Blossom
Blossom
Blossom
A mobile app designed to support young people who are at risk or experiencing homelessness to support their journey to reintegrate back into local communities.
Role
Role
Sole UX/UI Designer
Sole UX/UI Designer
Sole UX/UI Designer
Time
Time
4 Weeks
4 Weeks
4 Weeks
Tools
Tools
Figma
Figma
Figma
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Young people experiencing homelessness encounter many challenges, including difficulties accessing housing due to policy discrimination, leaving their homes and relationships having been to some extent socially and financially dependent, and significant developmental transitions during the crucial phase of transitioning into adulthood.
Young people experiencing homelessness encounter many challenges, including difficulties accessing housing due to policy discrimination, leaving their homes and relationships having been to some extent socially and financially dependent, and significant developmental transitions during the crucial phase of transitioning into adulthood.
Young people experiencing homelessness encounter many challenges, including difficulties accessing housing due to policy discrimination, leaving their homes and relationships having been to some extent socially and financially dependent, and significant developmental transitions during the crucial phase of transitioning into adulthood.
Solution
Solution
Solution
Creating and designing a platform for youths to offer various support and resources, and relevant tools such as housing, education, and healthcare support for young people at risk or experiencing homelessness to support their reintegration journey.
Creating and designing a platform for youths to offer various support and resources, and relevant tools such as housing, education, and healthcare support for young people at risk or experiencing homelessness to support their reintegration journey.
Creating and designing a platform for youths to offer various support and resources, and relevant tools such as housing, education, and healthcare support for young people at risk or experiencing homelessness to support their reintegration journey.
Overview
Overview
Overview
Youth homelessness is a serious problem in the UK. A homeless charity CentrePoint reported an estimated 129,000 young people between the age of 16 - 24 were either experiencing or at risk of homelessness in 2021-22. Various factors contribute to youth homelessness, ranging from family breakdowns to exclusion from school, leaving care, and the burden of physical and mental health struggles. Additionally, underlying factors such as gang crime, being a refugee, and domestic violence further compound this issue. The app is aimed at Gen Z who are a mobile-first generation so when creating an app that is supporting youth reintegrating back into local communities, I need to ensure I have that in mind.
Youth homelessness is a serious problem in the UK. A homeless charity CentrePoint reported an estimated 129,000 young people between the age of 16 - 24 were either experiencing or at risk of homelessness in 2021-22. Various factors contribute to youth homelessness, ranging from family breakdowns to exclusion from school, leaving care, and the burden of physical and mental health struggles. Additionally, underlying factors such as gang crime, being a refugee, and domestic violence further compound this issue. The app is aimed at Gen Z who are a mobile-first generation so when creating an app that is supporting youth reintegrating back into local communities, I need to ensure I have that in mind.
Youth homelessness is a serious problem in the UK. A homeless charity CentrePoint reported an estimated 129,000 young people between the age of 16 - 24 were either experiencing or at risk of homelessness in 2021-22. Various factors contribute to youth homelessness, ranging from family breakdowns to exclusion from school, leaving care, and the burden of physical and mental health struggles. Additionally, underlying factors such as gang crime, being a refugee, and domestic violence further compound this issue. The app is aimed at Gen Z who are a mobile-first generation so when creating an app that is supporting youth reintegrating back into local communities, I need to ensure I have that in mind.
User Research
User Research
User research stems from reports from charities that work with young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This research helped me understand the challenges these young people face to gain a better understanding of their needs and goals.
"Youth homeless in the UK has increased by an estimated two-fifths in five years, rising to more than 120,000"
Source: The Guardian)
User research stems from reports from charities that work with young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This research helped me understand the challenges these young people face to gain a better understanding of their needs and goals
"Youth homeless in the UK has increased by an estimated two-fifths in five years, rising to more than 120,000"
Source: The Guardian)
User research stems from reports from charities that work with young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This research helped me understand the challenges these young people face to gain a better understanding of their needs and goals
"Youth homeless in the UK has increased by an estimated two-fifths in five years, rising to more than 120,000"
Source: The Guardian)
Further Insight:
User Interview
User Interview
User Interview
Further Insight:
These quotes are from the charity Homeless Link report on youth homelessness: "Young and Homeless 2020"
Key Findings:
The cost of living crisis including the spiral increase in housing makes it difficult for young people to find affordable housing.
