GoQuesty | App Concept
What is a Third Place?
Our team imagines Third Place as a 3rd location, outside of home and school, which gives young teens opportunities to communicate, interact and develop social skills through enjoyable activities.
A “third place” is a term made by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book, "The Great Good Place." It refers to informal public gathering spaces that exist outside of the first place - home, and the second place - work or school. Third places are essential for fostering community, social interaction, and civic engagement. Ray Oldenburg began his research on third places out of concern for the decline of social spaces in American suburbs and the impact this had on community life and democratic engagement. He noticed that as cities grew and suburbanization increased, people had fewer opportunities for casual, unplanned social interactions outside their homes or workplaces. This decline, he argued, contributed to social isolation and weakened community ties. Oldenburg’s work was motivated by a desire to understand what makes vibrant, connected communities, and how “third places” serve as the “anchors of community life” where relationships can form naturally, bridging social gaps.
“Third places are nothing more than informal public gathering places…crucial for democracy, civic engagement, and a sense of belonging.”
— from “The Great Good Place” by Ray Oldenburg
Team
Janiya Williams
Brooklyn Pitre-Cooks
Stephanie Ajayi
Yana Agapova (Konovnitsyn)
The GoQuesty Project is powered by a dynamic and interdisciplinary team dedicated to research-driven innovation and thoughtful design. Led by Janiya Williams, the team benefits from strong coordination and vision across all phases of the project. Brooklyn Pitre-Cooks serves as the Principal Investigator and Research & Ideation Specialist, guiding the team through user research, insight development, and conceptual exploration. Yana Agapova (Konovnitsyn) serves as both the Data Manager and Lead Visual Designer & Strategist, blending analytical structure with compelling visual storytelling to enhance the user experience. Together, the GoQuesty team combines strategy, creativity, and insight to shape a meaningful and impactful product.
GoQuesty
In order to ensure the outcome efficiently reaches our youthful target audience, we developed GoQuesty. We use digital technology such as a mobile app and social media platforms to extend our visual language into spaces where our target audience of the younger generation naturally and commonly interact. Through vibrant and bold colors, playful rounded typography, and layered energetic illustrations over images, we communicate excitement, diversity, and real-world interaction.
The app is designed to use engaging prompts, personalized suggestions, and gamified rewards to motivate teens to explore local spaces, meet up in person, and build social confidence. With the implementation of geolocation both benefits the younger audience and their parents by helps suggest nearby, teen-friendly places, making real-life experiences more accessible. At the same time, parents can opt into a safety dashboard to ensure peace of mind through location visibility and safe zone tracking.
Awareness That Matters
GoQuesty shines a light on local third places—from libraries to youth-friendly cafes—filtered by walkability, safety, and affordability around the user. Teens discover hidden gems; parents discover trusted options.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Gamified creative prompts turn everyday places into social quests—draw in a park, try a new snack, create a street photo challenge—pushing teens out the door and into shared memories and encouraging them to form relationships with peers.
Physical Meets Digital
Our mobile app and social media channels deliver challenges, track progress, and unlock real-world rewards. Every like, step, and meetup earns points, keeps teens engaged, and fuels healthy habits, ensuring decision-making freedom, all while building social and responsibility skills.
Safety Without Hovering
Promoted spots are well-lit, public, and sidewalk-accessible. For peace of mind, parents can opt into a Safety Dashboard with location visibility and safe zone alerts—no micromanaging needed.