The purpose of this project is to equip students with practical skills in human-centered design by authentically addressing the challenges faced by new arrivals at their school. Through user interviews and empathy-driven activities, students will gain deeper insights into the needs and experiences of newcomers and collaboratively develop solutions that enhance navigation and integration into school culture. This experience emphasizes real-world application and the impact of technology, fostering critical thinking and effective communication.

Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by transforming insights from user interviews into actionable prototype designs that address real-world challenges faced by new students. Through collaborative efforts, they will enhance their ability to co-design, make decisions, and assume leadership roles while resolving conflicts effectively within their teams. Engaging in reflection sessions, students will refine their communication skills by articulating their learning processes and adapting their prototypes in response to constructive feedback. As they navigate self-directed learning, students will demonstrate content expertise by applying computer science principles to create innovative and functional app prototypes that are relevant and valuable to their community.

Throughout the project, students will create a comprehensive empathy map reflecting the insights gained from interviews and empathy walks. They will then design and iterate on high-fidelity mobile app prototypes showcasing interactive maps and guides that address identified student challenges. By the project's end, students will have a functional prototype ready for presentation and exhibition, accompanied by documentation that articulates their design process and user-centered solutions.

Kick off the project with a "User Experience Empathy Walk" where students experience the school environment as new students might, navigating key locations like classrooms, offices, and communal areas. Encourage them to complete tasks that a new student would undertake, such as asking for directions or finding a quiet study spot. After the walk, collaboratively create an empathy map capturing observations and feelings encountered during the experience. This activity aims to foster a sense of understanding and perspective-taking, preparing students for insightful user interviews.

At the conclusion of the project, students can showcase their mobile app prototypes at a "New Student Experience Fair," inviting peers, teachers, and administrators to explore each team's digital solution. Each group will have a booth where they demonstrate their app's functionalities and share user feedback milestones. Attendees will receive a guided app tour, simulating its navigation features, followed by a student-led Q&A session. This interactive exhibition will facilitate authentic dialogue and feedback on student work while celebrating innovation and community impact.