Stranger Stations

01 / Stranger Stations

Public experiential installation

Stranger Stations is an interactive installation designed to combat digital distractions in public spaces by fostering face-to-face connections. Through an innovative table embedded with LEDs that activate when a phone is placed on it, the project encourages individuals to momentarily disconnect from their devices and engage in meaningful conversations with those around them.

By blending technology and human interaction design, Stranger Stations transforms social environments like cafes and museums into spaces that spark dialogue and build a sense of community. The visually captivating LED activation serves as both a cue and an invitation, promoting cultural exchange and a shared sense of belonging.

Coded in JavaScript, C++, and Arduino for hardware integration, with interactive stations created for real-world connections.

Then

A bold yet powerful thought

Our starting point was a simple thought: creating interactive pockets in public spaces. A place where people can share a sense of belonging, feel empowered and learn by sharing personal and cultural anecdotes. Originally designed for campuses, our team later refined the concept to feel more natural and engaging in social settings like museum cafes and even an open studio! We designed a playful, screen-free space that intends to foster meaningful, face-to-face relationships instead of virtual connections through conversation and shared experiences.

Now

Now loading IRL

Stranger Station invites people to connect through personal and cultural stories in a playful, screen-free space. Imagine a table that comes alive only when phones are down, sparking meaningful, face-to-face conversations with thoughtfully crafted prompts. By turning fleeting encounters into shared moments, Stranger Station empowers participants to celebrate diverse perspectives and reclaims public spaces as hubs for authentic human connection in an increasingly digital world.

What’s next

Stranger Stations 2.0: Coming soon

Stranger Stations is an ongoing journey of iteration and collaboration. That's what makes it exciting. We're dedicated to creating rich, human, and meaningful interactions. Looking ahead, our mission remains clear: to spark moments of connection that transcend the digital and celebrate the beautifully messy art of being human. As we continue refining, we're exploring ways to activate safe, engaging interactions in public spaces—leveraging technology to enhance, not detract.

Stranger Stations exemplifies the power of design to bridge the gap between technology and human connection. At its core, the project is not just about encouraging conversations but about cultivating a deeper sense of presence and attentiveness in shared spaces. By using light as a gentle yet compelling prompt, the installation transforms everyday environments into opportunities for engagement, offering participants a moment to pause, reflect, and interact in ways they might otherwise overlook.

The development process was fueled by collaboration, prototyping, and user feedback, which shaped both the technical and experiential aspects of the project. From early sketches to functional prototypes powered by Arduino and NeoPixel LEDs, the journey was as much about exploration as it was about execution. Each iteration brought new insights into how people interact with the installation, reinforcing the importance of creating experiences that feel intuitive, inclusive, and impactful. Through Stranger Stations, we aim to inspire a broader dialogue about the role of design in fostering connection in an increasingly digital world.

Stranger Stations stands as a testament to the power of interactive design in creating meaningful human connections. By blending technology with social interaction, it offers a refreshing reminder of the value of face-to-face communication in an increasingly disconnected world. Through its playful and thoughtful approach, Stranger Stations encourages individuals to step away from their screens, engage in real conversations, and celebrate the diversity of human experience. This project represents not just an installation but a vision for public spaces that foster community, empathy, and connection.