Sprint 1: Research → Sprint 2: Research Analysis → Sprint 3: Ideation → Sprint 4: Prototype
We took a thoughtful approach to analyzing the feedback from the participants and categorized it into quantitative and qualitative data. This allowed us to gain deeper insights into their pain points and aspirations, and use the information to make meaningful improvements.
The quantitative data is identified to the exact age of interviewees. By using the central tendency measures, the mean is 23 years old, the median is 22 years old, and the mode is 22 years old. Additionally, we can ascertain the age demographic of the target participants, which, in turn, enhances our comprehension of the analysis
Our research findings revealed that several factors contribute to social disconnectedness. These include emotional factors, language barriers, novelty, the fear of rejection, and social disconnection. In our study, a majority of the participants expressed apprehension toward initiating interactions with unfamiliar individuals, which resulted in a pronounced sense of social disconnection. Additionally, language barriers pose difficulties for international students coming from diverse backgrounds. The third important finding was that the experience of novelty can be overwhelming for people in new situations. Moreover, some individuals experience an underlying fear of rejection by their peers, which can significantly harm their self-confidence.
<aside> 👉🏻 Overall, a majority of our participants reported experiencing pronounced marginalization and isolation within their respective circumstances and environments, thereby fostering a desire to establish connections with new networks.
</aside>
Based on the pain points and the needs we found out from the primary research about first year international students, we made a persona of Alice Wan, a 22-year-old international graduate student who commenced her academic journey in Toronto two months ago.
From our interviewees, they express hesitancy in forming social connections, highlighting the flexibility of online engagements but facing difficulties in real-life interactions due to language barriers. Students frequently contemplate social challenges, worrying about fitting in and pondering ways to bridge cultural gaps.
She endeavors to foster new connections with an expanded social circle in this new situation in Toronto. However, Alice has a tight academic schedule as she’s always diving deep into her studies and she has limited social opportunities.
To foster connections, they actively research online for social events, join clubs, and seek out community gatherings. Despite their efforts, feelings of overwhelm and isolation dominate their emotions, particularly in the unfamiliar setting of Toronto.
Alice Wang actively seeks new connections in a new environment. She observes her surroundings, looks for social events, and takes initiative to build connections. However, she faces challenges such as initiating conversations without seeming odd and finding a balance between schoolwork and social activities. Despite feeling motivated, she occasionally gets overwhelmed. She explores solutions to form connections and experiences moments of sadness and introspection.