Research, UX, UI, social good design, visual design

Research, UX, UI, social good design, graphic design

Independent study

Independent study: 12 weeks

I conducted six interviews with refugees resettled in Rochester, NY to discuss their resettlement experience, and one interview with the Executive Director of Saint’s Place (an organization that helps new refugees). I learned about their biggest challenges upon arrival and what would have made their experiences easier.

I conducted six interviews with refugees resettled in Rochester, NY to discuss their resettlement experience, and one interview with the Executive Director of Saint’s Place (an organization that helps new refugees). I learned about their biggest challenges upon arrival and what would have made their experiences easier.

During my interview with Saint's Place, I learned that refugees no longer have access to a caseworker after 3 months of being in the United States, meaning that they no longer have access to help with documents or translation. This is a process that my family had also gone through 12 years ago but we were fortunate enough to have family in the U.S. that provided the extra help. There's so much to learn in such a short period of time; having a mentor or friend can make all the difference. 

During my interview with Saint's Place, I learned that refugees no longer have access to a caseworker after 3 months of being in the United States, meaning that they no longer have access to help with documents or translation. This is a process that my family had also gone through 12 years ago but we were fortunate enough to have family in the U.S. that provided the extra help. There's so much to learn in such a short period of time. Having a mentor or friend can make all the difference.

"The biggest cultural shock was how individualistic society is in the U.S., no one looks at you when you walk in the streets or smiles unless they know you."

"The biggest cultural shock was how individualistic society is in the U.S., no one looks at you when you walk in the streets or smiles unless they know you."

"I struggled with the language and lack of community service because those are the biggest barriers. I didn’t know how to interact and be involved. Everything in the old world I was used to was no longer available to me."

"I struggled with the language and lack of community service because those are the biggest barriers. I didn’t know how to interact and be involved. Everything in the old world I was used to was no longer available to me."

During the cultural shock phase, refugees often feel sad, upset, or even angry. The unfamiliarity of a new culture can result in feeling scared and alone.

The language barrier can make the culture shock phase last a longer time. To help during this time, it's recommended to meet other refugees with a similar journey. -USA Hello 

During the cultural shock phase, refugees often feel sad, upset, or even angry. The unfamiliarity of a new culture can result in feeling scared and alone.

The language barrier can make the culture shock phase last a longer time. To help during this time, it's recommended to meet other refugees with a similar journey. -USA Hello 

The two user flows outline the journey a mentor/refugee would take to connect with a refugee/mentor, and the journey of a refugee translating a document from English to their native language.

The two user flows outline the journey a mentor/refugee would take to connect with a refugee/mentor, and the journey of a refugee translating a document from English to their native language.

The sketches helped define what features were most important for this app. Currently, there are not many successful apps that help refugees with the resettlement process, thus, deciding what to prioritize took a few iterations. These final sketches helped define the onboarding process.

The sketches helped define what features were most important for this app. Currently, there are not many successful apps that help refugees with the resettlement process, thus, deciding what to prioritize took a few iterations. These final sketches helped define the onboarding process.

Technology can't always fill the void of receiving a physical object or card. These 3 cards would be given out at organizations that work with welcoming refugees, such as the Catholic Family Center. The first card introduces the city, the second card has a few of the essential locations on the back, and lastly, the third card introduces the app. Ideally, when this project is expanded, I would like to include these cards in a care package given to refugees upon their arrival.

Technology can't always fill the void of receiving a physical object or card. These 3 cards would be given out at organizations that work with welcoming refugees, such as the Catholic Family Center. The first card introduces the city, the second card has a few of the essential locations on the back, and lastly, the third card introduces the app. Ideally, when this project is expanded, I would like to include these cards in a care package given to refugees upon their arrival.

Get to know a mentor or refugee within the area and build a community.

Get to know a mentor or refugee within the area and build a community.

Translating documents instantly

Goal 3

Utilize AR to translate documents from English to the native language.

Utilize AR to translate documents from English to the native language.

Below are a few of the final designs for onboarding, profile pages, and messaging.

Below are a few of the final designs for onboarding, profile pages, and messaging pop-ups.

Reflection

Reflection

Building the bridge between design and social issues is something I'm very passionate about. I have spent a few years working on fundraisers for refugees, and coming up with this app concept and design was an expansion to the work I have always done and enjoyed. I hope to bring this project to life one day to be able to have an impact on refugee lives.

Building the bridge between design and social issues is something I'm very passionate about. I have spent a few years working on fundraisers for refugees, and coming up with this app concept and design was an expansion to the work I have always done and enjoyed. I hope to bring this project to life one day to be able to have an impact on refugee lives.