Project Background
This app was inspired by my experience with language barriers when I moved from Thailand to the United States at 21, where everything, especially the language, presented new challenges. Struggling to communicate effectively, I sometimes hesitated to approach professors with questions or to make new friends, which negatively impacted my academic and social life. Often, I chose to spend time with people from my home country, which hindered my progress in improving my English.
This app aims to support international students by helping them connect easily with native peers, overcome language challenges, and build meaningful cultural connections in a supportive environment.
“The more you use the language,
the quicker you'll learn.”
Research Insights
60.3%
Participants of the study indicated that it is very hard for them to manage their academics because of language barrier
9.5%
International students experienced social isolation, almost 42% higher than domestic students.
40%
International students report having no close American friends and say that they wish they had more meaningful interaction with those born in the United States.
User Personas
First Ideation
I initially considered creating physical products to help students engage in their classrooms. However, after talking to some users, I realized that this wouldn't address the social aspect. So, I developed the idea for an online app that helps students connect with more people, practice English, and ask questions about their lessons—all in one!
Final Ideation
an online community app
Low Fidelity & User Flow
I created low-fidelity wireframes to map out key features like signing up, creating profiles, and selecting language preferences. These wireframes helped shape a simple and clear user flow, starting with an easy onboarding process and leading to features that make it easier for users to connect, chat, and exchange languages. The design focuses on being user-friendly, accessible, and intuitive for everyone.
Final Prototype
Welcome & Sign up page
Non-students and tourists looking to make friends while traveling can also join the app by signing up as other.
Non-Student Sign up Page
No need to verify the identity
Student Sign up Page
Step 1:
Choose a Username (visible to everyone)
Set Password
Enter City and State
Enter School Name / School Email
Specify Native Language
Step 2:
Upload a photo of your School ID or Driver’s License
Upload a photo of yourself holding the ID
Verification:
Your submission will be verified before access is granted.
Customize Own Character
Main Page
Realtime day/night time
Activity Match
Club
Notification
Students can create or join groups or events based on their interests
Friend List
Your own picture
Find New Friend
Find New Friend
User Profile
You will see this icon, their major, and school if you and that user both register as a student
This is what you will see if you register as another type of user
Friend Request
Friend List
Chat Room
You can chat one-on-one after accepting the friend request.
This feature allows you to connect randomly with others who speak the language you select
Translate messages in the chatroom
option to turn on/off this feature
Online Room
where you can walk around and meet other people online
*If you register as a non-student, only the city and state you registered will be displayed.
Your School
You can connect with fellow students from your school
Your City
You can connect with students from different schools or in your area
Each school will have its own unique outfit, specially designed to represent its identity and culture.
Live Translation
Live Transcribe
Transcribe speech to text live
Transcripts
All transcripts will be saved here for later study.
I developed a storyline and collaborated with an animator to create a short animation for my final exhibition.