Conversate is a new way to bring users together in a time where isolation is more prevalent than ever.

The Problem: Perceived social isolation affects millions of people around the world each year. People suffering from perceived social isolation often feel alone and cut off from others; they often believe they have no close friends or dependable people that they can talk to. Those within the age range of 35-44 years old are especially vulnerable to perceived social isolation. During this time, many people begin to compare themselves to their peers; users can start to compare their relationships, job status, and even social circles to their peers. Due to this, many people within this age range begin to feel socially isolated and lonely, entering a so-called “30s crisis”.

Our Solution: Conversate looks to reduce feelings of perceived social isolation in adults between the ages of 35-44 by allowing them to quickly and anonymously chat with other users with shared and similar interests. Using Conversate’s physical device hub and voice UI “Soula,” users can quickly connect to another anonymous user with a shared interest. The similar interests between two users and the anonymity of Conversate give users a jumping-off point for a fun and laid back conversation. The voice UI of Soula can participate in any discussion where she senses lag or an awkward moment and can turn it around by offering fun chat modes and insight into the current conversation. Using the companion app, users can check their past conversations and add other users that they’ve had positive discussions with as friends for future conversations and an enduring relationship down the line. Users can also invite their friends to groups, bringing together a close and genuine community of common interest. Finally, with the “Hot Topics” offered in the application, our users can explore trending and suggested interests, so a conversation topic is never far off. With the physical device, Soula Voice UI, and companion application, Conversate brings people together from the comfort of their own homes and helps facilitate genuine connections with like-minded individuals.