2022

2025

2020

2019

2018

2021

2023

2024

2026

Sara Williams

Lara Federspiel 

Laura Ford 

Taylor Rosenfeld 

Individual Credits

Lead Designer

University or Design School

Profile Website

https://www.taylorrosenfeld.com/projects/watercooler

Project Website

Lara Federspiel - Design Lead
Laura Ford - Research Lead
Taylor Rosenfeld - Interaction Lead
Savannah Wilkinson - Strategy Lead

Design Team

Video (direct link)

In a work-from-home environment Watercooler is a static desktop plug-in that facilitates run-ins at the watercooler, replicating the casual interactions that are missed from office spaces. It tackles isolation, overworking, and disconnected team members by offering quick micro-interactions between coworkers’ avatars. Watercooler would use mouse overs to capitalize on intermittent 5-10 minute breaks. During this time, connections made between coworkers alleviate stress, encourage a mental refresh, and deepen empathy into knowing a coworker personally, and not just for the work they represent. Watercooler works with each employee’s work patterns, utilizing workflows to determine when Watercooler is inactive as to not inhibit productivity. Fun yet simple interactions become a memorable and interwoven part of the work-from-home day, ultimately to help form bonds outside of work meetings and knit together a work from home community. 

Silver Winner in UX, Interface & Navigation for Digital Design

Silver Winner in Interactive Design for Digital Design

Bronze Winner in Interaction Design for Social Change

Bronze Winner in UX, Interface & Navigation for Games for Digital Design