A class project for my MICA UX Master’s program explored how to foster team connection in remote work environments. During the pandemic, my design team struggled to build the same camaraderie that came naturally in person. Through interviews with nine remote workers, I found that many felt disconnected due to the effort required to initiate casual conversations online. However, teams that engaged in simple, recurring, non-work activities—like sharing Wordle results, completing fun surveys, or starting meetings with icebreakers—reported stronger bonds and better communication. Competitive research revealed that existing tools like Donut, social media, and casual games often caused anxiety, raised privacy concerns, or required too much coordination. The key insight: effective remote team bonding should be spontaneous, low-pressure, and easy to participate in.
