Let's Taco 'Bout It

Let's Taco 'Bout It!

When entering college, young adults find themselves exposed to new people and perspectives. This new environment leads to difficult conversations about sensitive topics that many people are uncomfortable or unprepared to address. This leads to strong feelings of fear whether that be fear of judgement, repercussions, or being deemed “unlikable.” Fear leads to avoidance of difficult conversations but practice is exactly what young people need to develop interpersonal skills.

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It is a card game designed to guide young people in their exploration of difficult conversation topics. Using the “conversation in a box” approach, participants are introduced to topics in a welcoming, comfortable environment where they can practice the skills necessary to have productive conversations about difficult topics. By introducing this element of gamification, difficult conversations become less intimidating and encourage open-mindedness. Playful branding and color palette define Let’s Taco ‘Bout It from its competitors.

Topic cards pose questions that vary in sensitivity level and participants may play Statement Starter cards to guide their responses. If conversation becomes too heated, Chill Churro and Skip Cards offer an opportunity to break the tension. To help structure these conversations, a rulebook is provided to set ground rules, determine gameplay and address any psychological needs prior to play.

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It creates a fun, safe environment that encourages human connection and in-person communication through a physical card game. By addressing conversational needs prior to gameplay, participants’ fear can be reduced or eliminated to allow for productive building of interpersonal skills.

"Let's Taco 'Bout It" greets users with friendly packaging. Crack open the shell to start the conversation.

Rule Book

Basic gameplay is described in the rulebook, but most importantly it lays out the ground rules of the game. Ground rules must be read aloud before each game and remind players of the elements necessary for productive conversations. This includes, but is not limited to, having an open mind, using respectful language, and actively listening. 

An icebreaker question is also included asking each player to simply voice any concerns prior to gameplay. This ensures emotional triggers and current stressors can be accounted for by fellow players.

Prompt Cards

The meat of "Let's Taco 'Bout It" are the prompt cards. These cards spice up the game with questions for discussion surrounding political, financial, sexual, personal, and religious topics. As with hot sauce, these prompts are categorized by spicy, medium, and mild to allow users more control over the game's progression.

These topics and their rating system were born from user feedback and extensive surveys sent to our target user group.

Ingredient Cards

Sometimes we just need the right ingredients to start a productive conversation. Each round, players lay Ingredient Cards to act as a statement starter when discussing a prompt. Ingredient Cards are perfect for nervous players and have proven in testing to move conversations in unexpected, new directions.

Chill Churro Cards

Despite ground rules, icebreaker rounds, and friendly colors, it is human nature to become uncomfortable or angry when discussing difficult topics. The Chill Churro Cards may be played at ay time and contain a myriad of silly questions to re-establish a positive environment. 

Click on the timeline above to view a full-size summary of our team's process.

Over the course of ten weeks, our team conducted numerous surveys, interviews, and co-creation sessions. This product is borne from the needs of our target users and feedback from real people in this demographic.

Meet our team of designers below. Majors from UX design, Service design and Graphic design.