1. Overview
Problem Statement
Filipino immigrants often face significant challenges when settling into New Zealand, including cultural isolation, lack of community support, and limited access to resources that aid in their adjustment.
Solution
PinoyPals is a mobile app designed to support Filipino immigrants in New Zealand by offering a space to connect, share experiences, and access resources tailored to their needs. The app provides access to local events, support groups, wellness resources and cultural content. The Kabayan campaign further amplifies this initiative by promoting community-building through social media, merchandise and events.
Main Features
• Local events • Forums page
• Support Group • Wellness Resources
My Role
As the project lead and designer, I was responsible for the end-to-end development of PinoyPals, from initial research to branding and user experience design.
2. Design Process
For this project we used the Double Diamond method.
3. Empathize
User Interviews
To understand the challenges faced by Filipino immigrants in New Zealand, I conducted user interviews with individuals who had recently settled in the country and Filipinos who have been in New Zealand for 1-2 years.
STYLE: Moderated INTERVIEW TYPE: 1:1
Number: 3 people Duration: 20 mins
Number: 3 people Duration: 20 mins
Main questions I asked
• What challenges did you face when you first moved to New Zealand?
• How did you find support or connect with others from your community?
• What type of resources or services would have been helpful to you in adjusting to life in New Zealand?
• Would you find value in a platform that provides local events, support groups, and wellness resources?
Preparation
In order to stay organized and take track of all sessions, I used FigJam. I also obtained consent forms to ensure participants understood the purpose of the research and how their input would be used.
Key Insights
• Most of the participants had a strong desire for community where they could connect with other Filipinos
• Many highlighted the importance of staying connected to Filipino culture
• Majority of the participants faced feelings of isolation and homesickness
• Faced common issues of adjusting to local customs
Based on the results I obtained, Filipino immigrants in New Zealand face significant challenges, including a strong need for community, cultural preservation, emotional support and practical guidance.
4. Define
User Persona
From the user interviews that I’ve conducted, I developed a persona that caters to their needs.
5. Prototype
I created initial wireframes, followed by hi-fi with Figma, so I can test out the product
Low-fi Mobile, PinoyPals
Hi-fi Mobile, PinoyPals
6. Usability Testing
To evaluate the effectiveness of the app, I conducted usability testing to observe how how people interacted with the app and ensure it aligned with the needs of my targeted audience
STYLE : MODERATED
Main Tasks I asked to complete
• Finding and registering for a local event
• Browsing through the wellness content (Filipino recipes, support group)
• Finding the topic "Support for International Students" in the Forums page
Main usability issues
The following changes are a few of the things that I applied based on the testing feedback
Usability Issue 1
"It would be nice if there was an option to switch between Tagalog and English"
Users wanted a bilingual feature for the app.
Before, no option to change languages
After, added a button to switch between
English and Tagalog
Usability Issue 2
“If possible, it would be great if there was a way to have a category section for the Forums page”
Users had trouble navigating through the forums page and it felt overwhelming to sort through the different topics
Before, users felt overwhelmed with the many topics available to them
After, added a 'filter' option to sort through the 'most popular' topic and made the squares clickable that will lead them to the discussion
7. Final Results
User Problem
Users struggle with connecting with Filipinos in the community when settling into a new country and building a new support network. Many expressed the feelings of isolation and difficulty finding resources that addressed both practical and emotional needs
Solution
I have made a mobile app called 'PinoyPals' that is designed to address these challenges. The app provides a welcoming platform for Filipino immigrants to access local events, join support groups, and explore wellness resources, fostering a sense of belonging
Kabayan promotional ad
8. Reflection
Outcome
The development of 'PinoyPals' successfully addressed the key challenges faced by Filipino immigrants in New Zealand by creating a platform where they can create connections within the community, help them to stay connected with their roots and provide emotional support. Feedback from user testing sessions was positive, with the participants expressing how much this app provides a much-needed space to connect with others.
Takeaway
This project has taught me the importance of designing with empathy and cultural sensitivity. By using the Te Whare Tapa Whā framework, I learned how to approach well-being holistically, ensuring that the app addressed the social, mental, and cultural needs of Filipino immigrants.
