Housing Research for Refugees and Newcomers
A UX research project for the City of Kingston
Client: City of Kingston
Timeline: 14 Weeks
Role: UX Researcher (Group Project)
Tools: Surveys, Interviews, Competitive Analysis
Target Audience: Refugees and international students in Kingston
Problem Statement: Newcomers to Kingston face challenges in finding affordable and culturally inclusive housing. This project aimed to identify pain points and propose actionable solutions to improve housing accessibility and foster a sense of community.
Overview: This project, completed for the City of Kingston, explored the housing challenges faced by newcomers, including refugees and international students. The goal was to identify barriers related to affordability, cultural inclusivity, and social isolation, and to propose actionable, research-driven solutions to improve housing accessibility.
My Role & Responsibilities
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As the UX Researcher in this group project, I:
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Designed and distributed surveys targeting 50 participants.
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Conducted interviews with 10 newcomers to gather qualitative insights.
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Analyzed data and synthesized findings into actionable recommendations.
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Collaborated with the team to perform competitive analysis and align solutions with client goals.
The Process
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Research Phase:
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Conducted surveys and interviews to uncover challenges faced by newcomers.
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Competitive analysis of successful housing initiatives in cities like Toronto and Ottawa.
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Key Findings:
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Limited affordable housing options.
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Language and cultural barriers in interacting with landlords.
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Lack of shared living spaces leading to social isolation.
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Recommendations:
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Increase affordable housing options.
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Enhance maintenance and safety standards.
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Strengthen community support services.
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Improve access to public transport.
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Address language barriers and information gaps.
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Incorporate cultural needs in housing design.
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Develop shared living spaces with proper amenities.
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Promote government involvement and policy changes.
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Expand social and cultural integration programs.
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Simplify housing access requirements.
Perceptions of Housing Affordability in Kingston
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Survey results on how newcomers rate the affordability of housing in their area.
Impact
Our findings and recommendations were presented to stakeholders, including:
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Improved Housing Accessibility: Recommendations to increase affordable housing options directly address affordability challenges faced by newcomers.
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Enhanced Living Conditions: Proposed improvements to maintenance and safety standards ensure better living environments.
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Strengthened Community Support: Suggested initiatives like shared living spaces and cultural integration programs foster a sense of belonging and reduce social isolation.
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Easier Access to Resources: Recommendations to address language barriers and provide information in multiple languages make housing resources more accessible.
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Encouraged Policy Reforms: Advocacy for government involvement and policy changes creates a more equitable housing system for all.
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Better Mobility for Newcomers: Improved access to public transport supports better connectivity and accessibility for daily needs.
Key Learnings
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Empathy in design is crucial when addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.
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Collaboration and clear communication are vital in group projects.
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Effective research leads to actionable recommendations that create real-world impact.
Lessons Learned
This project taught me how to balance user needs with feasible solutions and present findings effectively to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with broader goals for inclusivity and accessibility.
Prioritized Housing Requirements for Newcomers
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
