Intercircle
School Project
The brief
Inter Circle is a revolutionary app designed specifically for international students to facilitate meaningful connections and social interactions both on and off campus. Developed with the aim of addressing the unique challenges faced by international students, Inter Circle serves as a virtual platform for fostering friendships, organizing events, and exploring new experiences together.
My role
As a UX/UI Designer for Inter Circle, my role was crucial in creating a seamless and user-friendly experience for international students using the app. User research, wireframing and prototyping, user interface design and information architecture.
The team
Hennie Burak – UX writer
Isabelle Axelsson - UX/UI Design
The work
The Challenge
International students face unique challenges, including online classes, cultural shock, language barriers, financial constraints, limited job opportunities, and visa-related issues, which can cause stress and isolation.
43%
of international students feel homesick at least once a week or more.
40%
of foreign students in the US have no close friends on campus
38%
of international students would feel less worried about studying abroad if mental health services were available in school
36%
of international students would feel less worried about studying abroad if they knew there would be no language barrier
TAM, SAM & SOM
710 000
TAM – Total Addressable market
International students in the US.
107 000
SAM – Serviceable Available Market
International students in New York City
1 959
SOM – Serviceable Obtainable Market
International students at Pratt Institute
The interviews
After interviewing students in the SCPS program, we quickly discovered how many similar experiences people had.
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Big frustrations for not having only in-person classes
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Feel isolated in NYC
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Not able to work
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Not able to meet people in online classes
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Not able to practice English Language
"I don´t feel the experience of being an international student.”
"I´m not able to build real relationships.”
"I miss hanging out with people in school.”
“I think that people should meet up in-person more often to do things together both in and outside of class”.
“I think Pratt should organize activities for internationals.”
“I really wanted to meet new people.”
"I love we can go to Museums for free or get student discounts.”
“I wanted to practice my English.”
“I wanted to find good connections with people.”
“I would like to spend more time outside and explore the city”.
How might we end isolation for out-of-state and international students so they can meet new people in and outside of school?
The Solution
After interviewing international students, finding their pain points, needs and motivators, doing research in the market, we finally came to an idea; A phone app!
After user testing the prototypes, the visual design started to take shape.
Visual Design
Key Visuals
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The color scheme is according to science something that will attract the millennial generation
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The app itself doesn't really have any competitors because it's a new type of app
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Even though the app has bright colors the app is accessible according to user research and the people who used the app have said things like "I love the colors" "It's very bright and fun"
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The fields to fill in are still grey just to not make it super crazy to fill out a form
The value
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An opportunity to learn more about other people’s cultures and new languages
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An opportunity to meet other classmates in-person outside and inside of school
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A networking opportunity to find a CPT after the program has ended
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To involve into a social life with other international students from the school
Pricing
Pay the license per semester, and we will cover everything! This app lets the school, staff, and ambassadors manage the app. Intercircle’s Team is responsible for all support and maintenance.
Marketing Channels
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Social Media
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Posters in the school
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Presentation on orientation days
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Word of mounth
