CTRL. is a product concept exploring how digital tools can support safer nightlife experiences through education, awareness, and reflection.
Instead of promoting abstinence, the product follows a harm-reduction approach — meeting users where they are and helping them reduce risk.
Andrei Frolov
Research · Product Concept · Visual & Brand Direction
Arsen Malashchuk
Prototyping · Research · UI Design
IDEA
The idea for CTRL emerged from experiences within nightlife communities.
Many of us had seen situations where people struggled with substance use, sometimes leading to dangerous outcomes — including overdoses and deaths among people we personally knew. Despite how common these situations are the topic is often pushed aside because of stigma.
This raised a simple question:
What if people had a private tool that helped them make safer decisions before risks happen?
DATA
To better understand the scale of the issue we explored public health data on substance use in Europe.
83.4 million people in the EU have tried illicit drugs at least once.
Recreational drug use in nightlife environments often involves combining multiple substances, known as polysubstance use.
Research shows that many drug-related deaths involve multiple substances, particularly when depressants are combined.
Research shows that many drug-related deaths involve multiple substances, particularly when depressants are combined.
These patterns highlight the need for accessible harm-reduction tools and clear safety information.
RESEARCH
70+
surveys
8
interviews
Because stigma often prevents open conversations about substance use, we conducted our own research to better understand real user needs.
Participants were primarily people engaged in nightlife and club culture.
The goal was to understand how decisions are made in real nightlife situations.
INSIGHTS
Several patterns emerged during research.
Users wanted tools that felt:
Many participants said they often make decisions with limited knowledge about substance purity or interactions.
anonymous
fast to access
non-judgmental
Information needed to be clear, visual and immediately accessible.
PERSONA
Luca is a Berlin-based creative who enjoys nightlife and occasionally uses substances while partying.
He is not looking for moral judgment — he simply wants to stay safe and make informed decisions.
— LUCA
Many participants said they often make decisions with limited knowledge about substance purity or interactions.
DESIGN
To better understand the scale of the issue we explored public health data on substance use in Europe.
Harm
Reduction
Support safer decisions rather than unrealistic abstinence.
Empathetic
Maintain a calm,
non-judgmental tone.
Friendly
Create an approachable interface that feels supportive.
Educational
Present safety information clearly and visually.
FEATURES
SOLUTION
Prepare more safely
Before going out, users can plan their night with better information and practical harm-reduction tools.
Substance Guides & Articles:
clear explanations of effects, dosage ranges, and risks.
Testing Kit Integration:
order drug testing kits to verify substances before use.
Pre-Party Harm Reduction Kit:
essentials for a safer night out (testing tools, harm-reduction tips, emergency contacts).
Safety Planning Tools:
reminders for hydration, rest and personal limits.
Make safer decisions in the moment
When situations change during the night, CTRL helps users quickly assess risks and make informed choices.
AI Pill Recognition:
scan unknown pills and compare them with known reports.
Substance Interaction
Checker:
check if mixing substances increases risk.
Risk Alerts:
clear visual warnings about dangerous combinations.
Reflect and Learn
After the experience, CTRL encourages users to reflect and build awareness about their habits.
Experience Journal:
log substances used, environment, and intentions.
Body & Mood Tracking:
record physical and emotional responses.
Personal Insights:
identify patterns and make more mindful decisions in the future.
Recovery Guidance + After-Party Kit:
electrolytes, vitamins, calming supplements, and recovery tips.
REFLECTION
Designing CTRL reinforced an important lesson:
People rarely need more warnings,
they need better tools and clearer information.
Harm reduction is ultimately about trust, accessibility and respect for users.
Thank you and stay safe.
THANKS