Settling into a new city as a newcomer presents a complex set of challenges. Thorough pre-relocation research is essential, covering aspects such as housing options, living costs, public transportation, shopping hubs, and entertainment venues. However, much of the available information is geared toward tourists or short-term visitors, often overlooking the needs of those seeking to build a life in their new community. While exploring various social media platforms and apps, the information encountered tends to be fragmented, lacking personalized insights tailored to individual preferences and lifestyles.
This project aims to address the challenges faced by newcomers when relocating to a new city by creating an innovative product that simplifies their transition and enhances their experience in adapting to a new lifestyle. Through interviews, observations, and data analysis, we will identify user needs and common challenges. Using a human-centred design thinking approach, we will collaborate, iterate, and refine based on feedback to deliver a personalised and seamless user experience.
Stanford’s Design Thinking methodology guided this project, emphasizing user needs through an open, iterative approach. Following the five stages—empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test—ensured a structured, user-centric framework that effectively achieved the objectives.
Immigration
People migrate to the UK for education, jobs, culture, and humanitarian reasons. International students make up 39% of immigrants, with 37% of London’s population being foreign-born.
Challenges of a new lifestyle
The process of adapting to a new lifestyle could lead to a phenomenon referred to as acculturative stress, defined as what an individual might experience whilst adapting to a new lifestyle. This stress could develop issues such as poor mental health, stress, depression, poor medical care, homesickness, culture shock, social exclusion, discrimination, social defeat, among others.
Cost of living
Nearly 30% of Londoners face financial instability, with 20% struggling significantly, underscoring the high cost of living. Between 2020 and 2023, essential expenses soared—shopping costs rose 27%, energy bills 5%, recreation 3%, and rent 14% in a year.
Current platforms
Apps and social media group’s recommendations such as SpareRoom, Gumtree, LinkedIn, Monzo, Wise, Bumble, Hinge, Bolt, Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, Secret London, among many others, amidst the array of online content for those seeking guidance aided by digital tools.
Surveys and interviews findings
We listened to user’s challenges of adjusting to a new lifestyle. A series of interviews were performed with users who have recently relocated to the city, aiming to understand the primary challenges they encounter in adapting to their fresh surroundings. These insights were extracted from their responses.
Activities, exploration and socialising
Participants enjoy exploring the city but prefer visiting unique and less busy places. High living costs limit their activities, causing frustration. Many of them struggle to connect with others in the city, feeling isolated despite using social platforms.
Authenticity and reviews
Participants rely on digital platforms for reviews to ensure authenticity and avoid surprises. However, they find the overwhelming information from large databases like Google Maps makes it harder to find specific, personalised feedback. Users trust Instagram for lifestyle content and recommendations. TripAdvisor and Google are key for discovering new places, while platforms like MeetUp, Yelp, Reddit, and Facebook also provide valuable insights.
Apps and social media
Participants turn to digital platforms for authentic reviews to avoid surprises, but the vast amount of information on sites like Google Maps makes it difficult to find personalised feedback. Instagram and TikTok are trusted for lifestyle content and recommendations, while TripAdvisor and Google are essential for discovering new places. Additionally, platforms like MeetUp, Yelp, Reddit, and Facebook offer valuable insights.
Transportation and commute management
Users prioritise efficient city navigation, with challenges like TFL strikes, delays, and long commutes. Proximity and accessibility are key when planning activities. Google Maps and City Mapper are their preferred transportation platforms.
Design process
User journey
Information architecture
Usability test feedback
Using the 5-act interview methodology, five participants were invited to test the app through tasks such as exploring the interface, saving a round to favorites, and creating a shareable list. This approach provided valuable insights into user behavior and pain points, guiding iterative design improvements for a more intuitive user experience.
Positive first impressions of the app
Users appreciated the descriptive and useful information about places but faced issues with non-functional filters. They requested details on walking difficulty and walkability. All users completed tasks easily, rating the experience 5/5, and praised the appealing UI design.
Navigation and tag improvements
Users praised the useful tags on places and routes but highlighted navigation functionality as needing improvement. Requests included TFL details (e.g., busy hours) and separating visited places from a wish list. While missing features compared to Google Maps were noted, the tagging system stood out as a key strength.
Creating and editing routes
Users requested transport symbols, budget enhancements, and notes for saved places. They wanted search-by-address functionality and raised privacy concerns. Copying and editing routes was seen as useful, but users preferred flexibility over fixed routes. The budget feature was popular, with calls for smart spending tips. Seamless TFL integration was critical, as the prototype only simulated this. Routes were appealing for showcasing creators’ tastes and fostering connections.
