Spaces
Project: Spaces
Type: New Mobile Application
Project charter
Spaces is a new mobile app concept designed for Gen-z high schoolers. We knew that this demographic placed a lot of value on self-expression and that their personal space—especially their room at home—was a powerful reflection of their identity.
We noticed a gap in digital experiences that allowed Gen Z to feel fully themselves. Social platforms were performative. Gaming platforms were too structured. We wanted to create a space that felt personal, expressive, and ambient—something they could dip into daily, not just to consume content, but to exist as themselves.
This project aimed to answer: What does self-expression look like for Gen Z when it isn’t curated for likes or comments?
Solution
How might we design a digital space that mirrors the emotional and visual identity Gen Z feels in their physical spaces?
Our early research showed that Gen Z’s “room” is more than just a place—it’s their sanctuary. Within that space, their control over aesthetics, mood, music, and clothing all contribute to how they express themselves day to day. We wanted to bring that energy into a mobile product.
We created a customizable space that users could make their own:
Edit their avatar to match their style and mood
Set a unique “vibe” or mood that changes the visual tone of their space
Connect Spotify to display their current music and vibe
Invite and connect with friends to form a neighborhood of rooms, creating a passive social presence
This wasn’t about broadcasting—it was about being. Sharing a mood, a song, a look, a feeling. Not to perform, but to be seen.
Outcomes
Designed and shipped the app experience from 0→1
Created a deeply expressive and non-performative product space for Gen Z
82% of users customized their space within the first session (target 60%)
30% connected Spotify to share their current mood/music (target 25%)
Sparked daily returns from users to “check in” with their space or see what their neighborhood was up to
