besTeas

Overview

besTeas is a boba-centered service that I designed aiming to help students maintain a healthy work/life balance.

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Who

The University of Washington directed its design school students (me) to create innovative solutions around student friendships.

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The Problem

The University of Washington has recognized the increasing issue of loneliness among students, a situation that has been intensified by the social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Earned Insight

Solitary Guilt

One of the hidden emotions behind student loneliness was guilt. Throughout discovery sessions, I gained a clearer picture of the ‘why’ and 'how’ behind this data.

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Solitary Guilt – A Closer Look

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Solution

Boba Friendship Company

The 'besTeas' service offers a web platform for weekly activities and a physical reusable boba tea cup.

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Reoccurring Rewards

As a besTeas member, you get a reusable boba tea cup and earn unique stickers at events for personalization and extra rewards.

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Lower Guilt

Food-themed meetups exhibited low guilt levels, and students felt more productive.

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Stronger Friendships

The besteas not only reduced guilt but also demonstrated effectiveness in strengthening campus friendships, as indicated by high signup and referral rates.

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Testimonials

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Product Details, Physical Cup

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Product Details, Web Experience

To round out besTeas, I made a mockup wireframe of the site that users would use to sign up, view the weekly activities, and see their progress.

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Validation, One-Pager

Validation, Interview Guide

Ideation, Concepting, & Storyboarding