I designed an app that “mismatches” people, giving them the opportunity to meet someone from another “bubble.” It’s a playground that teaches respectful conversations despite differences—a celebration of ambiguity and otherness.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
My project is grounded in concern over growing societal polarization. As philosopher Hanno Sauer puts it, our opinions don’t differ as much as we think—we just hate each other. We pigeonhole before even getting to know one another, missing out on the chance to connect and collaborate. Yet, history, biology, and the humanities show that cooperation is essential for sustainable life. Addressing societal fragmentation, “yarn” connects people from different backgrounds, encouraging dialogue and tolerance of ambiguity. By embracing otherness instead of fearing it, users learn to engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives. This project fosters social engagement, community-driven solutions, and resource efficiency by leveraging existing digital infrastructure to create new opportunities for connection.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
A huge inspiration was Tyson Yunkaporta’s “Sand Talk” and the Aboriginal tradition of “yarning”—a practice of sitting together, talking, and listening with respect. The app functions similarly to dating apps like Tinder but instead matches users with people outside their typical “bubble.” The goal isn’t romantic connection but rather breaking down prejudices and fostering meaningful conversations. By engaging with differing perspectives, users develop open-mindedness and appreciation for other ways of thinking. The design visually reflects these conceptual ideas through contrasting forms and a symbolic language inspired by Aboriginal culture. The name “yarn” also refers to the handicraft, where individual threads are woven into a whole, representing the way human connections create intricate, meaningful patterns.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
Many existing discussion formats bring together people with differing worldviews but often frame differences as purely negative obstacles to consensus. While agreement is important, this oversimplified approach can actually deepen polarization. “Yarn” takes a different approach, embracing differences as valuable perspectives that broaden understanding. Inspired by the Aboriginal practice of yarning, the app fosters mutual respect and encourages learning from one another—so long as conversations remain grounded in facts and shared ethical values. It’s not about debating or winning arguments but rather practicing the art of meaningful dialogue. By shifting the narrative from conflict to collaboration, “yarn” makes the process of engaging with diverse perspectives feel less like a battle and more like an opportunity for growth.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
The issues of polarization and digital echo chambers particularly impact young people. Social media, while a primary space for connection, often distorts reality, fueling division rather than dialogue. Extremist groups exploit growing insecurities and discontent, reinforcing a sense of “us vs. them.” At the same time, young people crave meaningful connections, a need heightened by the pandemic. “Yarn” meets them where they are—online—while challenging them to step outside their comfort zones. By keeping the process fun and lighthearted, the app lowers the barriers to engaging in unfamiliar conversations. It enables young people to connect with “the other” in a safe, structured way, fostering understanding instead of fear. This exposure to diverse perspectives helps build resilience against misinformation, strengthens critical thinking skills, and ultimately empowers young people to navigate an increasingly complex world with confidence and curiosity.
