Overview
Strengthening Emotional Bonds Through AI-Powered Tangible Interaction
Evolving from Intesa Sanpaolo’s CareLab initiative, PeopleConnect tackles workplace loneliness and encourages skill development, particularly for Gen Z and millennial employees. By leveraging personalized AI-driven recommendations, it connects colleagues through shared interests, events, and activities, promoting socialization, professional growth, and a healthier work-life balance
Project Scope
PROJECT TYPE
Digital Product
TEAM
2 interaction designers, 1 product designer, 1 service design
ROLE
I led research, interviews, and thematic analysis. I guided ideation, managed workflows, and created wireframes and prototypes as Lead Interaction Designer, ensuring user feedback informed the design
TIME
6-week project
TOOLS
Figma, Premier Pro
PROJECT GOAL
PeopleConnect aims to reduce workplace loneliness and support skill development by creating meaningful connections among employees. Through AI-driven recommendations, it helps Gen Z and millennial professionals engage in shared interests, events, and activities, enhancing social well-being, collaboration, and work-life balance.
*this project is a case study, it is not a real viable prototype. impact is based on user feedback from testing
Forecasted Impact*
PeopleConnect will enhance workplace relationships, improving engagement, collaboration, and retention. By making social interaction seamless, it fosters a more connected and supportive work environment
Problem Discovery
CareLab by Intesa SanPaolo
CareLab provides wellness activities like yoga, nutrition consultations, and mindfulness workshops, plus digital tools for health resources. It supports well-being in nutrition, physical health, emotional wellness, caregiving, and family relationships, available in-person and remotely.
Problem Discovery
Addressing Isolation and Promoting Work-Life Balance Through a Stronger Social Environment
Remote and in-person workers often feel isolated and lack social interaction. They desire better work-life separation, a stronger social environment, and opportunities to connect with colleagues for personal growth. An engaging company culture is essential for well-being.
Our Solution - PeopleConnect
An AI clock that enhances connections for long-distance couples
Personalized workshops and events based on interests, while Calendar Sync integrates with schedules for seamless participation, and Contact Sync connects lists for easier communication
PeopleConnect Platform Overview
Main Features
AI-powered recommendations personalize event and activity suggestions based on employee preferences, behavior, and schedule. With contact and calendar sync, it connects colleagues through mutual interests and suggests events that fit seamlessly into their availability
Social Events
Skill Development
Social Connectivity
Events Page
Your Social Hub
The Events Page features curated events tailored to employee interests, making it easy to connect with mutual colleagues through shared activities
Push notifications keep employees informed of upcoming events
Suggest Events feature offers personalized recommendations
“Surprise Me” option provides spontaneous event suggestions to add an element of fun and discovery
Skills Page
Grow and Connect
The Skills Page encourages employees to explore new skills by offering a monthly budget provided by the company to cover workshop and class fees. It helps employees connect with colleagues who share similar interests
Blog Page
Your Personalized Break
The Blog features curated content that piques your interests, offering engaging articles and stories to take your mind off work and provide a refreshing mental break
Smart AI Recommendations
PeopleConnect’s AI customizes event suggestions based on employee preferences and schedules, ensuring a personalized experience. It learns from likes and dislikes, refining recommendations to match evolving interests
Seamless Integration
Calendar Sync
Connects employees with colleagues who share mutual connections or interests
Contact Sync
Suggests events that fit within employees' schedules, making participation effortless
Business Strategy
Enhancing employee well-being strengthens retention and boosts company reputation, attracting and keeping top talent
Focus Group 1 : Millennials
Current workers, long-term retention
Aim to build loyalty & long-term commitment
Focus Group 2 : Gen Z
New employees expected in 5 years
Aim to boost reputation & attracting new talents
*According to Forbes, Gen Z and millennials together will comprise 58% of the workforce by 2030
Interviews Round 1
We asked 10 Gen Z, 4 Millennials, and 9 Baby Boomers
Interviews were casual, fostering open discussions. Thematic mapping revealed key factors like self-achievement, hours, work-life balance, and socializing that influence workplace well-being
Problem Discovery
Distance makes it harder for strong emotional bonds
Long-distance couples face challenges in staying connected due to time differences and busy schedules. Technology aids asynchronous communication, but creative interactions are needed to maintain excitement
Social Wellbeing
Remote workers feel isolated; socializing enhances their work experience.
Work-Life Balance
Employees dislike long hours and lack time for outside activities.
Activities and Events
Help relieve stress and encourage social interactions.
Self-Development
Workers want more chances for learning and growth.
Millennial persona
Megan, Frustrated employee
“I worry that someday AI will replace me. I wish there were easier ways to learn and relax out of work”
Fear of losing job
Skill improvement
Busy schedule
Millennial persona
Kevin, Remote Socializer
“I like remote jobs but I want a fun company where people really connect with each other”
Social Butterfly
Likes Events
Ideation
Focus on the wellbeing experience
Client Review
Proposal 2
Immersive Area
The common area concept creates a dynamic workspace with weekly themes, a bar, and events. It promotes well-being, skill development, and social interaction through AI-enhanced environments and workshops, boosting engagement and morale
Insufficient AI implementation and its constraints
Budget limitations
Proposal 1
Company Garden
The community garden initiative combines gardening, AI, and a digital platform for mindfulness sessions, workshops, and produce sharing. It promotes well-being, skill development, and social interaction, fostering community and environmental stewardship
Required spacious outdoor space
It didn't cater to remote workers
Proposal 3
Immersive Area
This platform connects employees through events and workshops for meeting, making friends, and skill development. Integrating across Intesa Sanpaolo branches is crucial, as each city has unique offerings, also supporting remote workers
The solution could be implemented in many branches of location
On a budget
Aligned with client vision
Inspirations
Inspirations based on effective user interactions
Goal is to create a system that synchronizes an LED ring with your Google Calendar in real-time, lighting up specific LEDs to indicate your free and busy times throughout the day
Netflix: Recommendation System and UI design
Dice: Filtering System and Layout
Airbnb: Map View
Airbnb: Filtering system and Layout
User Flows and Wireframes
Easy navigation and familiarity
After inspecting Netflix and Dice, I knew what to include in the layout. I created a wireframe for easy navigation, similar to Netflix for familiarity. I also designed components that interact as users navigate
How FOCI syncs with your apps
How FOCI gives insights to partners
Design Overload: Users found design elements distracting
Price Visibility: Users wanted prices on the overview page
Color Issues: Some colors were hard to see
Information Overload: Users felt there was too much information
Map View Preference: Users preferred a map view for navigation
We revised the website's hierarchy for clarity, used subtle colors to avoid overwhelming users, added a map view for easier navigation, and introduced a "Surprise Me" option for users struggling with search.
Tested
Revised
