International students face multiple challenges in staying connected with their families due to time zone differences, busy schedules, and technological barriers. There is a need for a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that supports effective communications and facilitates the connections between family members.
Jan–May 2024
UX Designer
Product Design
3D Modeling
SolidWorks
FigJam
Oscar Chen
Annie Chang
Sawani Deshmukh
Annie Huang
Steven Cheng
A communication device designed to help international students stay connected with their families, regardless of the distance. Featuring a simple smiley face, MYLO acts as a comforting presence in your home, symbolizing the warmth and positivity of family connections.
We used SolidWorks to 3D model our prototype, which was then 3D printed to create a physical version for testing. Since the prototype lacked functional electronics, we conducted Wizard of Oz usability testing, simulating interactions to gather insights.
4 key insights came from our interviews and surveys:
87.3% of participants cited time zone differences as a major barrier.
60% prefer frequent short interactions over long calls.
Students and families hesitate to initiate communication because they’re worried about interrupting them.
Families want reassurance without intruding.
How might we…
help international students and their families stay connected across time zones and busy schedules, while providing emotional support and promoting stress relief?
Features
Interaction:
Pick up to record messages instantly.
Color changes or message icons signal new messages.
Interactive pixel-based face that reflects communication frequency (happy face for regular contact, sad face for infrequent interaction).
Base Unit:
Physical buttons for play/pause and recording.
Light ring around the play button indicates message length.
A screen on the base that only activates when the lamp connects.
Constraints
Due to limitations with electronics and technical expertise, we were unable to develop a fully functional prototype. Instead, we focused on creating a detailed 3D model and conducted Wizard of Oz usability testing, simulation product interactions.
Future Steps
Develop Electronics: Partner with engineers to integrate microphones, speakers, and sensors.
Refine Design: Integrate user feedback by improving button interactions and microphone placement and adding visual/tactile cues and signifiers to improve user experience.
