Redefining career discovery through play and dialogue

Service Design

Project

Job Quartet

Role

UX/UI designer

Category

Careers

Service Design

CHALLENGE

Choosing a career path is often overwhelming for children and young people. Limited exposure to professions, combined with expectations from parents and educators, turns exploration into pressure. Existing career guidance tools are usually abstract and fail to encourage open conversation.

research

Starting from the question “Why is it so difficult for children to decide what they want to be?”, the project adopted a service design and co-creative approach. Workshops were conducted with children, parents, and educators to understand frustrations, fears, and decision-making dynamics around career choice.

The insights revealed a need for tools that feel approachable, playful, and inclusive; capable of involving all stakeholders while empowering children to explore freely, without judgment or predefined outcomes.

KEy goals

Encourage open career exploration

Create a system that introduces a wide range of professions in a non-intimidating, curiosity-driven way.

Foster dialogue through play

Use game mechanics to spark conversations between children, parents, and educators, turning decision-making into a shared experience.

Bridge exploration and real-world experience

Connect playful discovery with practical information and opportunities.

results

A card game for collective discovery

Job Quartet is a card-based game inspired by classic quartet mechanics, designed to introduce professions through comparison, discussion, and play. By gamifying exploration, the system removes pressure and reframes career discovery as something approachable and engaging.

QR code as a digital extension

Each card includes a QR code linking to a dedicated platform where users can explore professions in greater depth. Centralising information makes it easier to compare roles, understand skills and responsibilities, and learn at one’s own pace.

The platform also allows companies offering internships to showcase opportunities, enabling users to try different jobs before committing to a long-term pathbridging play and real-life experience.

Expandable and evolving system

Recognising that the world of work is constantly evolving, Job Quartet includes expandable card packs. Users can explore specific sectors or discover entirely new fields, ensuring the system remains flexible, inclusive, and future-proof.

Conclusion

Job Quartet transforms career exploration into a collaborative, pressure-free experience. By combining service design, co-creation, and play, the project encourages curiosity, dialogue, and informed decision-making. Rather than providing answers, it opens conversations; helping young people explore possibilities while involving the people around them in a supportive and constructive way.