Hi, I'm Su, a user-centred designer with a visual design background. I enjoy exploring connections between people and the world, focusing on thoughtful experiences that combine empathy, creativity, and research to design solutions that resonate with users.
Turning anxiety into lasting friendships
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Echo is a platform designed to support users in managing their emotions, building meaningful friendships, and ensuring a seamless transition from online connections to real-life friendships to overcoming social anxiety.
According to the UK government, 60% of individuals experiencing chronic loneliness in England also suffer from mental distress, with young women being at higher risk. Loneliness also takes an economic toll, as it reduces productivity. All of this highlights the importance of addressing loneliness.
An online survey was conducted featuring social interaction questions and five key questions from the UCLA Loneliness Scale, gathering responses from 127 participants and identifying 15 with high or moderate loneliness. 5 of these individuals were selected for semi-structured interviews and a 10-day diary study. Thematic analysis was applied to the collected data to extract deeper insights.
– The primary source of belonging is in-person socialising
– Easy to find like-minded people online, but difficult to transition offline
– Feeling empowered when spreading social issues awareness
– Fear of being labelled when sharing online
During the co-design session with a potential user, five concepts based on initial ideas were presented. Each concept was discussed and brainstormed in depth. In the final co-design session, attention was given to ethical design practices to anticipate potential misuse of the platform. Eventually, based on these ethical considerations and secondary research, the first iteration of the project was developed.
The process was iterative, involving 8 participants in design and experience prototyping. It underwent 3 key iterations to refine the final concept and details. Additionally, the project leveraged the behaviour model and business model to enhance persuasiveness for users and stakeholders.
After a 30-minute chat with the ECHO AI assistant, users are matched with potential friends. The AI assistant monitors social activity to offer personalized suggestions and provides recommended chat topics to ease in-person conversations and avoid awkward moments.
ECHO Friends can level up through suggested topics, interactive games, and accumulated chat hours. After upgrading, users can choose to unlock real identities and meeting plans, ensuring privacy.
ECHO’s anonymous communities allow users to speak freely. Reward points are earned by replying to posts, receiving likes, and upgrading friends’ levels. These points can be redeemed for cash at partner stores or used to increase match opportunities.
The ECHO Emotion Centre provides a well-being support community where users can use points to request professional responses from experts.
In addition to suggested topics, ECHO provides immediate safety assistance. Users can review guidance in advance to reduce meeting-related anxiety. If stress becomes overwhelming during an in-person meeting, a concern notification and step-by-step guidance are sent to access help from the partner venue.
Ting-Yu Su
EXPERIENCE
2020-2022
ES Design Studio
– UI/UX Design, Graphic Designer
2019
Universe Studio
– Visual Design Intern
AWARDS
2022
– Awwwards Awards Honorable Mention Award
2020
– Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design
– Communication Arts Design Competition Winner
Nomination
– Young Pin Design Award: Visual Communication Design
– Young Pin Design Award: Product Design
– Taiwan International Student Design Competition: Visual Design
– A Plus Creative Festival: Visual Communication Design
– Vision Get Wild Award: Communication Design of Graphic
– Vision Get Wild Award: Creative Strategy
