CTRL Z
Undo the algorithm. Reclaim your day.
What I worked on
UI Design
Brand Identity
Product Graphic System
Visual Design
Background
A concept born during Converge 2025 (Designathon conducted by the School of Information, UMich), Ctrl Z is an anti-algorithmic experience platform that curates spontaneous day-long adventures, designed by humans, not machines. It challenges the personalization trap and puts curiosity back in control.
A designathon-winning
concept that puts
humans first and in control.
Not data and algorithm.
Set boundaries.
Then let go!
The onboarding flow was designed to reflect the spirit of the experience: intuitive, low-effort, and trust-based.
The idea was that every interaction would reinforce the feeling of letting go, a break from endless personalization settings and hyper-curated suggestions.
Swipe Around. Beat Around.
Problem Statement
In today’s digital landscape, algorithms heavily influence what we see, do, and engage with, often leading to echo chambers, decision fatigue, and passive consumption. Users find themselves in personalized loops that prioritize prediction over discovery.
Ctrl Z challenges this paradigm. It asks: What if we undid that? How might we help people break free from algorithmic curation and rediscover curiosity and spontaneity?
Maya
UX Researcher
from Brooklyn
Feels overwhelmed by digital noise, wants novelty without planning.
Personas
Ctrl Z was designed for Maya and Ethan, and for anyone looking to trade algorithms for real-world adventure.
Ethan
Freelance Illustrator from Portland
Avoids over-curated content, prefers spontaneous, offline experiences.
What makes Ctrl Z... Ctrl Z
Swipe-based onboarding: Minimal effort, intuitive input via left/right swipes
Curated by humans, not code: Experiences are designed by local subject matter experts
Surprise-oriented flow: No full itinerary upfront; the day unfolds as it happens
Social or solo options: Users can explore alone or be matched with others
Tech as a tool: Tech facilitates logistics, but never dictates the experience
The design process
Ideation. Started with the theme "Anti-Algorithm" and quickly mapped frustrations with algorithmic control.
Concept Development. Brainstormed ideas around human-curated systems, experiential discovery, and exploration.
Rapid Prototyping. Designed core user flow and interface elements within 3 hours.
Presentation. Delivered a compelling pitch backed by a functional prototype and a strong narrative.
The Outcome
Ctrl Z won 1st place at the 2025 Converge Designathon. Judges praised the originality of the concept, clarity of execution, and relevance to modern digital behavior. It stood out for turning a complex issue, algorithmic overreach, into a playful, actionable solution.
The team:
Dhanush Ravi
Ayana Leelasena
Deeksha Kini
Amulya Vijaywargiya
Anoushka Ghosh
Heads up! This site’s still stretching into its mobile form. Hop on a desktop for the full experience.
Heads up! This site’s still stretching into its mobile form. Hop on a desktop for the full experience.