CanLink

Output: Mobile App | Role: UI/UX Designer | Timeframe: 14 Weeks

An application designed specifically for new immigrants and international students to learn the language and integrate into Canadian life. This software allows people from different ethnic backgrounds to easily break cultural barriers and quickly build strong networks.

Breaking Barriers!

In Canada, four-fifths of the population consists of new immigrants. However, 60% of foreign-born individuals report facing significant challenges in integrating into work and community life, leading to inconveniences and frustrations, especially for those with limited resources.

User Research

My team interviewed fifteen non-native English or French speakers, each with different life goals for coming to Canada. Our goal was to understand the factors that hinder their smooth integration into Canadian life and to learn about their personal experiences with ineffective attempts at integration.

After the interviews, we identified five key factors

Difficulty in learning and using English (or French, depending on the region), making everyday communication challenging.

Language Barriers

Struggling to form friendships or build social networks, leading to feelings of loneliness and a lack of community support.

Social Isolation

Cultural Differences

Challenges in understanding and adapting to Canadian cultural norms, which may lead to misunderstandings or discomfort in social settings.

Limited Resources

Difficulty in finding relevant resources or services that could help with integration, such as language classes, job-seeking assistance, or community programs.

Lack of Confidence

Many face low confidence in speaking a new language or navigating unfamiliar social situations, which further hinders integration.

Daily Vocabulary Learning

In addition to covering basic vocabulary related to food, clothing, housing, and entertainment, specifically include topics closely related to everyday life in Canada, such as the healthcare system, rental processes, and necessary vocabulary for document handling. Provide practical examples and contexts for usage, making learning more specific and useful.

Community 1

The Volunteer feature connects users with local volunteers for one-on-one support.

Intuitive Filtering System: Users can select volunteers based on specific expertise, language, or available time, ensuring they find the right volunteer quickly for immediate support.

Real-Time Notifications and Communication: The real-time messaging and notification system allows users to reach out to volunteers anytime they need assistance. After an issue is resolved, the feedback feature enhances satisfaction by encouraging timely responses.

Community 2

Designed to foster social interaction, the Activity feature offers a variety of community events.

Easy Activity Browsing and Participation: Users can quickly find suitable activities by category or date. Each activity’s details are clearly displayed, and users can bookmark events of interest for easy access later.

Social Interaction Reminders: After an event, a social reminder feature helps users connect with new friends or continue networking, fostering long-term social connections.

Community 3

The Neighbor feature allows users to share life moments and receive helpful advice.

Comprehensive Filters and Personalized Recommendations: With filtering by interest and profession, the app recommends various "neighbors" from different fields, helping users connect with ideal contacts for experience-sharing and personalized advice.

Bonus Rewards for Expanding Connections: When users complete networking challenges, the app rewards them with dining vouchers from local businesses, encouraging users to step out of their comfort zones and engage in face-to-face interactions.

Living Guide

The guide includes detailed information on various aspects of life in Canada, along with a helpful FAQ section that addresses common questions new immigrants may have

Interactive To-Do List:
Users can customize and follow a detailed to-do list (such as setting up utilities or applying for health insurance), with real-time reminders and notifications to ensure timely completion of important tasks.

Quick Links to Community Resources:Each section includes links to relevant community resources, making it easy for users to access practical help.

AI Reality Simulation

Provide conversation practice in various scenarios, such as hospitals, supermarkets, and community events, allowing users to familiarize themselves with the language in real-life situations. Consider integrating speech recognition technology so that users can engage in natural conversations with AI characters and receive immediate feedback and improvement suggestions.

Site Map

The sitemap provides a clear visual structure that helps users quickly understand the various features and content of the application.