How might we
Facilitate a student led academic common ground with the help of a buddy
How might we
Help students become more confident navigating the campus
How Might We
Build a platform which helps bring together students as a whole
UoA Connect
My Role
Project
Tools
Timeline
Personal Project
6 weeks
Figma, Miro
Product Desgner
UoA Connect is a practical application that brings new and experienced UOA students together through a "buddy" system. Uni Connect allows new students to adjust to campus life and engage with others through university events.
The Prompt
Overview
Design a space, artefact or activity. Your conceptual design for the space will be located on a UoA campus and should respond to a real-life need to support the interface between students on campus and/or the campus’ broader community.
Design Process
Initial Thinking
How Might We Statements
Target Users
Research Methods
Students of the University of Auckland
New or less experienced students who need help around and within the university facilities
Students who are willing to become buddies who are experienced
In person interviews
Online research
Online survey
Background Research
User Research
Research goals
Analyse how students utilise existing platforms
Identifying who and how students get help around the university
Examine how existing platforms/communities build stronger student connections
Discover the pain points of the current systems
Existing Systems
UoA Student Services Online
Social media
Studend Led Events
UoA Student Services Online
It can be hard to navigate if the user has never used the system. It is challenging as there is
no empathy or human interaction.
Social Media
Have to go on specific profiles to find events. To find someone that could help. You would need to know them first to engage with them.
Student Led Events
Hard to find if you are new to uni unless you see a poster or an ad somewhere online or in university. There are specific events that aren't advertised that widely.
Pain Points of Existing systems
Student Interviews
How did you find help when you first came to university?
When asking for advice what did you find was the most helpful?
Recommended courses
Content/how hard the course was
Personal experience on campus life
Exam/assignment help
Co-curricular activities
How did you find help when you first came to university?
How strong do you feel the community is within UoA?
How helpful was the Student Services Online website during your first year?
How helpful were the UoA staff during your fist year?
Events
From which source do you get information on university hosted events?
Further Questions
Is there anything you want to achieve through the buddy program?
Guidance on what courses to take
Find events efficiently
Personal experience/advice from buddies
People who can answer more specific questions
Research Summary
The University of Auckland does not have a single organised platform where students can find help efficiently.
The university needs a space where students can come together when they are in need to build a stronger community
Many students ask friends for advice
Problem Statement
Prototype
Low Fidelity Design
Wireframe
Design Decision
Q. Why a mobile app?
A. Mobile apps are the best method for generating active communication and sharing information. Most university students have access to mobile devices; however, for the app to be known, it requires the university to take action and allow new students easy access. Once accessed, students will then be able to sign on with their university login. Based on the survey, students acquired school-related information via mobile phone applications such as e-mail and social media.
Visual Identity
Design Concept
Design Solution
High Fidelity Design
An app with all the information a student needs on one platform. All the information on one platform allows students to find help effectively and efficiently. This reduces the need for students to go to other websites, which might confuse them even more.
Single Platform
Students sign up to become a buddy or to get help from a buddy. Students can add buddies via the app once they get paired up with someone.
Buddy system
It provides a platform for students to find events efficiently. The app automatically inputs events onto the student's calendars when they sign up.
New students find it hard to find events as the information is scattered around everywhere. With the help of the event-finding system, it will make it easier for students to find events.
Finding events effectively
Includes classes, chat functions, notifications, and well-being links to provide additional help students need for campus life. The chat function allows students to chat with their buddies.
Student Friendly
Impact
User testing Feedback
User Experience Feedback
User Feedback
I like how the app does not have too much information shown at once
I think the app connecting me to other buddies is a good feature, as I would otherwise be unsure how to find a buddy.
Being able to find a buddy associated with your degree is very useful. If my buddy was not doing the same degree as me, I feel I woulnd't get good feedback and help from them.
The headings for each icon in the buddy & wellbeing section would look better if above the icon instead of below
I like how the colours are warm and inviting so it makes me feel welcome
I like how the 'upcoming events' section is a large part of the homepage as it makes it easy for me to find events that help me connect with my peers
I like how each different course has has their own colour code, making it easy to tell which notification it is for.
Takeaways
Reflection
While making the app, I thought about how it could be helpful to new students at the University of Auckland. When I first started university, I felt scared and unsure of how to navigate this place that was like a new world. I revisited the memories from my first year and thought about what would've been helpful for me.
Getting information from students who go to the same university as me allowed me to get details I may have forgotten or never thought about. Obtaining feedback was also helpful as I could see what I could improve next time.
If I were to do this project again, I would get more feedback and do more interviews. I would also interview people from different universities to get a different perspective and see how other universities work.
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