HandsOn
Platform to be explored before
exploring reality
Platform to be explored before exploring reality
Platform to be explored before exploring reality
This application is designed to address challenges international students face when studying abroad. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive platform for accessing all necessary information.
My role
Visual Designer
UX Designer
UX Researcher
Thesis project
Thesis Project
Project type
4 Weeks
Timeline
Figma
Adobe Photoshop
UXPressia
Figjam
Pen & paper
Tools Used
Project Overview
Project Overview
What problem are we solving here?
What problem are we solving here?
Information Overload: Navigating through an overwhelming number of resources and links.
Information Overload: Navigating through an overwhelming number of resources and links.
Communication Challenges: Struggling to maintain consistent contact for firsthand insights.
Communication Challenges: Struggling to maintain consistent contact for firsthand insights.
Networking Difficulties: Searching for relevant WhatsApp groups for peer support.
Networking Difficulties: Searching for relevant WhatsApp groups for peer support.
Response Uncertainty: Experiencing frustration due to unresponsive contacts.
Response Uncertainty: Experiencing frustration due to unresponsive contacts.
Preparation Dependency: Relying heavily on others for study-abroad preparation.
Preparation Dependency: Relying heavily on others for study-abroad preparation.
How did I approach this?
How did I approach this?
Addressing problem
Research
Opportunity statement
Addressing problem
Research
Opportunity statement
Identify pain points
User expectation analysis
Identify target areas
Identify pain points
User expectation analysis
Identify target areas
Feature list
User flow
Information architecture
Wireframes
Feature list
User flow
IA
Wireframes
UI assets
Low fidelity prototypes
High fidelity prototypes
UI assets
Low fidelity prototypes
High fidelity prototypes
Usability studies
Quant/qualitative reports
Feedbacks
Usability studies
Quant/qualitative reports
Feedbacks
Project Overview
What problem are we solving here?
Information Overload: Navigating through an overwhelming number of resources and links.
Communication Challenges: Struggling to maintain consistent contact for firsthand insights.
Networking Difficulties: Searching for relevant WhatsApp groups for peer support.
Response Uncertainty: Experiencing frustration due to unresponsive contacts.
Preparation Dependency: Relying heavily on others for study-abroad preparation.
How did I approach this?
Addressing problem
Research
Opportunity statement
Identify pain points
User expectation analysis
Identify target areas
Feature list
User flow
Information architecture
Wireframes
UI assets
Low fidelity prototypes
High fidelity prototypes
Usability studies
Feedbacks
Opportunity statement: Our Goal
How might we create a centralized, user-friendly platform that simplifies the study-abroad preparation process for international students, offering them easy access to essential information, and streamlined communication channels, while also aiding in cultural adaptation and reducing dependency on external contacts?
How might we create a centralized, user-friendly platform that simplifies the study-abroad preparation process for international students, offering them easy access to essential information, and streamlined communication channels, while also aiding in cultural adaptation and reducing dependency on external contacts?
Initial thinking
Target users
Students travelling for education
Professionals looking for job oppopportunities
Age Group: 18-35
Research methods
Facts & stats
Qualitative research: In-person interview
User Persona, Empathy map, and
Journey map
User research
Facts & stats
Facts and statistics provide concrete evidence that can guide decision-making. They helped in making informed choices based on actual data rather than assumptions or anecdotes. Utilizing verified facts and statistics enhances the credibility of your work. We did this by looking at the existing data found in online research articles and blog posts.
Here’s what we found:
Here’s what we found:
Language Barriers
Cultural Differences
Homesickness
Financial Challenges
Visa and Work permit
Discrimination or Racism
Academic Challenges
Age 40-49
Language Barriers
Cultural Differences
Homesickness
Financial Challenges
Visa and Work permit
Discrimination or Racism
Academic Challenges
Age 40-49
Age 20-24
Age 35-39
Age 30-34
Age 25-29
Age 20-24
Age 35-39
Age 30-34
Age 25-29
The number of international students worldwide has been increasing rapidly in recent years, with over 5 million international students studying abroad in 2022.
According to a survey conducted by the Institute of International Education, 63% of international students cited language barriers as a major challenge when studying abroad.
A study by the British Council found that 60% of international students in the UK reported difficulties with
cultural adjustment.
The number of international students worldwide has been increasing rapidly in recent years, with over 5 million international students studying abroad in 2022.
According to a survey conducted by the Institute of International Education, 63% of international students cited language barriers as a major challenge when studying abroad.
A study by the British Council found that 60% of international students in the UK reported difficulties with
cultural adjustment.
Why quantitative analysis?
