UI｜UX Design
Every connection is a new way to know the city.
AI-powered city discovery designed to spark connection, cultural curiosity, and belonging.
At some point, we all arrive somewhere new, whether by choice, chance, or necessity.
In those first days, what we often need most is not just information, but connection.
CityGaggle is a platform that helps newcomers feel less alone by recommending local events tailored to their interests. By turning shared experiences into meaningful encounters, it bridges the gap between new arrivals and longtime locals, making unfamiliar cities feel like home, one gathering at a time.
ROLE
UI/UX Designer
SKILL
Figma
This project began with a focus on international students adapting to new environments.
Through interviews and field research, I discovered that the feeling of disconnection isn’t unique to international students — it’s something many newcomers experience when moving to a new city.
This realization shifted the project toward designing belonging, a more human way to enter a new city.
Understanding the Newcomer Experience
Background
Research Framework
Design Decision
Interviews revealed that the feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and unfamiliarity aren't limited to international students-they're shared by anyone starting fresh in a new place.
This insight inspired me to expand the focus to all newcomers, designing a platform that helps people turn unfamiliar cities into places of connection and belonging.
Key Findings
Adapting take time
Newcomers faced similar struggles with social integration, academic pressure, and homesickness.
Digital connections matter
Online platforms and community programs became essential for support and belonging.
Shared culture build trust
Cultural exchange and guidance networks fostered confidence and connection.
How Citygaggle Thinks?
CityGaggle uses AI not to replace human interaction, but to understand it.
The system learns from users’ interests, behaviors, and emotional cues to recommend meaningful local events and companions.
Rather than showing a list of random activities, it curates opportunities that help newcomers feel seen, connected, and at home.
From Insight to System Logic
The design goal was to bridge human belonging with sustainable engagement. The intersection defines CityGaggle’s core value —— connecting newcomers and locals through shared city experiences.
Project goal
System Ecosystem
The design goal was to bridge human belonging with sustainable engagement. The intersection defines CityGaggle’s core value —— connecting newcomers and locals through shared city experiences.
Project Goal
This flow illustrates how CityGaggle guides newcomers from discovering local events to forming real world connections, powered by adaptive AI loops.
Storyboard： From discover to belongings
Visualizing how AI transforms discovery into belonging throug Sofia's journey.
Other Research
Experience Flow : Turning Curiosity into Connection
From Sketch to System
I began by sketching possible homepage layouts to explore how newcomers could discover events more intuitively.
Through mid-fidelity iterations, I tested different ways to balance playfulness and usability from search based to AI assisted discovery.
Designing Playful Discovery
Challenge — The “Help me choose!” button felt static and mechanical.
Insight — Users wanted a playful, conversational way to explore events.
Solution — I redesigned it as an expressive micro-interaction that invites curiosity, turning a button into the start of an AI-guided journey.
Key Design Challenge 1:
Designing for Human Connection
Branding
The design system reflects CityGaggle’s dual nature intelligent yet approachable.
Each element is crafted to balance clarity with warmth, ensuring that AI-driven recommendations feel playful, human, and trustworthy.
High-Fidelity Journey: From Curiosity to Connection
How AI turns everyday exploration into meaningful local experiences.
Challenge — The early AI suggestions felt impersonal and data driven.
Insight — Users wanted the AI to understand their vibe, not just answers.
Solution — I reframed recommendations as a light, story-based dialogue, making AI feel like a companion that learns through shared experiences.
Key Design Challenge 2:
Reflection
Through this project, I learned how AI design is not about automation, but about understanding how to using technology to make human connection feel effortless and warm.