Community Connect
Community Connect is a multiplatform space for neighbors of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to find and post community service, event, and meet-up opportunities.
project overview
The problem
It can be difficult for recent transplants or immigrants to engage with their new communities and build connections.
The goal
Community Connect allows new community members to develop relationships through community service and skill sharing.
My role
Designer and Researcher
user research
Through user research we were able to connect with the primary objectives of the project.
We were also able to further define the specific needs and desires of language learners and new community members as they engaged with the service.
Problem statement
Jason is a recent immigrant who needs an accessible way to find events in his new community because the language barrier can inhibit his social interactions.
initial design
We wanted a more accessible version of a community bulletin board. A place where neighbors can post about gatherings that felt inclusive, inviting, and respectful of others.
Mockup
The initial features of the Bulletin Board and a calendar or map are the first things visible.
Additional features added included a suggestion to highlight stories of the events and service projects being facilitated via Community Connect.
Prototype
The low-fi prototype allowed for a basic flow of a user volunteering for an event. We decided to keep the prototype functions simple for testing with linguistically diverse users.
usability research
Improved Navigation
Users had difficulty returning to the Bulletin Board, so we created a “bulletin” icon on the bottom of the screen that allowed users to return at any time.
Increased Accessibility
Users struggled with titles and action words and were interested in connecting with others, so we included an easy to find “translate” button and icon next to each section, and added a more salient “connect” button.
final design
App Design Mockups
High-fidelity mockups were redesigned using findings from the usability study, including improved navigation, increased accessibility, and a more prominent social media feature.
Desktop Design Mockups
The desktop design highlights featured stories that users at their desks may be more likely to engage in. We also got rid of the map feature at the top, replacing it with a “map view” since users were less likely to be viewing the page on-the-go.
Tablet Design Mockups
The tablet version also highlights the featured stories. With both the desktop and tablet, we opted for an “Add an Event” button in lieu of the transparent “+” button, since users may be more likely to list events from a larger device at work, etc.
Prototype
take aways & next steps
