This interactive exercise introduces participants—especially those new to the field of design—to fundamental research and decision-making techniques used in user experience (UX) and human-centered design. Participants will engage in a guided experience that simulates real-world design processes, including interviews, card sorting, pattern recognition, and persona creation.

This activity serves as an accessible, low-barrier entry point into design thinking by placing participants in an intuitive, game-like scenario that mirrors real-world consumer behavior. It introduces core skills used in design research—including observation, empathy, inquiry, synthesis, and storytelling—without requiring previous experience or technical expertise.

By framing the activity as an interactive challenge that taps into curiosity, psychology, and creativity, this exercise can be used as a powerful recruitment tool to entice students to explore design further. It emphasizes that good design is rooted not just in aesthetics, but in understanding people—a revelation that often inspires deeper curiosity and commitment to the field.