From struggle to strength!
The Problem
Among the 46 million first-generation immigrants in the U.S., common challenges include societal integration and accessing crucial services. Currently, there is no existing technology specifically designed to support this community's unique needs.
Summary
During the course of my UX Certificate, I researched challenges faced in immigrant communities and designed a mobile application that enables immigrants to connect with mentors, find community events, and communicate in their preferred language with AI assistance,
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Understanding immigrants through an empathy map
Paul
Thinks
Paul moved to the United States with his wife and three children two months ago. Their main goal is to find resources on placing their kids in school. Additionally, Paul’s wife needs a job. The family is by themselves and does not know anyone in the community.
Does
Currently uses Facebook to find community but encounters scammers.
Struggles to look things up online due to language barrier.
Says
“I wish there was a way to meet other immigrants easily, so I can ask questions first-hand”
Feels
Scared that they uprooted their life with no roots in the USA.
Frustrated at cluttered apps such as Tandem, and scam filled groups on Facebook.
Worried about their kids’ education.
They feel isolated and lonely.
User Research
I conducted a research survey to understand the user needs and pain points, concluded of 10 people, all immigrants. Some of the questions asked include:
How important is cultural integration to you?
What features do you consider essential in a mobile app designed for immigrants?
In which language would you like to be able to navigate the app?
What were the most significant challenges when moving to a new country?
Are you currently using any apps or online platforms to connect with others, find information, or participate in community events?
Insights
Initial survey insights (10) revealed that the primary goals users sought to achieve with this application were: joining events, mentorship, and finding friends with shared goals.
The majority of participants find it challenging to find community, and want to combat isolation through inclusive events.
The majority of participants indicated that cultural integration is extremely important.
The majority of participants indicated that they struggle understanding new norms, and systems.
Click to check out my competitive analysis!
Competitive Analysis
Furthermore, I conducted a competitive analysis to not only understand how a new application in this realm can be improved, but to also understand competitors and what they provide immigrants with.
Main Findings:
Most of the competitors don't mention or use 'community' tools
Most competitors provide a directory for information such as legal resources
Ideation-Design-Test
There were three main areas of focus for the design of CultureLink:
Due to the text-heavy nature of the competitor apps, I thought of ways to break up the information and keep it user friendly
I wanted to take advantage of the community tool by creating a user friendly way to find a mentor, and chat
Create an easy onboarding system that allows users to share experiences, and similar goals
Lo-Fi Design and Prototype
Usability Tests
Conducted two usability studies with 10 participants to identify and address user friction points in the app interface.
Findings & Solutions:
Event Creation: Added 'Create Event' button for easier hosting.
Chat Visibility: Implemented sticky chat menu for constant access.
Onboarding Clarity: Improved selection visibility with 'goal tags' through color.
Saved Items: Introduced direct navigation for better visibility.
Additional Iterations:
Menu Simplification: Refined the menu to focus on core functionalities ('Near me', 'Mentors', 'Events', 'Directory'), enhancing the app’s community engagement focus.
Click to view hi-fi Prototype
Design Iterations
Achievements and Discoveries
Immigrant interviews and stories were instrumental in driving design decisions.
Emphasized the importance of streamlined navigation in product design.
Initially overwhelmed by the breadth of immigrant needs, led to an overly complex menu.
User feedback prompted menu refinement, prioritizing usability and ease of navigation.
Key takeaway: Iterative user engagement is essential; focus on user response, feature relevance, and minimizing complexity.