ConnectUs — Playable Public Artwork
Interactive board game and participatory workshop | 2020–Present
Custom-designed board game, tokens, plywood, paint
How do you turn strangers into friends?
ConnectUs is a conversation-driven board game designed to build connection through play. It was created during the COVID-19 lockdowns — a time when we were all isolated, distanced, and craving meaningful interaction. The work emerged as a way to help us remember (and relearn) how to connect with one another face-to-face.
Inspired by the artist’s experience of moving home over 30 times around the world, ConnectUs draws on a lifetime of learning how to create belonging from scratch. As someone who was always the new kid -even as an adult- Jade learned how to create friendships quickly, and now shares that knowledge with others through interactive design. Jade transformed her personal insight and psychology research into a practical tool for connection.
The game reimagines Connect Four as a playful intervention. Each token contains a conversation prompt, drawing on the Self-Expansion Model of human connection - a theory showing that mutual vulnerability and shared experiences are essential ingredients for belonging. As players take turns placing tokens and asking questions, they move quickly beyond small talk into real conversation.
In a world where only 23% of workers and less than half of students feel a sense of belonging, ConnectUs offers a joyful, research-led alternative. It has now been played over 5,000 times across universities, workplaces, and community groups — the game gently invites people to drop their guard, share their stories, and discover how good it feels to be seen.
What would change if you felt like you truly belonged?
Featured in:
Creative Play on the Road Collection at RMIT University, Australia (2023-Ongoing). Permanent Public Artwork.
Playable Parklet in the City of Melbourne, Australia (2023).
Collection Public Art Trail at RMIT University Vietnam, Vietnam (2023).
Public Art Trail at RMIT University, Australia (2022–2023).
ConnectUs at RMIT University, Case Study
Turning Strangers into Friends
ConnectUs has become a powerful tool for sparking genuine connection between students at RMIT University open days and social events,
Whether it’s bringing together students from the same program who’ve never met, helping someone who arrived alone find a new friend to explore the day with, or deepening a budding friendship through shared reflection — ConnectUs turns simple gameplay into moments of belonging.
Strangers come together to play. Within 20–60 minutes, they’re laughing, sharing, and planning their next coffee catch-up, lunch, or shared adventure. It’s more than a game. It’s a doorway into meaningful human connection.“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Quote Source
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Project Commissions + Custom Builds
Want to bring ConnectUs to your space, team, or community?
This playable artwork is available as a pop-up installation, permanent feature, or bespoke edition tailored to your event, audience, or goals.
Whether it’s a university campus, a festival, a workplace wellbeing week or a community-building initiative, each game can be fully customised — including branded design, bespoke questions, or facilitated experiences.
Email hello@jadearmstrong.art to enquire about collaboration, licensing, or commissioning a custom version.
