Brainstorming
Exploring the problem space and generating initial concepts.
Problem Space
Students face significant challenges when preparing for study abroad. The process is often overwhelming, with information scattered across multiple sources.
Information Overload
Too many sources with conflicting information.
Lack of Engagement
Traditional guides are dry and unmotivating.
Complex Process
Multi-step procedures that are hard to track.
User Personas
Based on our research and stakeholder consultation, we developed two personas representing typical students preparing for study abroad applications.
Emily Chen
EARLY EXPLORERAge: 18 | Year 1 Undergraduate
Emily has just entered university. She has limited knowledge of application requirements and feels overwhelmed by unfamiliar terms such as GPA requirements, language tests, and personal statements.
- • Understand the overall postgraduate application process
- • Learn basic requirements (GPA, IELTS, internships, research)
- • Explore different countries and study options
- • Reduce uncertainty about long-term planning
- • Information online is fragmented and difficult to understand
- • Cannot judge what preparation should start now
- • Feels anxious due to lack of clear guidance
- • Unsure how current choices affect future applications
- • Beginner-friendly explanations
- • Step-by-step guidance with clear structure
- • Gamified learning to maintain motivation
- • Visual progress tracking
Jason Li
STRATEGIC PLANNERAge: 21 | Year 3 Undergraduate
Information and Computing Science
Jason has already decided to apply for overseas postgraduate programmes. He understands his GPA, IELTS target, internship experience, and project background, and now wants to evaluate suitable universities and assess admission competitiveness.
- • Identify universities matching his academic profile
- • Evaluate admission probability
- • Compare programmes efficiently
- • Plan remaining improvements before deadlines
- • Difficulty matching profile with universities objectively
- • Too many ranking lists with inconsistent standards
- • Unsure whether he is competitive enough
- • Hard to visualize strengths and weaknesses
- • Profile-based university matching
- • Clear visual feedback on competitiveness
- • Personalized recommendations
- • Progress-based gamified milestones