The Cozy Union

Three questions to the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
The main challenge lies in the varied digital experience of middle-aged and older users. Although we designed a more approachable AI companion, the actions, information structure, and feedback in virtual social interaction may still create barriers. For users who are less familiar with smartphones or online communication, unclear guidance can easily cause confusion or hesitation, reducing their willingness to continue exploring interest-based activities and social spaces.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
The most memorable moment was the user interviews. Hearing middle-aged and older users talk about loneliness, social needs, and their effort to stay positive made me realize that this project is not only about building a virtual space, but also about reducing the pressure of social re-engagement. After integrating the AI Agent, I found that the product could guide users through companionship, explanation, and gentle support, rather than relying entirely on active input. The main challenge was making the interaction clear and smooth.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
In the next five years, I hope to continue exploring the integration of artificial intelligence and design, especially the application of AI Agents, emotion recognition, and virtual interaction in social support scenarios. This project will also gradually move from relying mainly on user input to a more proactive and intelligent companionship-based interaction model. The product should be able to understand user needs, lower the barrier to use, and actively provide suitable spaces, activities, and social suggestions. I hope it can become not only a virtual social product, but also an emotional support system that helps socially vulnerable groups rebuild connection.