Designing a Relationship Game That Doesn't Feel Cringey

A case study on building Foreplay – a couples bonding toolkit

TL;DR

Foreplay is an intimacy game and bonding tool for couples, built to encourage open communication, playfulness, and emotional connection. The challenge? Designing something fun, modern, and culturally sensitive — without making it awkward or cheesy. I built, designed, and shipped the MVP with real user feedback and traction, currently available as a digital product.

Background

Modern relationships are full of friction — not just in communication but in comfort zones around intimacy. Most bonding tools fall into one of two categories:

• Cringe “truth or dare” cards with poor UX

• Serious therapy apps with no element of fun

I wanted to create a product that sits in the middle — something playful, emotionally safe, and smart. That became Foreplay.

The Problem

• Couples want to bond more deeply, but don’t know how to initiate the conversation

• Tools are either overly sexualized or too clinical

• Lack of digital-first, inclusive, and design-forward products in this space

• In India (my market), conversations around intimacy are still taboo

The Solution

Foreplay is a gamified card-based experience built for couples.

• Intimacy games, questions, and prompts in categories (Emotional, Flirty, Daring)

• Visual-first, mobile-first design — clean, minimal, no judgment

• Future expansion includes therapy tools (via Forecare)

Process

🎨 Design

• Built a brand identity rooted in warmth and minimal sensuality

• Used soft gradients, light shadows, and playful fonts to ease emotional friction

• Developed 3 card types: Conversation, Challenge, and Discovery

🔧 Tech Stack

• Designed and built in Flutter (learning in the process)

• Used Firebase for data and authentication

• Future scope for AI-based prompt customization

🔍 Research

• Interviewed 12 real couples (some long-distance, some newly married)

• Identified need for customizable intimacy — not one-size-fits-all cards

GTM & Launch

Launch Strategy

• Released beta version to 20 couples

• Created content series on Instagram: “Let’s Talk About...”

• Collaborated with 2 relationship coaches to validate content safety

Growth Experiments

• Shared cards as stories with “Tap to Play” CTA

• DMs + waitlist integration for product updates

• Collected real feedback via Notion forms

Outcome

• 100+ downloads in early beta

• 80% of users engaged with more than 1 game mode

• Led to the creation of Forecare, a therapy booking microsite

• Featured in small creator communities on Reddit + IG

What I Learned

• Designing for emotion is harder than designing for conversion

• Aesthetics can lower shame — visuals matter in wellness products

• The “fun + safe” sweet spot is where emotional design thrives

• Gamified UX works when rules are clear, flexible, and non-triggering

What’s Next

• Add background music, daily bonding reminders

• Offer AI-based personalization (love languages, mood)

• Partner with certified therapists to expand the Forecare ecosystem

Final Thoughts

Foreplay wasn’t just a design experiment — it was a chance to learn how product, design, psychology, and branding can come together to help people feel safe being vulnerable.

If you’re building emotional design tools, let’s talk. Or try the game yourself — just don’t play it in the office. 😄