BeCurious
Overview
BeCurious, an app that actually cares to help immigrant international students transition and succeed in the Waterloo Region by providing cultural orientation, resources, and assistance based on surveys and interviews.
My contribution
UX/UI Design UX Research Business Analysis
The team
1 × Project manager 2 × UX/UI Designers 1 x Researcher 3 x Business Analyst
Year
2022
Process
The objective of this project is to reduce inequality for immigrants and international students by gaining a deeper understanding of the difficulties they may encounter and conducting research to inform the design of a final product that addresses these issues. The project focuses on this specific population as our team is composed of both international and immigrant students, and we believe that addressing the needs of this group can have a significant impact on the social environment and sense of community experienced by university students.
Outcome
In the development and implementation of the BeCurious app, our team aimed to encapsulate the notion of inclusivity and a supportive environment for immigrant international students. The app was designed to address the unique challenges that these students face when adjusting to life in a new country and cultural environment.
After conducting thorough research and gathering feedback from target users, we were able to develop a range of resources and support services that cater to the specific needs of immigrant international students. Some of the key features of the BeCurious app include
- Information on housing and accommodation options, including assistance with finding a place to live
- Information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities
- Language support resources, including language classes and translation services
- Cultural orientation and integration resources, including information on local customs and traditions
- Support for mental health and well-being, including access to counseling services and self-care resources
- Connections to local communities and resources, including information on cultural events and activities, and opportunities for volunteer work and community involvement
- A Calendar section that connects all activities, assignments, and events into one
Overall, the BeCurious app has been well-received by immigrant international students in Waterloo Region. Users have reported that the app has has potential to navigate the challenges of adjusting to a new country and culture with ease. The app will provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed in their studies and thrive in their new homes. In 2023, I showcased this app during a event held at my company Ethic Talent in partnership with Passage, Siavash Mahmoudian the CTO of passage loved the concept of BeCurious and asked me to send my design to him so they can implement some aspects in there app and website.