HUHO
An academic project where I utilized user research to develop the UX/UI of HUHO, a conceptual app aimed at fostering social connectedness through the presence of technology.
Collaborated with Asher Hunt and Jackson Coleman to synthesize research findings and present the project at the Belmont University Research Symposium.
Technology: helpful for long-distance, harmful for in-person connections.
Video Demonstration
College students' perspectives on technology's social impact
A mixed method, including 12 interviews and 33 participant survery, was used to explore views on social connection and current tech use and identify areas for improvement and future application.
Definition of Social Connectedness
PART 1
“Logged into social media, keeping up to date with friends and news.”
-Survey Participant
“Frequent personal interactions with others in your age group.”
-Survey Participant
“You are knowledgable about what is going on online.”
-Survey Participant
“To have a close-knit community that you are in regular communication with and can be vulnerable with.”
-Survey Participant
Current Technology Usage
PART 2
Types of Technology
Usage of Social Platforms
Areas for Improvement
PART 3
Staying up to date with long distance friends
Sharing content for entertainment
Learning about new things
Positives
Peer Comparison
“Materialistic and fake”
Addictive algorithm
Negatives
Impersonal
Poor mental health
Shallow connections
PART 4
Future Applications
How would you prefer an app/website help you in being socially connected?
Updates on new events in the community
Ease in connecting with people
Finding activities to do with friends
Connecting with groups for school projects
What features and functionalities would you prefer an app/website have to help stay connected?
Community commenting
Customization
Security/verification
Commonalities among friends
Who are the users?
Angel, a STEM graduate student, enjoys working but also values relaxation. On a Wednesday night, she seeks alternative plans as her favorite bar isn't hosting trivia this week.
Stefan, a motion graphics major and sports enthusiast, eagerly anticipates March Madness each year and enjoys a game of pickup. On Friday, he and his roommates ponder their plans for the evening.
Kristin, a graphic designer, reads romance novels and watches true crime with friends on weekends. Seeking more variety, she feels her and her friends’ weekends have become tedious.
What do the users think?
Clarification on icons and button locations.
Usability testing was completed with 13 individuals. Participants performed tasks while being monitored and then provided feedback using a survey. This process identified two areas requiring refinement to ensure a seamless user experience.
Noticeability of “My Events” tab
Icon labeling
