using them again in future projects. Wireflows helped me think through user interactions in a structured way, ensuring that each step in the process was intuitive and well-connected. They were especially helpful for identifying gaps in our design early on and refining user flows before diving into high-fidelity prototypes. Sketchy screens were another method I really enjoyed because they allowed for quick, low-stakes iteration. They made it easy to test ideas, get feedback, and make adjustments without feeling locked into a design too soon.
These preliminary design methods proved particularly valuable as we encountered our project’s central challenge: creating a system that encouraged friendship maintenance without inducing guilt and or pressure. While our plant-based visualization effectively represented social connections, some participants experienced stress when their plants withered, perceiving it as relationship failure rather than motivation. We shifted from intrusive notifications to ambient reminders that users could engage with on their terms. By redesigning the widget to display plant status subtly without implying evaluation, we reframed the visualization as a gentle reminder rather than a neglect indicator. Additionally, this project demonstrated that social connection nudges require delicate calibration. In other words, when done right they strengthen relationships, but when poorly executed, they negatively impact users’ perception of their social habits. While we made progress in reducing guilt-inducing elements, opportunities for further refinement remain.
Ten years from now, I’ll carry numerous insights from this course, but Professor Deb’s guest lecture on drawing as a communication medium really stands out. This session fundamentally changed how I approach stick figures! Before, I’d just scribble some lines on paper and hope people could somehow tell it was supposed to be a human. Now I can confidently say “I can draw stick figures” without hesitation.
This seemingly simple skill represents a broader shift in my design thinking, understanding that even basic visual elements can serve as powerful communication tools. The course’s emphasis on accessible visualization techniques has equipped me with practical skills that I’ve already put to use in our projects and sketchnotes. The course’s emphasis on accessible visualization techniques has equipped me with practical skills that transcend conventional design approaches, demonstrating that effective communication doesn’t always require technical sophistication, but rather thoughtful execution of fundamental principles.
At its core, Tend was designed to promote well-being by encouraging users to maintain friendships in a low-stress, organic way. When used as intended, it helped users reflect on their relationships and feel more connected. However, we also recognized potential risks, particularly for users who already felt socially overwhelmed. For some, the app unintentionally added pressure rather than support, reinforcing feelings of guilt when they didn’t reach out. To mitigate this, we explored non-judgmental visual cues and softened the framing of plant decay to avoid making social connection feel like an obligation. Moving forward, increasing user control—such as the ability to pause reminders during busy periods—could further enhance well-being and user autonomy.
Initially, I believed that reminders and tracking tools naturally strengthened social connections. However, this project profoundly shifted my perspective. I now understand that the framing and implementation of nudges matter just as much as their existence. Even when users genuinely want to maintain connections, a poorly designed reminder can become a burden, ultimately discouraging the very behavior it aims to encourage. This journey reinforced a fundamental truth about behavioral design: the most effective systems strike a delicate balance; offering just enough support and guidance while preserving users’ autonomy and intrinsic motivation.
Now, I approach design with a greater awareness of how small decisions impact user experience, motivation, and well-being. Next time I work on a similar project, I will prioritize adaptable, user-centered solutions, critically evaluate the balance between encouragement and pressure, and ensure that every design choice fosters both meaningful engagement and personal agency.
