Tech For Changes

Product type: Responsive web app platform

About the project

The initial problem that led to the development of this app was the difficulty that refugees face when trying to access essential resources and services in their new country. Many refugees arrive in a new country with little to no knowledge of the local language or culture, making it challenging to navigate their new environment and access the support they need.

In addition, there is often a lack of centralized information on essential services, and refugees may not know where to turn for help. This can lead to a feeling of isolation and frustration, making it challenging for refugees to integrate into their new communities and rebuild their lives.


Research <> Concept

In addition, there is often a lack of centralized information on essential services, and refugees may not know where to turn for help. This can lead to a feeling of isolation and frustration, making it challenging for refugees to integrate into their new communities and rebuild their lives.

The onboarding process is straightforward and involves asking basic questions about the refugee’s current location, status, and primary concerns.
Based on the onboarding process, a personalized home page or ME section is created, recommending the next steps. Users can refine their recommended next steps and add more topics and services.

Responsibilities

Conducting market research, ideating concepts, creating an information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, conducting usability testing, and user interviews. Through these efforts, I was able to gain insights into the needs of refugees, prioritize features, and create a user-friendly and effective app that addresses their unique challenges. My work was essential in creating a tool that promotes social cohesion and empowers refugees to navigate their new environment with greater confidence and ease.

As the UX designer leading a team of UX/UI designers, my responsibilities included providing guidance and direction, mentoring and coaching team members, collaborating with stakeholders, managing the design process, and ensuring consistency across designs. I played a critical role in creating a user-friendly and effective design that met the needs of our target audience. Through my leadership, we were able to successfully deliver a high-quality design within the project’s timeline and budget.


Onboarding

To develop an effective onboarding process for refugees, it’s crucial to gather information on their spoken languages, current location, status, and primary concerns. This enables tailored support and a successful transition.

Community members & privacy

To ensure the security and privacy of refugees using the app’s community feature, their contact information is not displayed publicly. Instead, users must register with a phone number to gain access to the community list. The wireframes for this feature are designed with a focus on user experience and a visually appealing interface, to encourage engagement.

Activities

Market Research: Conducted extensive market research by reviewing existing apps and websites, reading academic research papers, and conducting interviews with refugees and other stakeholders in the refugee community.

Concept Ideation: Generated ideas for the app’s features and functionality based on research findings. Created several concepts and prototypes to test with potential users, seeking feedback on what worked and what didn’t. Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure that the app aligned with the goals of the organization.

Information Architecture: Created an information architecture that outlined the app’s structure and content.

Wireframing: Created wireframes to illustrate how the app’s features and functionality would be laid out.

Prototyping: Developed several prototypes of the app to test with potential users.

User Research: Conducted user interviews throughout the design process to gain insights into how refugees would use the app and what they needed from it. These interviews helped prioritize the features and functionality of the app and ensure that it would be user-friendly and effective.

Usability Testing: Conducted usability testing with potential users to refine the app’s design and functionality, ensuring it met the needs of refugees.

Design handoff: communicating design to the engineering team, writing specifications, and redlining individual screens.


News & knowledge

The refugee app offers a feature to filter news by location and related services or topics. This allows refugees to access news relevant to their needs, and stay informed about the events in their local community. By providing this feature, the app aims to empower refugees with the information they need to navigate their new environment confidently and with ease.

Search

The refugee app offers a search function with filtering options that enable users to refine their results by location, language, and service type. The app also groups search results by topic and app section, making it easier for users to find relevant information quickly.

Navigation

The navigation bar includes Community, Knowledge and News, Services, and Home as the primary point of navigation. Users can access essential services and resources from the Home page, while the Community section promotes social cohesion, and the Knowledge and News section keeps refugees informed. The design is user-friendly and intuitive, providing easy access to the information and resources needed to rebuild lives in new communities.

Solution

After extensive research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing, I developed a user-friendly app that facilitates refugees in navigating their new surroundings. The app includes essential features such as a service locator, housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, as well as community building, connected news and articles, and emergency assistance for cross-information. Its design and functionality are based on user research, with a focus on promoting social cohesion and connecting refugees with local volunteers who can provide assistance and guide them toward appropriate service providers. In summary, the app empowers refugees to navigate their new environment confidently and easily, making a positive impact on their lives.


Tools

FIGMA design & prototype, FIGMA FigJam for flows, ChatGPT for initial (text) content