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Hello Stranger
Interaction Interface
PortugalMultimedia Lab
University of Porto
2022

By Sofia Lelis &
Marika Pokhodnia

Hello Stranger is a speculative social interaction project exploring how technology can encourage meaningful face-to-face conversations rather than replace them. Designed for cafés, bars and restaurants, the experience invites two people to join a shared session by scanning a QR code, answering playful questions together, and discovering similarities and differences through conversation. The project investigates how digital interfaces can act as subtle facilitators of human connection.  

#InteractionDesign #DesignResearch
#VisualSystem #UI
SOCIAL INTERACTION TRIGGERING IN
A SCREEN-MEDIATED WORLD


The project began with research into trust, communication and social interaction in an increasingly screen-centered world. 

It explored a central question: how can we inspire people to reconnect with each other through the same devices that have often contributed to separating them?

Early concepts explored an audio-guided experience using headphones, but user feedback revealed practical limitations. Through iterative prototyping, the concept evolved into a lightweight mobile interface that minimizes screen time while encouraging participants to focus on each other. 

DESIGNED FOR PUBLIC SPACES


The experience was conceived as part of the physical environment of cafés and restaurants, moments when people naturally spend time waiting for their order or sharing a table. Stickers and tabletop QR codes invite customers to join a session instantly, transforming an ordinary waiting period into an opportunity for conversation. Rather than creating another destination app, the project integrates seamlessly into existing social spaces, using the venue itself as the starting point for interaction.
INTERFACE DESIGN




The interface was designed to remain intentionally discreet, allowing attention to stay on the conversation rather than the screen. 

Participants join the same session using a shared code, answer quick binary questions through simple slider interactions, and receive a visual summary comparing their responses across different personality dimensions inspired by Jungian theory and the Myers-Briggs framework. 

A neutral visual language, minimal interactions and clear hierarchy help the technology fade into the background while supporting the experience.


Full research document including methods and procedures available upon demand:
[email protected]

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