“SQUAD”
Finalist: Point of View
Creators: Jason, Anthony, Huberto, and Brielle
Middle School Students from Mouse Design League (DIIT) at MS 301
About this Project:
In today's world, we see a lot of LGBTQ+ people getting bullied for who they are and who they want to be. We see a lot of discrimination, so we are making an app for LGBTQ+ kids to connect and make friends who are the same as them. We want people in the LGBTQ+ community to feel comfortable, respected, happy, and accepted. When teens come out to their family and friends, not all are accepted for who they are. We want SQUAD to be a safe place for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
First, when you sign up, you will have to answer questions on the SQUAD survey. The survey will ask about your interests and help match you with a person to join your SQUAD. Once you finish the survey, you make a profile and match with someone. Once you match with someone with similar interests, you can call them and text them. You can upload pictures and videos to connect to other people. Using the mentor feature, you can find an older person with similar interests to talk to if you feel down or need advice. Feel uncomfortable with the age of the mentor? Change the preference age and other things in settings!
In conclusion, our app is a place for LGBTQ+ teens to feel safe. On the app, LGBTQ+ teens are away from bullies and homophobic people in the world. They can find people who have been through what they have.
First, when you sign up, you will have to answer questions on the SQUAD survey. The survey will ask about your interests and help match you with a person to join your SQUAD. Once you finish the survey, you make a profile and match with someone. Once you match with someone with similar interests, you can call them and text them. You can upload pictures and videos to connect to other people. Using the mentor feature, you can find an older person with similar interests to talk to if you feel down or need advice. Feel uncomfortable with the age of the mentor? Change the preference age and other things in settings!
In conclusion, our app is a place for LGBTQ+ teens to feel safe. On the app, LGBTQ+ teens are away from bullies and homophobic people in the world. They can find people who have been through what they have.
Project Media
Images
Slides
Video
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Feedback from the Judges:
Phenomenal idea to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ kids to be able to share their experiences and have a community they feel safe and comfortable in. I think the logo is absolutely beautiful! Illovo the matching process to add people to your Squad with similar interests. Not only is it creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ kids, but also a safe space to make new friends and chat. Great job!
WOW!!!! 🤩🌈 You guys did a fantastic job on SOOOO many levels. I am so excited to see the tremendous talent, thoughtfulness, and care you have put into this project. The idea to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ kids to connect and thrive is going to make a huge impact and will help many. The illustrations, the design process, to the quality of the video production is something you all should be really proud of. Keep it up!
Feels very timely to be checking this project out during the first days of Pride Month! Props to this group for creating a space for queer youth to gather online, and for thinking so carefully about how to make Squad a safe online space.
Your design is crisp and colorful and feels so welcoming. I especially love your pitch video; the energy is great and that same vibe is really palpable in the slides and your mock-up of the app. Seeing work like this makes me feel hopeful for a more inclusive future! Thanks for sharing it!
Your design is crisp and colorful and feels so welcoming. I especially love your pitch video; the energy is great and that same vibe is really palpable in the slides and your mock-up of the app. Seeing work like this makes me feel hopeful for a more inclusive future! Thanks for sharing it!
Feedback from the Community:
riri 👏 a High School Student
love this!
ana 👏 a Middle School Student
As somebody who did not get accepted by their family, this could be a great way to help people who need advice or comfort. I love how you can adjust the age for the people you're chatting to. This app idea is great, keep up the good work!
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