This project aims to enhance students' understanding of human-centered design by creating a mobile app prototype tailored to support new students in acclimating to their school environment. Through experiential learning, students will develop skills in empathy, user research, and iterative design by engaging with real-world challenges faced by new arrivals. The project encourages students to synthesize their findings into practical solutions, fostering a sense of connection and contribution within their school community.

Students will develop skills in design thinking, focusing on empathy and user-centric design, as they conduct user interviews to inform their app development. They will enhance their ability to synthesize qualitative data, driving actionable insights for creating intuitive app features. Additionally, students will refine their communication skills through iterative critique sessions, applying feedback to build a prototype that clearly conveys the school's culture and layout. Throughout the project, they will strengthen their collaborative abilities by working in teams to connect with real-world user needs and perspectives.

In this project, students will develop a high-fidelity mobile app prototype tailored to the needs of new students navigating school culture and layout. They will conduct user interviews to gather insights and use these findings to guide their design process. The project culminates in a 'Prototype Fair,' where students present and test their app prototypes, gathering real-time feedback for revisions. This hands-on experience will result in an interactive app featuring dynamic maps and resource guides, directly addressing the needs and pain points discovered during user interviews.

Kick off the project with an 'Empathy Walkthrough' by pairing students up to role-play as new students on a guided school tour. Encourage them to note observations and emotions experienced during the walkthrough. Conclude the event with a reflective group discussion, analyzing their observations and brainstorming ways their app can address these newcomer challenges, thereby setting the stage for empathetic and user-focused design.

At the culmination of the project, organize a 'New Student Open House', inviting incoming students and their families, school staff, and community members. Students will present their mobile app prototypes, showcasing their features through interactive demonstrations. The event will include feedback stations, where guests can engage with the apps, providing real-time feedback and additional insights. This celebration of learning not only highlights students' design skills but also initiates a welcoming dialogue within the school community.