SUMMARY
I created Connection Quest, the first-date board game, after my own struggles with situationships and hearing peers’ frustrations about unclear relationship expectations. My research revealed that people felt negative emotions in situationships and that dating has become increasingly challenging. Connection Quest fosters open communication between new partners in a fun, structured, low-pressure way, encouraging players to explore compatibility and needs through engaging questions and activities. It’s a game designed to prevent emotional exhaustion and help young adults make meaningful connections—or part ways with clarity and confidence.
challenge
Through personal experience and research, I identified a major gap in dating: the lack of tools to foster open communication and clarity early in relationships.Studies showed dating has become increasingly difficult due to emotional exhaustion and unclear expectations. By mapping the journeys of both emotionally invested and uncertain partners, I saw an opportunity to create Connection Quest, a board game that helps new partners explore compatibility and reduce tension in a structured, engaging way.
Outcome
The project became Connection Quest, a first-date board game designed to address emotional exhaustion and unclear expectations in modern dating. Unlike existing products, Connection Quest focuses on exploring compatibility, reducing first-date awkwardness, and encouraging individuality. By helping players identify mutual needs early, it prevents prolonged emotional conflicts and offers a unique solution to gaps in tools for building meaningful connections or parting ways with clarity.
