Ames Welcome Package:
A Design for Social Good Project
Project Overview
The Product
The "Ames Welcome Package" is a comprehensive and user-friendly website that embodies the core idea of fostering a sense of community and actively facilitating integration for immigrant parents and their children in the Ames community. At its heart, the platform recognizes the significance of community-building and addresses the compelling desire to become an integral part of the local culture.
A fundamental need that the Ames Welcome Package aims to address is the lack of opportunities for language learners to effectively learn and practice English within the community. The platform recognizes the vital role language plays in integration and provides a dynamic solution by incorporating a dedicated Chatbot and translation services.
Project Duration
February- April 2023
The Problem
Immigrant parents and their children encounter barriers while integrating into the Ames community, including language limitations, a lack of access to essential local information and services, and challenges in building meaningful connections within the community.
The Goal
Create a comprehensive and user-friendly digital platform that empowers immigrant parents and their children to seamlessly integrate into the Ames community by providing them with accessible resources, language learning tools, and community-building features, enhancing their ability to navigate local services, connect with fellow community members, and thrive in their new environment.
My Role
UX researcher entrusted with shaping the platform's development, grounded in a deep understanding of the needs and experiences of immigrant parents and their children as they integrate into the Ames community.
Responsibilities
Conducting in-depth interviews and user research, planning and executing usability testing sessions to assess the usability and effectiveness of the platform's features, iteratively refining the design based on user feedback and observations, analyzing data, incorporating accessibility considerations.
Impact
The Ames Welcome Package transforms the integration experience for immigrant parents and their children by bridging language and cultural gaps, providing essential resources, and fostering a strong sense of community connection.
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One quote from a user:
"I understand some basic words, but there is this big silence in my world."
What I learned
While collaborating on the creation of the Ames Welcome Package, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end UX design process, encompassing every stage from inception to implementation. This project marked a pivotal moment in my UX journey, as it was my first opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through my graduate UX course. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team consisting of a UX researcher, UX designer, developer, and instructional designer, I was able to fully immerse myself in the intricacies of design and development.
Understanding the User
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User research
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Pain points
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Storyboard
User Research Summary
My user research journey for the Ames Welcome Package encompassed secondary research and primary interviews and observations to deeply understand the unique needs of immigrant parents and their children during the integration process.
I began by delving into secondary research to comprehend the potential user base seeking support for their integration into the Ames community. Subsequently, I conducted interviews and conducted observations to gain profound insights into the diverse users I was designing for and their multifaceted needs.
One key user group that emerged prominently from my research was immigrant families, particularly couples, who encountered challenges in adapting to the Ames community. Similar to initial assumptions, the research validated the importance of addressing language barriers, but it also revealed a broader range of issues. These encompassed not only language barriers but also concerns about the affordability of resources, a limited selection of available options, and practical challenges associated with integration.
Through interactions with participants, I gained deeper insights into their experiences. These users highlighted the significance of accessible language learning tools, community-building resources, and localized information to navigate the intricacies of daily life in Ames.
Analyzing the data from the interviews & observations
Emerging User Pain Points, Wants/Hopes/Desires/Needs
Using How Might We Voting to Prioritize Identified Opportunities Based on Usability Study Findings
Visualizing the User Journey: Storyboad
Starting the Design
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Paper wireframes
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Digital wireframes
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Low-fidelity prototype
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Usability studies
From Paper Wireframes to Digital Wireframes
We created a low-fi prototype using a Canva template. This looks like a mockup, however, we used it as a digital low-fi to help us visualize the design and get some more user feedback.
Findings from the Second Round of Usability Study
Key take-away: Immigrants need to get oriented in Ames and know the pertinent resources needed to live here
Design Solution: A digital welcome package that connects immigrants with other immigrants and needed resources to get settled into Ames.
New features to be added to the final design:
1- online forum and the ability to message other users
2- information page with info about schools, banks etc. and key English phrases for these things
3- in person events with representatives from important places such as the bank, DMV, schools, etc.
Refining the Design
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High-fidelity prototype
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Accessibility
High-fi Prototype
Accessibility Considerations
Keyboard Navigation
Ensured that all interactive elements and features can be accessed and operated using keyboard navigation alone, without relying solely on mouse interactions.
Screen Reader Compatibility
Platform compatible with screen readers, providing alternative text for images, labels for form fields, and ensuring proper semantic HTML structure.
Readable Layout and Structure
A clear and consistent layout with organized content and headings that help users navigate and understand the structure of the platform.
Language
Ensured that the platform can accommodate different languages and cultures, allowing users to switch between languages or access content in their preferred language.