User Interview
"Students already use so many platforms,
but none of them really help them feel part of a supportive community. What they need is one place that feels built just for them."
College Professior
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Thinks students need a focused space designed around their real needs—connection, support, and sharing knowledge with each other.
“I’d be more open to asking questions if I could post anonymously after verifying my account. Group chats feel too exposed sometimes.”
College Student A
Feels isolated due to the lack of hands-on practice and peer collaboration opportunities.
“I mostly use Instagram or LinkedIn to connect with students, but it’s not really for sharing help or resources. I wish there was something more focused.”
College Student B
Wants a student-centered space to connect, exchange information, and support each other with things like job info or advice.
OVERVIEW
College life can feel like a lot. Between juggling classes, deadlines, and trying to find your people, it’s easy to feel a little lost. I designed UniVerse to be a space just for students where they can ask questions, share tips, and support each other through the ups and downs of campus life.
This idea came from something I kept seeing. Even with all the apps out there, students still didn’t feel truly connected or supported. So I focused on creating a space that brings everything together in a way that feels easy, welcoming, and helpful.
UniVerse is not just about staying on top of things. It’s about building a community where students can grow, connect, and feel like they’re not doing it all alone.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Product Design
UX Research
DURATION
6 weeks
Feb - Apr 2025
The Problem
76% of college students say they struggle to find academic
or emotional support from peers when they need it most.
Many rely on group chats or scattered platforms, but these often feel unorganized, impersonal, or overwhelming.
Existing student platforms focus too much on scheduling or announcements.
They miss what matters most—a space to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with people who understand
what you’re going through.
Source: Student Experience & Engagement Survey, 2024
“How might we create a seamless platform for students to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge, so that they feel supported and empowered throughout their college journey?”
Initial Research
Competitor Analysis
Research Insights
1. Simple, fast, and safe
Easy to use, quick to get help, secure to ask anything.
2. Real campus vibes
Feel like a real part of campus life, not just another app.
3. Balance academics and social life
Support both studying and making friends.
4. Moderated but lightweight
Enough structure to stay helpful, but still relaxed and welcoming.
Persona
Solution
“What if college students had a social platform that seamlessly integrates goal tracking, peer support, and collaboration to enhance their academic success?”
Story Board
User Testing
Iteration 1
Some users found it hard to quickly scan and understand key functions on the home screen.
Simplifying the layout and adjusting content flow made it easier to navigate and find information faster.
Before
After
✅ Cleaner, simpler visual hierarchy.
✅ Important sections like "Today's Class" and "Boards" stand out more.
✅ Easier to scan quickly without feeling lost.
❌ Layout felt crowded and overwhelming.
❌ Important actions and updates were buried under too much content.
Before
Some users were confused during the posting flow because the "Done" button felt unclear.
Renaming the button and adjusting placement improved the experience.
After
✅ Button renamed to "Post" for clearer action feedback.
✅ Overall posting experience became more intuitive.
Iteration 2
❌ "Done" button was vague and not action-specific.
❌ Unclear whether the post would be submitted or saved.
Design Progression
Low-Fi
Mid-Fi
Final Design
Conclusion
What I learned
Through the development of UniVerse, I gained valuable insights into designing for community-driven engagement, balancing user needs with intuitive UI/UX, and the importance of iterative testing. User feedback highlighted the necessity of simplicity, accessibility, and clear navigation to ensure a seamless experience.
What's Next?
Moving forward, I aim to refine UniVerse by enhancing its usability, incorporating additional personalization features, and optimizing engagement strategies. Further testing and iterations will help evolve the platform into a more impactful and student-centered tool.