UniStamp is a mobile app that brings together exchange and local students through campus events. As they join activities and meet-ups, students collect digital stamps — turning everyday moments into shared experiences and helping them connect across cultures.
Category: Lifestyle/Social network
Duration: 2 months
Tools: Figma, photoshop, illustrator
Research & Discovery
In-depth interviews with 20 international students revealed critical insights about the study abroad experience and social connection challenges.
5.3M+
Students Abroad
studying internationally each year
The Challenge
→
Meaningful Connections
struggle to build lasting friendships abroad
Survey Results
Key findings from our 20 participants
Main Challenge
48%
Language Barrier
Primary obstacle to forming connections with local students
Icebreaker Preference
Structured Activities
Prefer organized icebreakers over informal conversation
60%
University Events
Choose campus-based social opportunities to meet people
72%
Preferred Venue
Other Barriers to Connection
38%
Cultural Differences
40%
Informal Chats
24%
Limited Opportunities
Key Insights
01
Language Barrier is the Biggest Challenge
Communication issues create awkwardness and make it difficult to establish common ground with local students.
02
Students Are Willing to Engage
Even though students are open to talking, they face discomfort when it comes to breaking the ice.
03
Events Help, But Aren't Enough
University events help, but students struggle to find enough accessible opportunities outside formal settings.
04
Icebreakers Make a Difference
Structured icebreakers significantly ease first meetings and reduce social anxiety.
The Opportunity
Students need structured support to overcome barriers
University events combined with icebreaker activities create the perfect environment for meaningful friendships, helping students overcome language barriers and social anxiety.
Lucas, 22 y.o.
Exchange student
Motivation:
Lucas is motivated by fun, challenge, and recognition—he enjoys attending events where he can learn, compete, and meet interesting people.
Expectation:
He expects the app to be interactive, visually engaging, and to reward his participation through stamps or badges, while making it effortless to add and chat with new friends.
User Personas
Hana, 19 y.o.
Exchange student
Motivation:
Hana wants to make new friends, explore Japanese university culture, and improve her language skills in a comfortable environment.
Expectation:
She expects the app to help her find welcoming events, reduce the pressure of social interaction, and make it easy to stay connected with people she meets.
Aiko, 21 y.o.
Local student
Motivation:
Aiko is motivated by her interest in other cultures and her desire to form genuine connections with international students.
Expectation:
She expects the app to recommend friendly, low-pressure events and give her simple ways to interact and follow up with people she meets without feeling awkward.
Vision Board
Typography
Primary typeface for headers and body text
Color Palette
Light Blue
#E9F1FB
Black
#000000
Deep Blue
#1E2844
Red
#B70003
Feature 01
Personalized experience with passport colors matching your home country. Search for events and filter by interests, location, and date. The search functionality makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for.
Home & Search
Feature 02
Collect unique stamps at each event you attend and keep track of them in your personal collection. This gamification system encourages participation and creates memorable keepsakes from each social experience.
Stamp Collection
Feature 03
Add friends you meet at events effortlessly with QR codes. Build your network, view shared events, and stay connected with your international community. The QR code system removes friction from the friend-adding process.
Profile & Friends