Systemic inequalities contribute to the disproportionate impact of homelessness on young black people.
The pandemic highlighted the urgent need to strengthen support networks and services for young people.
These quotes are from the charity Homeless Link report on youth homelessness: "Young and Homeless 2020"
Key Findings:
The cost of living crisis including the spiral increase in housing makes it difficult for young people to find affordable housing.
Systemic inequalities contribute to the disproportionate impact of homelessness on young black people.
The pandemic highlighted the urgent need to strengthen support networks and services for young people.
These quotes are from the charity Homeless Link report on youth homelessness: "Young and Homeless 2020"
Key Findings:
The cost of living crisis including the spiral increase in housing makes it difficult for young people to find affordable housing.
Systemic inequalities contribute to the disproportionate impact of homelessness on young black people.
The pandemic highlighted the urgent need to strengthen support networks and services for young people.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Conducting a competitive analysis, focusing on comparing the app features, the user journey, and UI elements will help me understand better what features would be beneficial to users when designing the app.
Conducting a competitive analysis, focusing on comparing the app features, the user journey, and UI elements will help me understand better what features would be beneficial to users when designing the app.
Conducting a competitive analysis, focusing on comparing the app features, the user journey, and UI elements will help me understand better what features would be beneficial to users when designing the app.
Further Insight:
Key Findings:
Using simple language is important when providing information.
Create an app with a simple, intuitive, and visually appealing design for users of all technical proficiency levels.
Having a map feature is crucial for users to find their nearest support service easily.
Balance the use of words and images in the user journey to make it more.
Key Findings
Using simple language is important when providing information.
Create an app with a simple, intuitive, and visually appealing design for users of all technical proficiency levels.
Having a map feature is crucial for users to easily find their nearest support service.
Balance the use of words and images in the user journey to make it more.
Key Findings:
Using simple language is important when providing information.
Create an app with a simple, intuitive, and visually appealing design for users of all technical proficiency levels.
Having a map feature is crucial for users to find their nearest support service easily.
Balance the use of words and images in the user journey to make it more.
Define
Define
User Personas
User Personas
The user personas were created based on the findings of my user research. I wanted to make sure that the personas reflected the real challenges that these young people face so that I could design a solution that would be truly helpful.
The user personas were created based on the findings of my user research. I wanted to make sure that the personas reflected the real challenges that these young people face so that I could design a solution that would be truly helpful.
The user personas were created based on the findings of my user research. I wanted to make sure that the personas reflected the real challenges that these young people face so that I could design a solution that would be truly helpful.
Ideation
Ideation
Mind Maps
Mind Maps
I created a mind map to gather my thoughts and ideas based on my user research.
I created a mind map to gather my thoughts and ideas based on my user research.
I created a mind map to gather my thoughts and ideas based on my user research.
Information Architecture
Information Architecture
I used information architecture to help organise and structure the information in my app in a way that is user-friendly and easy to understand. This includes creating clear and concise labels, using consistent terminology, and grouping related information. I also made sure to use a simple navigation system that would be easy for users to follow.
I used information architecture to help organise and structure the information in my app in a way that is user-friendly and easy to understand. This includes creating clear and concise labels, using consistent terminology, and grouping related information. I also made sure to use a simple navigation system that would be easy for users to follow.
I used information architecture to help organise and structure the information in my app in a way that is user-friendly and easy to understand. This includes creating clear and concise labels, using consistent terminology, and grouping related information. I also made sure to use a simple navigation system that would be easy for users to follow.
Crazy 8
Crazy 8
I used information architecture to help organise and structure the information in my app in a way that is user-friendly and easy to understand. This includes creating clear and concise labels, using consistent terminology, and grouping related information. I also made sure to use a simple navigation system that would be easy for users to follow.
