Make the Car a Social Platform: 15 Minutes Social Space

My thesis idea is related to social space and future share rides.

To be more specific, it will be about:

Providing a way and a space for people who go out alone to meet and socialize with another person.

Typically, a social media product connects people in these few steps:

1. Build a personal profile and show it. 2. Find and match with people. 3. Engage with each other. 4. Build connection

Interestingly, people who go to the same destination are likely to share a similar personal interest. For instance, people who went to the MoMa are likely to have an interest related to art. What if we match people based on their destination? And imagine this happens in a future self-driving share ride, which provides a space for people to socialize.

Many people go out alone, like solo travelers, or even people who just move into a new city. Sometimes, when our friends are busy, we have to go out alone to shop, eat, or even watch a movie.

Thus for my thesis, I want to target this group of people who go out alone — to provide a space for them to meet and socialize with another person and design a way for them to know each other to help expand their social circle. When they arrive at the destination, they can engage further than having a conversation, like having lunch together or watching an exhibition together.

Here are 3 possible directions:

1.

How might we create a space for solo travelers to meet and socialize with another person who goes out alone?

• Matching people based on their destinations
• Providing ways for them to socialize
• Protecting personal safety and privacy

Pros: An excellent opportunity to understand social. The topic of social space and the self-driving car scenario are my areas of interest as well.

Cons: Must be cautious about personal safety.

2.

How might we build a social platform for local citizens and tourists?

• Information sharing
• Provide help
• Local guide

Pros: This can be applied to the current share ride system (Uber, Lyft, etc.).

Cons: Travel topic might be done a lot of times.

3.

How might we protect people’s safety in a shared ride?

• Personal safety
• Privacy protection
• Physical space protection

Pros: It’s a serious problem and an important topic nowadays.

Cons: It might not be as interesting as designing a social space.