Background Introduce
Mental health and well-being have been areas of concern for students at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU). Laurier has built a campus app in the past, but it did not work well. So Laurier plans to improve the app. Unless Design Partners is a partner and is responsible for providing guidance for the project. The research and design of the project were carried out in the context of the three-year COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2019.
Project Goals
Wilfrid Laurier University needs this project to prioritize mental health and well-being and take proactive steps to create a campus environment that is supportive of the mental health of all students. This project aims to encourage students to use the information provided to guide policies, programs and resources to meet the unique mental health needs of Laurier students, working to build a more compassionate and supportive community at the university.
Preliminary research
Our team members come from different cultural backgrounds, including international students from Africa, China, the Philippines, and local Canadian students. Everyone has their own unique perspectives. When we brainstormed, one thing resonated with all of us, that is, as an international student studying in a new country, even local Canadian students have studied abroad in their previous education.
For international students, academic pressure, social adaptation, financial pressure, and uncertain prospects can cause strong psychological pressure, which may be exacerbated by cultural differences, language barriers, homesickness, and loneliness/isolation.
Therefore, universities should provide international students with tailored mental health support services and resources, such as counseling, peer support groups, cultural activities, and language assistance. By meeting the unique mental health needs of international students, universities can help them thrive and succeed in their academic and personal lives.
Data & Insights
How might We？
We noticed that international students were neglected in the area of health support and services. The existing system is more inclined towards "physical" health, but not "mental health" which can provide more support to international students
Therefore:
Obstacles
Issues specific to the international student population stem from language barriers and a lack of resources to build relationships with other international or domestic students.
Like most universities in Canada, Laurier University offers a variety of wellness supports and services. International students are not able to access these supports and services because they have to navigate the current system. International students have their own unique challenges and stressors that need to be addressed.
With the help of the survey results co-designed by Onlais and our own interviews and research, we found that building relationships with domestic and other international students from similar or different backgrounds is a basic need for international students.
With the unexpected emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, international students have faced even greater obstacles. During this time, they have felt neglected and lonely because they have lost face-to-face interactions and have difficulty going out due to various travel restrictions, which ultimately affects their mental health.
Create Solution
To address these needs, we recommend designing content to raise awareness among international students and connect them to mental health supports that are tailored to their needs.
To achieve our goal of improving international students' wellness, we first conducted research to identify the specific challenges and barriers they face in accessing and utilizing health services. We found that language and cultural differences, financial constraints, and lack of knowledge of available resources were the top barriers.
The peer program is designed to provide international students with opportunities to connect with domestic and other international students from similar or different backgrounds. The program will be facilitated by trained student ambassadors who can provide support and advice on how to navigate life at Laurier, including academic, social, and cultural aspects.
The program will also incorporate online resources and tools, such as virtual events and webinars, to support international students who are unable to physically connect with others due to travel restrictions or other barriers. Additionally, the program will provide information and resources tailored to the unique challenges and stressors of international students, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness.
Through this peer support program, international students at Laurier will be able to build meaningful relationships and support networks that can enhance their overall experience and promote their mental health. By prioritizing the needs of international students, Laurier can create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all students, regardless of their background or nationality.
Our ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive and accessible health support system that meets the unique needs of international students, promotes mental health and well-being, and helps them thrive academically and personally during their time at Laurier.
Low-fidelity Prototype
High-fidelity Demo
