Graduation project: integration and support for international students app design

Stage 1. Context and Research

The project began with extensive research on the integration challenges faced by international students in French universities. Interviews, questionnaires, and analysis of existing tools revealed common obstacles: complex administrative tasks, feelings of isolation, difficulty connecting with local students, and limited access to cultural experiences.

This phase highlighted that integration is not just administrative but also social and cultural; essential for student well-being and personal growth.

Stage 2. Problem definition

From this research, a core insight emerged: current digital tools focus mainly on delivering information but fail to engage students emotionally or socially. International students often miss out on opportunities to participate in campus life or explore local culture, leading to frustration and disengagement.

The challenge became clear : how might we design a solution that not only informs but also motivates and engages students throughout their integration journey?

Stage 3. Ideation & Design Execution

In the ideation phase, I explored concepts that combine gamification and social participation to foster engagement. The idea was to create a digital platform where students don’t just passively read information but are encouraged to interact, participate, and explore.

Key features envisioned:

• A reward system that unlocks points or badges as students complete integration tasks (e.g., attending campus events, submitting administrative documents, exploring the city).

• Challenges and quests tied to discovering local culture, trying traditional food, or visiting iconic places in the city.

• Community interactions, allowing students to share experiences, join groups, and participate in university life.

• A personalized dashboard guiding them step by step while celebrating their progress.