The Context
The world has been plunged into a pandemic beyond what anyone has seen in their lifetime, or can ever expect to see. COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus with an exponential infection rate that has ravaged 213 countries and territories and infected 4.7 million globally to date. Social distancing is our new reality, as businesses have shuttered and people have quarantined within their homes for weeks or months. Our work and social lives have been reduced to online interactions.
We wanted to rise to meet this unprecedented historical moment.
Project Introduction
Using theories of interaction design and user experience design, we addressed the moment of COVID-19 through the design of a service platform mobile application. Our solution responded to the fears, needs and reasons for breaking social distancing recommendations of millennials and Gen Zs discovered through research.
Roles: Storytelling & Writing, Research & Testing, Wireframe & Prototype Design, Concept Development
2020
Problem Statement: COVID-19 data shows that social distancing works but also that young people are not consistently practicing it due to boredom and a desire to socialize.
Why young people?
Millennials and Gen Zs comprise 60% of the global workforce.
They’re not all taking recommendations seriously - from flagrant disregard to occasional disobedience.
Stealth infection is an issue as 1/3 of COVID-19 infections can be spread by asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic people.
Methodology
Online Surveys
We surveyed 97 millennials and Gen Zs in the US and China using Google Forms and Tencent Questionnaire on how their lives have changed during COVID-19.
In-Depth Interviews
Using Zoom, FaceTime and interviews in-person with people in our households, we interviewed 18 millennials and Gen Zs. They were evenly split between American citizens, Chinese citizens in China and Chinese students living in America.
Opportunity Space
Taking all our findings into account, we narrowed in on a few intriguing insights.
“I am bored.”
People miss spending time with friends and family and are experiencing a great deal of boredom while stuck at home.
“I am fearful.”
The fear of getting infected or spreading the virus is a driver for why many stay at home.
“I find joy.”
Despite being stuck at home, people are finding joy in the little things.
“I am doubtful and disobedient.”
People view Americans as not taking COVID-19 seriously, especially at first, which has led to the US becoming the new epicenter. People believe it’s still okay to socialize in small groups, and even some who know it’s not feel they can break the rules every once in a while.
Design Outcome: Joy-In
We put the social back in social distancing