To gain a deeper understanding of the needs and preferences of our target audience, we conducted user research. We interviewed international students who had previously traveled abroad for studies, as well as those who were planning to do so in the near future.
To gain a deeper understanding of the needs and preferences of our target audience, we conducted user research. We interviewed international students who had previously traveled abroad for studies, as well as those who were planning to do so in the near future.
To gain a deeper understanding of the needs and preferences of our target audience, we conducted user research. We interviewed international students who had previously traveled abroad for studies, as well as those who were planning to do so in the near future.
Conducted interviews with 15 students
Age range was 18-30 years old, from different parts of world
Here’s what we found:
“One of my biggest challenges was the language barrier and the lack of localized information,
which made navigating the administrative processes in my host country incredibly stressful”
“One of my biggest challenges was the language barrier and the lack of localized information, which made navigating the administrative processes in my host country incredibly stressful”
“One of my biggest challenges was the language barrier and the lack of localized information, which made navigating the administrative processes in my host country incredibly stressful”
“Finding a suitable accommodation was daunting, limited reliable resources
made it worse.”
“Finding a suitable accommodation was daunting, limited reliable resources made it worse.”
“Finding a suitable accommodation was daunting, limited reliable resources made it worse.”
“The most challenging aspect for me was social integration and dealing with homesickness at the same time.”
Research analysis
User Persona
Why create a persona?
Personas represent real users and their needs, behaviors, and goals. To keep the design process focused on the user, ensuring that the end product meets their requirements and expectations.
Who is Aarav?
Aarav represents the typical international student facing multifaceted challenges.
Addressing his needs and concerns can guide the development of solutions that enhance the overall experience for students like him in similar situations.
Aarav Sharma (he/him)
Aarav Sharma (he/him)
Age: 22
Nationality: Indian
Education: Bachelor's student in Computer Science
Language: Fluent in Hindi and English,
beginner in French
Technology Proficiency: Highly proficient, comfortable with digital tools and platforms
Age: 22
Nationality: Indian
Education: Bachelor's student in Computer Science
Language: Fluent in Hindi and English,
beginner in French
Technology Proficiency: Highly proficient, comfortable with digital tools and platforms
"I aim to successfully adapt to the academic and cultural environment in France, effectively manage my daily life including finances, accommodation, and local transportation, and build a social network to integrate into
the local community."
"I aim to successfully adapt to the academic and cultural environment in France, effectively manage my daily life including finances, accommodation, and local transportation, and build a social network to integrate into
the local community."
Challenges
Challenges
Struggles with the local language (French), especially in understanding administrative procedures.
Anxious about fitting in and making new friends.
Concerned about budgeting and handling expenses.
Concerns about coping with being away from family and familiar surroundings
Struggles with the local language (French), especially in understanding administrative procedures.
Anxious about fitting in and making new friends.
Concerned about budgeting and handling expenses.
Concerns about coping with being away from family and familiar surroundings
A platform that consolidates necessary information and resources for international students.
Tools for effective communication and networking with peers and local residents.
Guidance on cultural norms, academic expectations, and lifestyle adjustments.
Supportive resources to deal with emotional challenges like homesickness.
Actively searches for resources and communities online.
Prefers clear, concise information with actionable steps.
Seeks peer support and advice from fellow international students.
Enjoys using apps and websites that are usefull
Actively searches for resources and communities online.
Prefers clear, concise information with actionable steps.
Seeks peer support and advice from fellow international students.
Enjoys using apps and websites that are usefull
Needs
Needs
Behaviour
A platform that consolidates necessary information and resources for international students.
Tools for effective communication and networking with peers and local residents.
Guidance on cultural norms, academic expectations, and lifestyle adjustments.
Supportive resources to deal with emotional challenges like homesickness.
Behavior
Empathy map
Why create an empathy map?
To gain holistic view of the user's experience, helping teams understand not just what users are doing, but also what they are thinking and feeling. This leads to a deeper understanding of the user's motivations, challenges, and needs.
What do we achieve?
This deepened understanding guides the design;
it becomes a tailored support system. For instance, understanding Aarav's anxiety about cultural adaptation and academic transition can lead to features that offer localized guidance and academic support.
"I'm finding it hard to understand some of the local administrative processes."
Actively searches online for guides on living and studying in France
Anxious about fitting in academically and socially
"Sometimes I feel lost in translation, even in everyday conversations."
"I'm finding it hard to understand some of the local administrative processes."
Spends time learning French to improve communication
Lonely at times, missing family and familiar surroundings
"I wonder how other international students are coping with these changes."
"I’m worried about managing my budget in a new currency."
