WelComm
An itinerary tool simplifying the transition for new residents
My Role : Design Researcher/ Product Designer
Duration : March 2023 – April 2023
Tools Used: Figma / Photoshop/Illustrator
Overview:
Over the past few years, there has been a significant rise in the rate of immigration worldwide. As globalization continues to expand, more and more individuals are showing interest in living and studying in countries other than their own. However, moving to a new country can be a daunting task, as it requires adjusting to a new culture and navigating unfamiliar processes. This is where the need for an application that provides general information, guidance, and insights from other immigrants’ experiences becomes crucial.
The problem statement
“How might we design an application that helps newcomers feel more informed, connected, and supported in their new environment, while also promoting cultural understanding and integration?”
Final application designs & solutions
For a period of 2 months, I dedicated my efforts to developing an experience for newcomers. This involved creating a mobile application and a design system to support it. The main objective of this project was to enhance the experience of international students, making it easier and more enjoyable.
In creating the WelComm application, I utilized the design thinking methodology, which enabled me to maintain a solution-oriented and action-driven approach throughout each stage of the design process.
User research — findings & insights
I performed 5 semi-structured interviews to establish a fundamental understanding of the needs of the newcomers. Below are the results of my research.
User Persona
Low fidelity flows
Usability testing
To ensure WelComm truly met user needs, I conducted usability testing with five participants to assess clarity, completeness, and comprehension of key features. This diverse group helped me gather crucial feedback for iteration.
Participant demographics for usability testing:
The insights gained from these sessions were invaluable, leading to targeted improvements that significantly enhanced the user experience. Here’s a look at the problems identified and the solutions implemented:
All testers found the initial color palette unappealing, stating it wasn’t user-friendly and made text difficult to read.
I iterated on the design, replacing the original palette with new, more suitable colors to improve readability and visual appeal.
Impact: The updated color scheme significantly improved legibility and overall user satisfaction, creating a more welcoming interface.
Participants were perplexed by requests for personal details on the initial account creation page, unsure why this information was needed upfront.
To streamline the onboarding process, I removed these sections from account creation and relocated them to the “Edit Profile” section, where users would expect to manage personal details.
Impact: This change reduced user confusion during onboarding and provided a more intuitive flow for managing personal data.
Some users expressed confusion regarding the purpose of each section on the profile page, particularly concerning “my experience” and “my favorite article.
To enhance clarity, I divided the profile page into two distinct sections. This clear segmentation helps users easily navigate to obtain or share specific information.
Impact: The redesigned profile page offered improved navigability and reduced cognitive load, making it easier for users to find and contribute content.
Visual System
Personal Learning
By learning how to identify controversial ideas that align with my interests, I develop a deeper sense of empathy towards users. Creating open-ended interview questions also helps me to better prepare and connect with users, enabling me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their needs.
Additionally, being an international student has made me aware of the challenges faced by newcomers to a foreign country, which allows me to identify and incorporate useful features that cater to their needs.
Next step
The challenges faced by new users are numerous, and it would be a beneficial idea to conduct tests on the application with a larger user base in order to identify and improve upon areas that require attention. Additionally, implementing a voice feature would enhance accessibility for all users.