Impact Summary

1. ⚡️ 51% Faster preparation

   • WingLink helps students prepare 51% faster in the early stage of studying abroad.

     
     

2. 🚀 Effortless search

   • No more digging through scattered resources—WingLink makes it easy to find exactly what you need.

     
     

3. 💡 Wisdom that guides

   • “Talking directly to senior students saved me from taking so many wrong turns.”

How Does WingLink Work?

A Story That Inspired Me…🪶

Before printing and digital technology existed, people had to rely on more traditional and symbolic ways to share knowledge. A feather quill, dipped in ink, was used to write on parchment. Each stroke capturing thoughts and wisdom. It wasn’t just a writing tool; it represented the way knowledge and culture were passed down through generations.

This idea inspired the creation of WingLink app. Studying abroad can feel like being a young bird leaving the nest — exciting, but also full of uncertainty. Many international students face challenges with language, culture, and daily life, and it's easy to feel lost or alone.

We built WingLink with this in mind. Using the feather and the bird as symbols, we designed an app that helps guide students through their journey.

The Problem

💔 International students face cultural, academic, and daily life challenges but lack accessible and trustworthy resources to solve these problems.

😕 Existing solutions like forums and social media offer scattered, often unreliable information, leaving students spending hours searching without getting real help.

User Persona

User Journey

Goals - H.M.W

How might we design a solution that brings scattered information together, helping international students easily find mentors and gain shared experiences and life guidance?

Design Process

International students face numerous challenges at different stages of their journey — before, during, and after studying abroad. We identified the following needs.

Research Method - Survey

Through our research and analysis, we found that students hope to receive guidance and advice from experienced peers. However, existing tools provide scattered information and lack effective ways to connect with or find mentors.

User's Voices

我希望前輩可以分享如何融入國外當地生活 建立朋友圈。

I hope the seniors can share how to integrate into the local life abroad and build a social circle.

我希望從前輩那裡學習到如何調適留學過程中面臨的壓力與挫折，怎麼自己扛、處理生活瑣碎的事。

I hope to learn from mentors how to cope with the stress and challenges of studying abroad, and how to manage everyday life on my own.

我通常會上網查看是否有曾經住過的房客留言或回饋。

I usually check online to see if there are reviews or feedback from previous tenants.

當遇到租房問題時，我通常會嘗試跟房東、仲介討論，或是多問有經驗的人。

When I run into housing problems, I usually try to talk with the landlord or agent, or ask for advice from someone with more experience.

WingLink Is Grounded In Theoretical Foundations!

Information Architecture

Final Outcome

Reflection & Next Steps

1. 📝 Documentation matters!

   • Throughout the design process, I realized the importance of proper documentation. Keeping my thoughts clear and thoroughly recorded not only improved team communication but also significantly reduced future errors and uncertainties.
     
     

2. 🛠️ Technical growth

   • In this project, I honed my Figma fundamentals — from practicing AutoLayout and Variables to applying structured component systems.
     I learned the value of clear information architecture, consistent naming, and visual hierarchy. These practices not only improved team efficiency but also helped produce designs with both depth and great usability.
     
     

3. ♾️ Testing never ends…

   • Testing and iteration are ongoing processes. Even after the project wrapped up, I saw many opportunities to refine the user experience further. It reminded me that design thinking never stops, there’s always more to learn and practice.
     
     

4. 🤎 Designing with inclusivity in mind

   • Looking ahead, I hope to continue iterating through user feedback to enhance the overall experience. I also aim to strengthen cultural inclusivity within design — considering its deeper impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.