Introduction

In today's globalized world, people are increasingly relocating to different countries, and moving to a new city can be a daunting experience, especially when navigating the cultural differences and practical challenges. Gothenburg, a vibrant city in Sweden, is no exception. To address this challenge, an application is being developed to help people moving to Gothenburg. In this UX research, we aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges of people moving to Gothenburg to inform the design of the application.

Challenges

To better understand the needs of people moving to Gothenburg, we conducted in-depth interviews with individuals at different stages of the relocation process, including those who were in the planning phase, those who had just arrived, and those who had been living in Gothenburg for several months. The challenges that emerged during the interviews included a lack of knowledge about the city's cultural norms, difficulty finding accommodation, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with the public transportation system. Additionally, interviewees expressed a desire for personalized recommendations for activities and events, as well as opportunities to connect with other expats or locals.

Solution

Our research findings led us to propose several key design considerations for the application. Firstly, the application should provide comprehensive information about the city's culture and norms, as well as practical information about housing, transportation, and healthcare. Secondly, the application should offer personalized recommendations for activities and events based on the user's interests and preferences. Thirdly, the application should include a feature that facilitates connections between expats and locals, such as a forum or social network.

To address the challenge of finding accommodation, the application could include a feature that allows users to search for apartments or rooms for rent based on their budget and preferred location. To address the language barrier, the application could offer language learning resources and translation services. To address the challenge of unfamiliarity with the public transportation system, the application could provide information on routes, schedules, and fares, as well as a feature that allows users to plan their journeys. Finally, to address the desire for social connections, the application could provide a feature that connects users with local groups or events based on their interests.

Some of the interview insights.

one of the key insights from the research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our UX research provided valuable insights into the needs and challenges of people moving to Gothenburg, and helped to inform the design of the application. By addressing the practical and social challenges that arise when relocating to a new city, the application can help to facilitate a smoother transition for expats, making Gothenburg a more welcoming and inclusive city.