PALLIANCE

A Cheering Squad in Your Pocket

YIRAN CHI

Social anxiety can be a natural protective response that leads to avoidance of potential social interactions that cause distress or uncertainty. Approximately 13 million people in the U.S. have social anxiety (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Social anxiety can prevent people from completing everyday tasks like asking a landlord to fix a leaky faucet and raising a hand in class, to more long-term pursuits, like choosing a dream career. People with social anxiety can struggle for a long time before seeking help. While working through social anxiety is challenging, there is a creative solution to help in daily life.

Palliance empowers individuals with social anxiety to build confidence by celebrating small victories — from leaving their homes to trying out new activities. Through a mobile game, players can find their incentives to go on a social adventure, big or small, at their own pace.

Imagine a group of friendly characters, who are born from inner motivation. Some are a little shy, while others are brave and adventurous. The Palliance game allows you to invite different characters to act as a cheering squad in your pocket, transforming daunting social obstacles into exciting adventures! Be ready to receive warm messages when you are outside and finish small bonding activities and witness the blossoming friendship between you and your Palliance companion. Celebrating these minor triumphs with your Palliance friends reflects a growing strength and confidence. Ultimately, fostering a sense of accomplishment and understanding of your personal growth paves the way for feeling more comfortable and prepared for future social situations.

In addition to the core gameplay, there’s a super fun iMessage plug-in. Here, you can share your trip plans, create secret codes for events you participate in, and let other people know how you’re feeling with your Palliance pal’s help. 

YIRAN CHI

Yiran Chi is a product and UX designer with a graphic and interactive design background. She is passionate about creating simple, inclusive, and joyful experiences.

ychi5@sva.edu | yiranchidesign.com | Instagram @yiranchi