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Research Projects

Reconnect

Reconnect is a concept for an automated matchmaking platform and app that helps users meet and interact with their existing networks without the fear of rejection or administrative hassle.

By integrating with platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, it allows users to privately set preferred frequencies for meeting their contacts. The app then automatically matches these preferences, syncs with calendars, and organises events to enhance social connections and cultivate deeper friendships.

Reconnect
Background

Background

Social isolation is increasingly becoming a major problem in modern society. Despite the rise of social media, many people feel more disconnected and lonely than ever. Traditional social media platforms are designed to maximise engagement and online interactions, often at the cost of meaningful, real-world connections.

There is a stark contrast between the number of digital interactions people have and the actual deep, physical connections they nurture in real life. Scheduling meetups with friends or acquaintances can often feel awkward, time-consuming, and fraught with fear of rejection or disappointment.

Reconnect is an innovative matchmaking platform designed to address these challenges by automating social interactions with people in your existing network without the fear of rejection or overwhelming admin tasks.
Challenges: What Is Probably Hard?

Challenges: What Is Probably Hard?

Privacy concerns: Users may hesitate to give access to their contacts or calendars. Ensuring robust privacy controls and transparency will be critical.

User engagement: Getting users to invest time in setting up their preferences could be a hurdle. The initial onboarding needs to be as seamless as possible.

Complex scheduling algorithms: Creating an algorithm that accounts for shared frequencies, travel distances, preferred activities, and availability could be technically challenging.

User trust: Trust in the system’s ability to “get it right” without micromanaging their social lives will be a key challenge.
Context: Existing Solutions

Context: Existing Solutions

Social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are tools for communication but are not designed to foster real-world interaction. In fact, they often contribute to digital isolation.

Event planning apps: Tools like Meetup or Doodle are designed for event coordination but still require significant input from users to plan meetups and organise schedules.

Calendar tools: Apps like Google Calendar help with scheduling but do not integrate with social networks or suggest meetups based on shared preferences.

Dating apps: While apps like Bumble BFF and Meetup offer ways to find new connections, they do not focus on maintaining existing networks or simplifying scheduling.

None of these platforms provides an effortless, automated way to maintain real-world connections based on existing relationships, which is where Reconnect differentiates itself.
Impact: How Will Life Be Different?

Impact: How Will Life Be Different?

Enhanced quality of life: People will experience deeper, more meaningful friendships, enhancing mental and emotional well-being.

Effortless social life: The burden of planning and rejection is removed, allowing users to focus on the joy of spending time with others.

Strengthened social circles: The platform will help nurture weaker connections into stronger bonds, helping users create a diverse and supportive network.

Less digital loneliness: By moving interactions offline, users will spend more time enjoying real-world interactions and less time feeling lonely behind a screen.
Opportunity

Opportunity

The gap between virtual connectivity and real-world connection presents an opportunity for a solution that re-centres human interaction around in-person meetups. The timing is ideal:

Post-pandemic social void: Many people realised during COVID-19 how thin their social networks had become and are looking for ways to rebuild real-life connections.

Digital fatigue: People are becoming weary of endless digital interactions that don’t translate into fulfilling social relationships.

Convenience-driven culture: In a world where time is the most precious commodity, people are looking for effortless ways to maintain relationships without the burden of scheduling and coordination.

Mental health crisis: Strengthening face-to-face social bonds has been shown to improve mental well-being and reduce the sense of isolation.

Where We Stand and What Lies Ahead

Context

Existing Solutions

Social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are tools for communication but are not designed to foster real-world interaction. In fact, they often contribute to digital isolation.

Event planning apps: Tools like Meetup or Doodle are designed for event coordination but still require significant input from users to plan meetups and organise schedules.

Calendar tools: Apps like Google Calendar help with scheduling but do not integrate with social networks or suggest meetups based on shared preferences.

Dating apps: While apps like Bumble BFF and Meetup offer ways to find new connections, they do not focus on maintaining existing networks or simplifying scheduling.

None of these platforms provides an effortless, automated way to maintain real-world connections based on existing relationships, which is where Reconnect differentiates itself.

Risks

How Could It Backfire?

Over-automation: Some users may find the automation too rigid or impersonal, feeling that spontaneity is lost in their social lives.

Social exhaustion: If users are scheduled for too many meetups, they may feel socially overwhelmed, which could lead to churn.

Data misuse fears: If users feel their personal data (contacts, location, calendar) is at risk, the app could face significant backlash.

Algorithm failure: If the matching algorithm repeatedly schedules undesirable or inconvenient meetups, users will quickly lose confidence in the platform.

Challenges

What Is Probably Hard?

Privacy concerns: Users may hesitate to give access to their contacts or calendars. Ensuring robust privacy controls and transparency will be critical.

User engagement: Getting users to invest time in setting up their preferences could be a hurdle. The initial onboarding needs to be as seamless as possible.

Complex scheduling algorithms: Creating an algorithm that accounts for shared frequencies, travel distances, preferred activities, and availability could be technically challenging.

User trust: Trust in the system’s ability to “get it right” without micromanaging their social lives will be a key challenge.

Rollout Roadmap

How Can It Go Big?

MVP Development (Months 1-6):

Build a minimum viable product focusing on essential features like frequency setting, calendar integration, and automated scheduling.

Beta test with a small group of users to refine the matching algorithm and user experience.

Beta Launch (Months 6-12):

Roll out a beta version to a larger audience, focusing on specific user segments (e.g., urban professionals, introverts).

Gather feedback on usability, feature needs, and common pain points.

Full Launch (Months 12-18):

Launch the platform publicly, with a marketing push targeting tech-savvy professionals, busy parents, and post-pandemic reconnectors.

Introduce gamified elements, such as streaks for social meetups, to encourage user retention.

Scale and Partnerships (Months 18-24):

Form partnerships with event venues, cafes, and activity providers to offer exclusive discounts or deals for app users, further enhancing the social experience.

Expand internationally, adjusting for cultural differences in social interaction preferences.

Refinement and Expansion (Months 24+):

Continue to optimise the algorithm, incorporating user feedback to fine-tune the system.

Explore integrating AI-driven personalisation to suggest new contacts or more tailored meetups.

Consider business applications, allowing corporate clients to use Reconnect to strengthen internal networks and team-building.

Conclusion

Reconnect is positioned to disrupt how we manage our social lives, offering a convenient and rejection-free way to maintain meaningful in-person connections. Automating the logistical overhead and creating shared social schedules promises to bring depth and ease to the way we nurture friendships, helping users build richer and more balanced lives in an increasingly disconnected world.