A friending service for international students
I designed an app and wearable for USydney’s Student Union to foster lasting friendships between international and domestic students. The wearable connects students with shared niche interests in real time as they pass each other on campus. Interact with our prototype here.
Challenge
30,000 international students make up 42% of USydney’s student body. Despite the Student Union’s strong supportive services and social functions, international students struggle to find well-rounded resources to make lasting, one-on-one friendships.
Research
Two main perspectives emerged from affinity diagramming our data in Miro, which I synthesized into pain point-focused personas using Figma.
We focused our strategy on social life and making friends through 3 findings.
1. Compound challenges
Challenges like language compound and can make forming friendships feel overwhelming and difficult, particularly for international students who are non-native English speakers.
2. Limited local interaction
Many Australian students commute from home and maintain their high school friend groups, subliminally limiting openness to new connections with international students due to their existing circles.
3. Friendship through niche interests
USU’s events tied to shared interests (i.e. Taylor Swift bracelet-making) foster lasting friendships and bring in more international attendance.
Strategy Ideation
Cultural cuisine exchange.
International student support group.
Real-time friend matching.
Prototyping and User Testing
I conducted market research on existing screen-based wearables and handhelds to optimize an ergonomic size and shape.
I tested 5 users using a Figma prototype and tag with paper screens. Users narrated their experience and answered a usability survey.
This led to 3 central user needs:
1. More conversation support
In the app to ease access for non-native English speakers and those wanting social support.
2. Clarity on safety and privacy features
Making sure the location tracking and alert systems are included in the app onboarding.
3. More case options
5/5 participants would be more likely to use the wearable if the case were customizable.
Execution of Deliverables
Team poster concept: early ideation.
My redesign (low-fidelity).
My final design (hi-fidelity).
Deliverables
Hi-fidelity screens and models for the app and tag. Interact with our final prototype here.
Onboarding.
Match Messaging.
Post-Match Activities.
Keychain tag case.
Watch tag case.