Macquarie University

Creating student connection and engagement through an innovative mobile app

Challenge

Macquarie University's SJET initiative revealed that hybrid learning made it harder for students to feel connected. Many struggled to build community or navigate campus resources. A sense of belonging had declined post-pandemic.

Discovery

We conducted student surveys across Australian universities to define "belonging," explore project collaboration, and test appetite for a connection-focused mobile app.

Development

• Community, friendships, and self-expression were key to belonging
• Students want to meet peers with shared academic or personal interests
• Centralized communication was a high priority
• Students prefer proactive, relevant notifications
• Passion projects foster deeper engagement and connection

↑ User flow

↑ High-fidelity screens

Key Features

• Personalisation: Tailored content based on user survey at sign-up
• Landing page: Shows updates relevant to students' programs & needs
• Support for online students: Connects remote students locally
• Passion project hub: Collaborate on creative & academic side projects
• Campus events: Easily organise or join study groups, meetups, and more

Outcome

The proposed app brings students together through interest-based connection and communication, addressing the sense of isolation intensified by online learning. It reimagines how student services can empower belonging, engagement, and wellbeing at Macquarie University.

Reflection

This project reminded me that technology alone doesn’t create connection—intentional design does. By actively involving students throughout the process, I was able to understand their real challenges with feeling isolated and overlooked, especially during the early weeks of university life.

What stood out was the importance of designing with—not just for—users. Co-design sessions helped us uncover subtle emotional needs that traditional surveys might miss. It reinforced my belief that empathy-led research and rapid prototyping are key in shaping digital tools that foster meaningful human connection.