Bring Yourself to the Table:
As our culminating Design 1 Project, we sought out how to cultivate inclusive environments to support thoughtful dialogue. After our initial presentation, the Stanford Office of Student Engagement approached my partner and I to legitimize our idea through partnership and sponsorship. This development is currently a work in progress, and I can’t wait to update this page with further exciting information!
December, 2025
Assignment:
“Address loneliness and isolation… by exploring opportunities at Stanford around building community and meaningful connection.”
Team:
Ella Grossman
Rohan Seiber
Exploratory Question:
How can we foster welcoming environments for productive critical discourse?
Ideating Process
Process:
After thorough research, Rohan and I conducted student interviews in order to gauge interest and overall pain points within this area. We wanted to validate our own opinions on the volatility of navigating difficult conversations.
Predictably, all interviewees described extreme cynicism within their peers, and their own, tolerance for constructive dialogue. All cited this as an extreme issue in need of actionable pathways forward.
Our interviewees were exhausted of strains on romantic and interpersonal relationships caused by intolerance. They were sick of pointe dancing around sensitive topics.
Sharing strengthens. Secularity suffocates.
Interview Questions
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![Intro]()
Final Expo Page 1
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![Personas]()
Final Expo Page 2
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![Ideating]()
Final Expo Page 3
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![Baking Experience]()
Final Expo Page 4
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![Bracelet Experience]()
Final Expo Page 5
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![Reflections]()
Final Expo Page 6
