🚀 UX Hack-a-thon winning project
Rebuild Lives: Built a Mobile App that Connects Refugees to Resources
Context
ConnectX was created during a national UX Design Hackathon, where I secured 1st place among 40+ teams. The challenge focused on using design to solve a pressing social issue, I chose to address the complex journey of refugee resettlement.
The goal was to create a centralized digital platform that connects refugees with verified legal, medical, housing, and community resources, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.
My Role
Responsible for research,
conceptualization, and design.
Team
UI/UX Designer (me)
1 UX Researcher
Timeline
2 weeks
Summary
THE PROBLEM
Refugees struggled to access verified support during resettlement
When refugees arrive in a new country, they navigate a maze of disconnected systems. Most rely on word-of-mouth or unverified online sources, often leading to misinformation and unsafe outcomes. Without a centralized, trustworthy platform, resettlement becomes an overwhelming and uncertain journey.
WHY WE TACKLED REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
With over 110 million people displaced worldwide, I wanted to explore design can simplify this transition, helping refugees rebuild their lives with clarity, connection, and dignity rather than confusion and isolation.
27.1 million refugees
In the Year 2021 itself
110.3 million refugees
As of 30th June 2023
THE SOLUTION
What we came up with
THE IMPACT
I tested our final prototype with 15 potential users (refugees in resettlement programs) to evaluate the potential impact of ConnectX on their resettlement experience.
How did we come up with it?🤔
THE RESEARCH
Talking to refugees and volunteers revealed challenges that went beyond access
My main research goal:
▪️What are refugees’ biggest challenges during resettlement? Identifying barriers
▪️How do they currently seek help? Mapping their journey from arrival to integration
▪️Where can technology make a real difference? Finding opportunities
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Secondary
Market Research
4 in-depth competitor analysis
Research synthesis
Primary
5 in-depth interviews
Insights synthesis
Opportunities
Selected 4 ideas out of the 10 brainstormed ideas
SECONDARY RESEARCH
We analyzed the four main competitors in-depth and synthesized the findings. We created an opportunity map together to find out the commonalities and their differences between each product and define the opportunities for Connectx
USER INTERVIEWS
I interviewed 3 refugees, 2 social workers, and 2 nonprofit volunteers who actively support resettlement programs
The goal of the interviews was to uncover the emotional, logistical, and informational pain points in the resettlement journey.
3 key findings from the User Research
Project kicked off by conducting 5+ interviews, contextual inquiry, competitive analysis, and a thorough UX audit revealing 3 key problems...
Information was scattered and unreliable
Language and cultural barriers blocked access
Lack of guidance increased anxiety and isolation
USER PERSONAS
Who are we designing for?
EMPATHY MAP
Stepping into their Shoes
I created an empathy map to deeply understand the emotions, behaviors, challenges, and needs of the refugees. After creating a persona I wanted to humanize the data and empathy map helps identify the pain points and opportunities.
USER STORYBOARD
Visualizing their Journey
BRAINSTORMING
Ideation Session
The goal was to balance feasibility and empathy ensuring each concept not only solved a problem but aligned with the emotional realities of resettlement.
DECIDING ON THE FEATURES
What makes the app so special?
Online medical, law and social assistance
Navigation through the city as well as to community meetups, etc
Learn the language through our gamified custom section
Learn about skills for job market as well as receive assistance in housing
All features are supported offline
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
Structuring the Content
HIGH-FIDELITY WIREFRAMES
Mapping the Design
KEY SCREENS
Visualizing the Final Design
Onboarding
During the onboarding the app allows the user to choose their language. This multilingual feature allows users from all over the globe to use the app with ease.
Home
The home page has multiple features which the users can access. It caters to the users needs and also shows them of any upcoming events.
Documents
The users can scan and upload their documents to save them digitally in the app. They can even organize their documents in a folder structure. This allows users to customize.
Connect with Organizations
The app shows the users nearby organizations and amenities like hospital, grocery stores, etc. It even directs the user to the location on the maps which are available to be downloaded offline
Online Consultations & AI Translation
The app translates conversations for the users to engage in better conversations. Also, it allows users to book online consultation with the necessary help
Yay! You’ve made it to the finish line. Say hi!👋
Designed with love (and too much caffeine)
© 2025 Sreesha Suresh