Project Overview
Project Scope
Onward is a student-centered ecosystem that supports international students as they navigate a new city. By combining mobility support, access to essentials, and community connection, the system helps students feel confident, supported, and self-reliant in their everyday lives.
User research | Ux methodologies | Wireframing | UI design | User Testing | Prototyping | Brand Video Generation | Business model integration
Design Tools
Figma | User Testing.com | Photoshop | Cap cut video editing
The Problem
International students arriving in a new city struggle with mobility, accessing essentials, and finding reliable guidance during their journey.
HOW MIGHT WE
To create a connected ecosystem that empowers new international students to navigate the city and access essentials independently and efficiently
My Research Methodology
The research focused on understanding international students’ experiences as they transition to a new home particularly the challenges they face around mobility, access to essentials, and guidance and identifying opportunities to enhance their journey toward confidence and self-reliance.
Interviewed 4-5 International students from different countries and cultures who have come to the United States for their masters and who do not own their own vehicle.
Interviewing Users
Affinity mapping & Thematic Coding
Taking the interview insights and creating thematic codes to find overlying themes and analyzing the key findings through atomic research.
I followed the Double Diamond design process, beginning by outlining an end-to-end framework from initial research to final user testing. This approach allowed me to move back and forth between gaining insights, creating and testing solutions, and iterating intentionally.
How did I get here??
“He feels burdened to ask others for ride else he has to take uber ”
“She did not know the right place to buy grocery in the beginning as she did not know anyone to guide her”
“She was initially not able to navigate her way as google maps is limited to certain features”
“She can only go to places alone that are by the Q-line or by walk”
What users had to say
Welcome to my concept book....
Onboarding
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3 & 4
Concept Testing with users
Mid- Fidelity Screens
Proto-story link- Experience the prototype with a story
User Testing- UserTesting.com
Experience the marketing video
Hi-Fidelity : The user experiences the app in phases
The app evolves alongside the student, delivering the right guidance at every stage of their journey.
Research Plan
Go on a journey with the user