Five Dot Cafe - Redefining mahjong as embodied, multisensory play

TIMELINE

March 2026

ROLE

Experience Designer

TEAM

4 designers (incl. me!)

TOOLS

Blender
Sketch Up

THE CONTEXT

Growing older shouldn’t mean growing out of play

Traditional senior spaces often separate people by age and reduce socialization to passive, scheduled activities. The Five Dot explores how a familiar game could create a more active, intergenerational experience.

THE IDEA

What if a familiar game became an entire environment?

The Five Dot transforms mahjong into a multisensory lounge where play supports movement, memory, balance, and social connection.

DESIGN DECISIONS

Move through play

Larger tiles and spatial gameplay encourage reaching, walking, and coordination.

Learn together


Low-pressure, peer-to-peer learning makes asking for help part of the experience.

Stay and connect

A café and lounge allow people to participate even when they are not playing.

THE EXPERIENCE

3 ways to belong…

The Explorer: Moves between every part of the space.

The Player: Comes primarily for active gameplay.

The Lounger: Participates through conversation and observation.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Accessibility details

Accessibility becomes part of the play

Want to learn more?
There is a full deck we presented to our classmates! I’m happy to chat more about my process over a call. Reach out to me at ssud@usc.edu!