Key Research Insights
According to my extensive research, immigrants makeup about 15% of the total population of the US, with Mexico being the largest origin country for immigrants.
In Canada, each year, around 300,000 people immigrate to Canada, which is 22% of the overall Canadian population.
According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, the process of immigration could be stressful and could lead to mental illnesses. Add to that a global pandemic, and you’ll see a decline in mental health furthermore.
That’s when communication and technology come into place. According to Family Separation and the Impact of Digital Technology on the Mental Health of Refugee Families in the United States study, analyses showed that communication between separated families through ICTs (information and communication technologies) was a major source of emotional and mental well-being for a large number of refugee participants.
Persona
User Stories
User Stories
With that in mind, I came up with my persona. Veronica is a 27 years old immigrant living in Canada. She left her home country of Mexico to find a better future. She is close with her family and video chats with them on a regular basis.
Motivations
Veronica is close with her family and video chats with them on a regular basis.
Pain Points
She feels frustrated that she misses them and can’t see them like she used to which makes them feel distant.
User Stories
User Stories
User Stories
With my persona in mind, I had the following opportunity: A video chatting app that shows the surroundings of the user for a more immersive experience when video chatting.
After creating my user stories, I had chosen one epic to work on:
"As an immigrant, I want to share my environment with my family and friends so that they can interact with it and feel immersed."
Concept Sketches
Concept Sketches
Concept Sketches
Concept Sketches
Concept Sketches
Concept Sketches
Solution Sketches
Solution Sketches
Solution Sketches
Solution Sketches
Solution Sketches
Solution Sketches
User Testing
Overall Testing Results
Overall Testing Results
I conducted 2 rounds of usability testing with 10 users (5 in each) in order to obtain practical, real-time feedback that can be incorporated to improve the design, in order to provide a more optimal user experience.
The tests were done virtually on Dec. 17 and 18, 2021.
Scenario
An existing User (Persona):
- Summary:
- Have used a messaging and video calling app before
- Has moved to another country/has family abroad
- Goal:
- to make an engaging 360° video call with their mom
Overall Testing Results
Overall Testing Results
Overall Testing Results
The user testing proved to be really beneficial.
The testers struggled to grasp the full concept of the app because in real life, they’re supposed to pan their phones, whereas in the app they’re clicking and dragging which might be confusing.
Key Learning & Future Thinking
Key Learning
Building upon my existing design skills, I have discovered that good design ideas come from extensive research and trial and error.
Starting my project, I had a clear idea in mind but limited to one solution. After doing research and conducting user testing and prototype iterations, I learned that the design only gets better and better.
It is important to tackle any problem space with an open mind and embrace the ambiguity that comes with it.
Future Thinking
Some other features that would be added to the app in the future:
- VR (would require a headset) for a fully immersive experience
- The ability to take a screenshot or record screen of the video call
- The ability to share the 360° photo background with other users
Answering the tarot card of tech on the right:
If two friends use my product, it would bring them closer together because the 360° video call feature is immersive and interactive. The users would feel as if they were together sharing the same experience.
They can also schedule a phone or video call to suit both their convenience which will result in better and more consistent communication.
