Overview

Sandbox explores how interaction design can reconnect gamers with their local communities. While online games make it easy to play with anyone, research showed many players still wanted the social benefits of meeting people in person but struggled with trust, awareness and discovering nearby events.

The project responds by combining digital convenience with real-world interaction, creating a platform that helps players discover communities while supporting organisers and local venues in building sustainable gaming spaces.

The Challenge

Despite gaming becoming increasingly social online, local gaming communities remain difficult to discover. Research found that players wanted more opportunities to meet locally, but barriers such as trust, safety, social anxiety and limited awareness prevented participation.

The Solution

Using insights gathered from 267 survey responses and four semi-structured interviews, I designed Sandbox—a proximity-based platform centred around community discovery, transparent event information, organiser verification and QR-based attendance. Rather than replacing online gaming, Sandbox uses digital interaction to strengthen real-world communities and support existing local venues.

Deliverables

• UX Research

• Interaction Design

• Mobile Prototype

• Brand Identity

• Design System