Common::Ground
Playful and Interactive toolkit the builds connection.
Year:
2024
Timeframe:
10 Weeks
Tools:
Figma
Category:
Project
Common::Gound: A toolkit for engaging ice-breaking sessions 🧊
Ice-breaking sessions don’t have to feel awkward or forced. Common::Ground is a toolkit crafted to bring life and energy to these moments, helping facilitators transform introductions into meaningful connections. With features like Bingo-inspired prompts, interactive cards, and fun name tags, it encourages participants to discover shared experiences in a relaxed and engaging way. Common::Ground was born from a deep dive into the challenges of cultural exchange and group interactions. It’s a solution for facilitators to create inclusive, dynamic environments where every participant feels seen, heard, and excited to connect. Common::Ground was selcted out of 1800+ applicants to present at CHI 2025 In Yokohoma, Japan as part of their “Late Breaking Work Exhibit.” Contributons: End to end product develeopment of Common: Ground Led user research through interviews with facilitators and participants to identify key pain points and inform personas and design goals Co-designed core components such as interaction cards and the Bingo-inspired structure, helping shape the toolkit’s interactive experience Conducted usability testing and contributed to refining the visual design while supporting team alignment through structured collaboration and feedback sessions
Problem
Cultural exchange sessions often start with ice-breaking activities but for many participants, these moments feel awkward, forced, or unrepresentative of their identities. Facilitators struggle to craft inclusive, engaging environments due to limited tools, unclear structures, and the challenge of managing diverse group dynamics. This disconnect leads to surface level interaction rather than meaningful connection.
Solution
Common::Ground is a gamified, human-centered toolkit designed to empower facilitators to lead inclusive and engaging ice-breaking sessions. With Bingo-inspired prompts, interaction cards, culturally reflective name tags, and playful rewards, it transforms introductions into opportunities for real connection. Built through extensive research, prototyping, and testing, common::ground gives facilitators the structure, flexibility, and creativity they need to bring people together across cultures, personalities, and experiences.
