Loneliness and social disconnection are growing concerns in today’s fast-paced, urban environments. Yet in the midst of our daily routines lie overlooked opportunities for connection, non-places like train stations, waiting areas, and other transitional spaces. These environments are often designed for efficiency, not interaction, but they hold untapped potential for fostering human connections. This project investigates how playful, low-threshold interventions can transform these idle spaces into sites of indirect social engagement. In collaboration with Irish Rail, Ireland’s national railway operator, the project explores how design can subtly encourage strangers to connect without pressure or obligation. The resulting prototype, Public Pixels, invites passersby to participate in a shared experience by creating messages and drawings that are anonymously displayed in the space. Over time, these interactions build a visual tapestry of collective expression, turning a typically disconnected environment into one of curiosity, creativity, and communal presence. Alongside the prototype, a design playbook was developed, offering principles, insights, and strategies for those looking to design for social interaction and play in public, in-between spaces. Together, these outcomes contribute to a broader conversation about how design can support well-being, community, and a sense of belonging in the most unexpected places.