Our Journey
This domain is particularly relevant due to Vancouver’s high cost of living, complex housing market, and unique challenges international students face in adapting to life in Canada.
We focused on developing an app that supports these students in one critical areas: job opportunities and finances, helping them navigate the practical difficulties they encounter while studying.
01
Understanding Usability
In the early stages of our app's development, we focused on the fundamentals of usability. Drawing from essential principles, our team evaluated the importance of creating a platform that is learnable, efficient, and satisfying for international students. By integrating usability testing methods, we aimed to ensure that every interaction with the app aligns with the unique needs of our users. This foundation is key to providing an intuitive experience as we build features like work-hour tracking, job applications, and AI-powered interview preparation.
02
Insights to Implementation
Building on our usability foundation, we entered the next phase with a focus on refining functionality and enhancing the app’s practical impact. This stage was about translating user feedback into actionable changes, ensuring every feature—from visa uploads to AI-powered interview practice—aligns with the real-world challenges faced by international students. By iterating on design and functionality, we are shaping an app that is not only intuitive but also a dependable companion in navigating work and study abroad.
03
Refining Pathways
This phase of development brought a sharper focus on user interaction and accessibility. By analyzing user needs, we refined NextStep's interface, balancing functionality with a modern aesthetic. Features like tailored job recommendations, multilingual support, and intuitive document management ensure seamless navigation for international students. As we progressed, integrating feedback allowed us to combine key elements from multiple design pathways, creating a unified platform that supports users in managing their work-life balance and career growth efficiently.
04
The NextStep Experience
As we finalized our prototype, we focused on addressing key pain points for international students, including work-hour tracking, job applications, and interview preparation. The design prioritizes accessibility with a multilingual interface and features like tailored job recommendations, document management, and AI-driven interview simulations. This phase emphasized usability, with a clean layout, intuitive navigation, and robust personalization options. By aligning every detail with user needs, NextStep is set to empower international students in Vancouver to navigate their careers with confidence.