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nite
A responsive networking app for university students
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Project
Background
RUnite is a digital networking platform for Rutgers University students. Currently the university does not have a system where students can connect professionally with peers and alumni (graduated students).
This app allows individuals to set up public chat posts to connect with peers, to chat and video call with alumni, and also to open study group video sessions for academic help.
The app also allows students to find other students who are in their study group and contact them - even when not having their phone number and only having their name. Thus, they can set up a study group for the people they may have met in class earlier who they need to work with now.
*Alumni refer to the Alumni
students of Rutgers
University
Problem:
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There needs to be a stronger relationship between New students and Alumni to share educational and professional experiences
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Students need to connect to other students
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Students need a platform to join/create study groups
Solution:
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Provide better exposure to students by
encouraging a cross-functional networking platform
Role:
UI/UX Designer
Time:
1 week plus time to
polish UI
Goal:
Created web app and its UI/UX
Tools:
Figma, Miro, Illustrator
The Process
Empathize
Market Research
Industry Background
Networking Features
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Social networking platforms are designed to help people build relationships
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Platforms are used to to boost business productivity
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The industry can delve into marketing and advertising purposes
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Networking apps can be utilized for public relations (casual & professional)
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Examples of features : Profiles, News Feed, Connections, In-app Messaging, Value-added Content
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These features increase audience reach, direct engagement, and create a low-cost method of communication
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Ages 12-35 are more likely to use them
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Should consider initial users and their ability to use features
75%
Of alumni organizations believe they need to update the technology solutions offered to engage alumni.
77%
Of surveyed alumni or constituents stated that
they would be more likely to engage with an
organization if the benefits information and
communication platforms were phone friendly.
Competitor Analysis
Continuing onward a competitor analysis was conducted to compare where RUnite stands in the market. The research allowed more clarity on what features should be included to help RUnite stand out.
Unmoderated Survey
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A small unmoderated survey was conducted that revealed information from three main questions. The survey was distributed online with 30 responses from Rutgers University students. The ages of responders were diverse.
1
What is the feature that they most value in networking apps?
2
Do they use social media or networking apps? (Ex: Facebook, LinkedIn)
3
Are they comfortable using an app like RUnite?
Empathy Mapping
Insights:
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People like the idea of a private chatting community between students
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People prefer to talk with alumni students over text and video
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People expect the app to be easy with lots of functionality
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Needs:
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Contact and connect with alumni students
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Verify alumni and student data protection
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Chatting publicly and study group features
Storyboard
Gia is a 1st year student at Rutgers University and does not know where to go to connect with peers, talk to alumni, or utilize university resources.
Her classmates want to create a study group with her for her Physics class. They recommend “RUnite”. Gia downloads the app on the appstore.
Once Gia downloads and creates her profile she is able to join her study group as well as many other study groups. She communicates on the public chat and also learns that she can reach out to alumni students.
Gia connects with her classmates and alumni through the platform. This allows her to gain valuable information about classes, internships, opportunities, and future career paths.
She continues to stay in contact with fellow alumni and shares the app with other Rutgers University students.
Define
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Problem: Users need a platform to connect with alumni efficiently
How might we… foster these connections?
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Creating a directory of alumni contacts and a chatting page for students and alumni to network
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Problem: Users would like to connect with their peers in different settings
How might we… design different platforms to help them communicate?
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Allowing students a platform to speak freely and post questions
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Giving opportunities for students to create their own or join other study groups
Ideate
User Flow
Prototype
An initial prototype for was created for testing purposes - updates were made later according to user acceptance teting findings
Scroll down to see the finished final app design
Test
User Dislikes
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Did not like the color combinations and preferred a less vibrant color
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Thought professionalism of app could improve
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There was no “Study Group” screen developed
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Buttons and images could be prettier and more aligned
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There weren’t more features to expand on the current features
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Liked that the login screen was very clear on where to input Net ID and password
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The idea that there was three different options to choose from and explore
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There was a back button to revert to the previous pages
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There was a home button to revert to the home page
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Their alumni contacts appeared clearly with timing of last test as well as profile images
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Did not have any
strong feelings towards
the clear all contacts feature
User Likes
Final App Design
Based on the user testing including likes and dislikes, the prototype was modified for stronger functionality. To the right is an interactive element to view the Final App Design.
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Click around on the phone to play with the design >
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Click To Interact!