Designathon
University Of California, Irvine
PATHWAY : Visa Management Application
UCI Designathon : Making a Visa Management Application
Problem Statement: We are reimagining how individuals interface with the complex U.S. visa process, aiming to reduce stress, confusion, and anxiety through a user-friendly app that offers clear guidance, real-time updates, and step-by-step support. Introduction The U.S. visa process is complex, often causing stress and confusion due to long processing times, fear of visa revocation, and difficult-to-understand policies. With the increasing challenges faced by individuals navigating this system, we identified a need for a solution that empowers users with clarity, support, and transparency. PATHWAY is an intuitive, AI-powered platform designed to streamline the visa management process. It offers real-time updates, personalized guidance, and easy access to resources, ensuring users can confidently manage their visa status without feeling overwhelmed. Our goal was to simplify the process, reduce anxiety, and make immigration management more accessible through a digital tool that directly addresses the pain points identified in our user research.
Designathon ROLE EXPERTISE Duration University of California, Irvine UI/UX Designer Prototyping 24 hours Design
Research Findings
Research Findings 👥 Research Methods & Insights - Surveys, interviews, and analysis of immigration-related article - Insights gathered from international students, families with immigrants, and U.S. citizens - Focus on pain points around confusion, anxiety, and fear of visa revocation Key Findings: 1. Confusion & Lack of Transparency: Users struggle with bureaucratic language and unclear instructions. 2. Stress & Uncertainty: Delays in processing times and the uncertainty of visa status cause anxiety. 3. Limited Access to Help: Timely assistance during the application process is often difficult to obtain. 4. Fear of Visa Revocation: Users fear their visa could be revoked for minor errors or unclear steps.
🧩 Problem The U.S. visa process is often overwhelming due to it complexity and lack of clear guidance. Users experience stress, uncertainty, and confusion while navigating the system, with limited access to help and an ongoing fear of visa revocation.
Low & Mid Fidelity Designs
🎯 Goals 1. Simplify th visa management process for users 2. Provide real-time updates and clear guidance on visa status 3. Ensure transparency in the immigration process 4. Design an intuitive, user-friendly platform to reduce anxiety and confusion
🔍 Justifying Design Choices - Used clear typography and simple language to ensure accessibility for all users - Emphasized real-time notifications and step-by-step guidance to help users stay informed - Focused on a clean, minimalistic interface to reduce cognitive load and improve ease of use - Prioritized mobile-first design to ensure the app is accessible anytime, anywhere
🛠 Iterations & Challenges - Major Design Challenges: Balancing AI-powered features with simplicity for users unfamiliar with technology - Iterations: Several versions of the user interface were tested to ensure clarity in instructions and ease of us - Accessibility: Focused on providing easy-to-understand guidance for a diverse range of users, including those unfamiliar with the immigration process
High Fidelity Screens
(view all high fidelity screens on the protoype link)
🔮 Future Opportunities - User Testing: Conduct usability testing to further refine navigation and ensure the app meets user need - AI Integration: Expand the AI’s role in offering tailored recommendations and proactive alerts - Interactive Modules: Add features like visa tracking and reminders to further enhance user experience
UCI Designathon 2025 : Reflection & Impact
The PATHWAY app offers a solution that directly addresses the pain points faced by individuals navigating the U.S. visa system. By simplifying the visa management process, providing real-time updates, and offering clear, step-by-step guidance, PATHWAY empowers users to confidently maintain their visa status. While further testing and iterations are always possible, this app provides a meaningful impact in reducing the stress and complexity of the immigration journey. We believe that PATHWAY has the potential to transform how people interact with immigration systems, making it more transparent, accessible, and user-friendly.
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