Attends local events and student gatherings to meet new people
Overwhelmed by the new environment and responsibilities
"I hope I can find a balance between my studies and exploring the city."
"I'm struggling to understand the grading system and academic expectations here."
Reaches out to senior international students for advice and mentorship
Frustrated at times with the pace of adapting to new academic methods.
"Am I spending too much time on academics and not enough on exploring the local culture?"
"I’m worried about managing my budget in a new currency."
Keeps track of expenses and tries to budget accordingly
Excited about the opportunities for personal growth and exploration
"I need to find better ways to manage my expenses."
"Sometimes I feel lost in translation, even in everyday conversations."
Participates in language exchange meetups to improve his French
Curious about exploring more of the local cuisine and entertainment.
"I need to find a more efficient way to access finances and underunderstand.
Says
Thinks
Does
Feels
Mapping out user-centred experience for users
Leveraging insights from user research, I've listed potential features and managed to group them into respective theme and refined the feature set for the application to specifically address user pain points
Prototyping
Prototyping
Design guide
Typography
Color
Button
Icons
"Hands On" : Single login platform
It helps international students easily navigate their new surroundings when studying abroad. With one single login, Hands On provides students with a wealth of information about the local area, including the culture, context, and surroundings.
User-Centered Design: The app was designed with the user in mind, focusing on their needs and preferences.
Comprehensive Content: The app was designed to provide comprehensive and reliable information to international students.
Mobile Optimization: The app was optimized for mobile devices, making it easy for students to access information on-the-go.
"Hands On" : Single login platform
It helps international students easily navigate their new surroundings when studying abroad. With one single login, Hands On provides students with a wealth of information about the local area, including the culture, context, and surroundings.
User-Centered Design: The app was designed with the user in mind, focusing on their needs and preferences.
Comprehensive Content: The app was designed to provide comprehensive and reliable information to international students.
Mobile Optimization: The app was optimized for mobile devices, making it easy for students to access information on-the-go.
"Hands On" : Single login platform
It helps international students easily navigate their new surroundings when studying abroad. With one single login, Hands On provides students with a wealth of information about the local area, including the culture, context, and surroundings.
User-Centered Design: The app was designed with the user in mind, focusing on their needs and preferences.
Comprehensive Content: The app was designed to provide comprehensive and reliable information to international students.
Mobile Optimization: The app was optimized for mobile devices, making it easy for students to access information on-the-go.
Next steps
Here’s what I could have done if given more time for this:
Design Enhancement: Enhance the HandsOn app's design to ensure it is more accessible to all users, implementing minimalistic design priciples.
Design Enhancement: Enhance the HandsOn app's design to ensure it is more accessible to all users, implementing minimalistic design priciples.
Design Enhancement: Enhance the HandsOn app's design to ensure it is more accessible to all users, implementing minimalistic design priciples.
Feature exploration: Strengthen the application feature based on user feedback, making it more intuitive, seamless, and user-friendly.
Feature exploration: Strengthen the application feature based on user feedback, making it more intuitive, seamless, and user-friendly.
Feature exploration: Strengthen the application feature based on user feedback, making it more intuitive, seamless, and user-friendly.
Usability Testing: Conduct rigorous usability testing sessions, both moderated and unmoderated, to uncover any potential pain points and improve app functionality.
Usability Testing: Conduct rigorous usability testing sessions, both moderated and unmoderated, to uncover any potential pain points and improve app functionality.
Usability Testing: Conduct rigorous usability testing sessions, both moderated and unmoderated, to uncover any potential pain points and improve app functionality.
Personal takeaways:
the biggest takeaways from the Hands-on project was the importance of empathy in the design process.
Could have explore more application similar to one created to undergo the market and competitive analysis.
The biggest takeaways from the Hands-on project was the importance of empathy in the design process.
Could have explore more application similar to one created to undergo the market and competitive analysis.
Next steps
Here’s what I could have done if given more time for this:
Design Enhancement: Enhance the HandsOn app's design to ensure it is more accessible to all users, implementing minimalistic design priciples.
Feature exploration: Strengthen the application feature based on user feedback, making it more intuitive, seamless, and user-friendly.
Usability Testing: Conduct rigorous usability testing sessions, both moderated and unmoderated, to uncover any potential pain points and improve app functionality.
Personal takeaways:
the biggest takeaways from the Hands-on project was the importance of empathy in the design process.
Could have explore more application similar to one created to undergo the market and competitive analysis.
Design Project | Next project
01 | Product Design • Mobile Application • Design Hackathon
Read more
Storio
Design Project | Next project
01 | Product Design • Mobile Application • Design Hackathon
Read more
Storio