I used information architecture to help organise and structure the information in my app in a way that is user-friendly and easy to understand. This includes creating clear and concise labels, using consistent terminology, and grouping related information. I also made sure to use a simple navigation system that would be easy for users to follow.
I used information architecture to help organise and structure the information in my app in a way that is user-friendly and easy to understand. This includes creating clear and concise labels, using consistent terminology, and grouping related information. I also made sure to use a simple navigation system that would be easy for users to follow.
Mid Fidelity Wireframe
Mid Fidelity Wireframe
Mid Fidelity Wireframe
High Fidelity Wireframe
High Fidelity Wireframe
High Fidelity Wireframe
The Solution
The Solution
The Solution
Prototype
Prototype
Link to the prototype : Click Me !
Prototype
Link to the prototype : Click Me !
Design System
Design System
Design System
Accessibility
Accessibility
When designing Blossom, I wanted it to be accessible to all users when engaging with the app.
I used the Contrast plugin on Figma to ensure I complied with the WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA standards
Use of simple languages - ensuring the information is easy to understand for all users and avoiding technical terms users are not familiar with.
They included dictation into the search bar - to be accessible to users who have difficulty typing.
Option to change languages - Being accessible to users who speak different languages.
Labelling navigation bar - helping users to navigate the app more easily.
When designing Blossom, I wanted it to be accessible to all users when engaging with the app.
I used the Contrast plugin on Figma to ensure I complied with the WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA standards
Use of simple languages - ensuring the information is easy to understand for all users and avoiding technical terms users are not familiar with.
They included dictation into the search bar - to be accessible to users who have difficulty typing.
Option to change languages - Being accessible to users who speak different languages.
Labelling navigation bar - helping users to navigate the app more easily.
User Testing
User Testing
I asked some group of users. to provide feedback on the design of the app, and whether it met the criteria of the brief. I wanted the app, Blossom to be handled with empathy. The response I received was the design was "easy to use" and "helpful" "not overwhelming to navigate".
I asked some group of users. to provide feedback on the design of the app, and whether it met the criteria of the brief. I wanted the app, Blossom to be handled with empathy. The response I received was the design was "easy to use" and "helpful" "not overwhelming to navigate".
Reflection
Reflection
I found this case study enjoyable and insightful. I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that young people face when dealing with homelessness. I believe that this understanding helped me to create a user-centred solution that would be effective in supporting young people.
One of the challenges I faced was not being able to conduct primary research due to limited resources. I would have liked to conduct user interviews or surveys to gain direct insights into users' needs, behaviours, and preferences. This would have revealed new opportunities for user needs that may not have been initially evident. Nevertheless, the secondary research that I conducted played a crucial part in understanding the pain points and goals that needed to be addressed.
Overall, prioritising user needs and embracing future iterations, this app holds the potential to be a powerful tool for young people navigating the challenges of homelessness.
I found this case study enjoyable and insightful. I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that young people face when dealing with homelessness. I believe that this understanding helped me to create a user-centred solution that would be effective in supporting young people.
One of the challenges I faced was not being able to conduct primary research due to limited resources. I would have liked to conduct user interviews or surveys to gain direct insights into users' needs, behaviours, and preferences. This would have revealed new opportunities for user needs that may not have been initially evident. Nevertheless, the secondary research that I conducted played a crucial part in understanding the pain points and goals that needed to be addressed.
Overall, prioritising user needs and embracing future iterations, this app holds the potential to be a powerful tool for young people navigating the challenges of homelessness.
I found this case study enjoyable and insightful. I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that young people face when dealing with homelessness. I believe that this understanding helped me to create a user-centred solution that would be effective in supporting young people.
One of the challenges I faced was not being able to conduct primary research due to limited resources. I would have liked to conduct user interviews or surveys to gain direct insights into users' needs, behaviours, and preferences. This would have revealed new opportunities for user needs that may not have been initially evident. Nevertheless, the secondary research that I conducted played a crucial part in understanding the pain points and goals that needed to be addressed.
Overall, prioritising user needs and embracing future iterations, this app holds the potential to be a powerful tool for young people navigating the challenges of homelessness.
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Let's bring your design vision to life.