UX Projects

Before conducting fieldwork, desk research was carried out to better understand the challenges faced by immigrants arriving in Madrid. This included reviewing studies, articles, and online forums related to housing, adaptation, and emotional well-being.

Before conducting fieldwork, desk research was carried out to better understand the challenges faced by immigrants arriving in Madrid. This included reviewing studies, articles, and online forums related to housing, adaptation, and emotional well-being.

The analysis revealed several recurring issues: difficulty finding trustworthy information, fear of scams, time pressure, lack of social support, and the high competitiveness of the Madrid rental market, which often forces newcomers to make quick decisions under stress.

Based on this context, three key design questions were defined:

• How might we help foreign immigrants feel less alone during the housing search?


• How might we help them manage the uncertainty and stress of the process


• How might we help them feel safer and better informed in an unfamiliar environment?

These questions guided the entire research and design process, aiming to create solutions that address not only functional needs, but also emotional and human ones, facilitating a warmer and more supported arrival to the city.

Key Findings & User Insights

Findings

Based on the interviews conducted, several common patterns emerged in the experience of foreign immigrants searching for housing in Madrid:

• The most stressful part of the process is finding a place to live and handling paperwork, especially for those coming from outside the European Union.


• European immigrants experience fewer negative emotions and lower levels of stress during this process.


• Having in-person support in Madrid—from friends, family, or acquaintances—significantly reduces difficulties and feelings of disorientation.


• Loneliness is a key factor that intensifies anxiety, insecurity, and frustration when facing administrative tasks and the housing search.

Insights

From these findings, several insights emerge that highlight the emotional and practical needs of users:

• Lack of information: unclear processes, requirements, and safe areas.


• Time pressure: urgency to find housing within short deadlines.


• Fear of scams: insecurity due to unfamiliarity with the market or intermediaries.


• Loneliness and limited support network: absence of emotional accompaniment.


• Distrust:: difficulty trusting landlords or agencies.


• Displacement:: feeling of not belonging to the new environment.


• Unfamiliar environment: difficulty navigating or identifying suitable options.


• Strict requirements: bureaucratic barriers and restrictive conditions imposed by landlords or institutions.

Conclusion

During the first month in Madrid, immigrants arriving alone face a critical period marked by high stress, uncertainty, and feelings of isolation. Emotional support becomes essential to facilitate their adaptation and well-being during this initial stage.

Opportunity for New Products or Services

In response to the needs identified during the research, the design of a new application called Feelstep was proposed. This solution aims to provide emotional support to immigrants arriving in Madrid without a support network, helping them manage their first month of adaptation, a particularly sensitive period marked by stress, uncertainty, and loneliness.

The app includes the following key features:

• Smart Personal Calendar
  Allows users to plan and prioritize daily tasks—such as administrative procedures, apartment visits, or paperwork—with flexible reminders adapted to each user’s pace.


• Daily Emotional Support
  Offers personalized micro-actions to promote well-being, such as going for a walk, writing a positive thought, or contacting a trusted person. If the app detects the user is experiencing discomfort, it suggests activities to help improve their emotional state.


• Social Support Network
  Facilitates connection with friends, family, or other newcomers, creating a community that reduces feelings of loneliness and encourages mutual support.


• Well-being Tracking
  Allows users to reflect on their emotional state and record their progress, fostering self-awareness and continuous improvement throughout the adaptation process.

Design Improvements

Based on the findings from the research, several design improvements were implemented in Feelstep to enhance user motivation, promote emotional well-being, and facilitate the adaptation process:

• Visible Progress Bar on the Home Screen
  Added a progress indicator that allows users to visualize their advancement in both relocation-related and personal tasks, reinforcing a sense of achievement and control over the process.


• “Path” Screen
  Introduced a new view where users can review cumulative progress from previous days, recalling completed steps and visualizing overall evolution. This feature strengthens motivation and the perception of continuity during adaptation.


• Real-time Emotional Status Tracking
  Users can update their emotional state at any time, enabling the app to offer personalized recommendations and adapt micro-actions according to their current well-being.


• Contact Zone & Support Network
  A dedicated space was added to maintain connections with loved ones or connect with others facing similar situations, fostering empathy and emotional support among users.


• Disconnection and Self-Care Suggestions
  The app proposes activities unrelated to the relocation, such as taking a walk, listening to music, or taking a break, helping users reduce stress and balance their daily routine.




These improvements consolidate Feelstep’s value proposition, transforming it into a more human-centered, empathetic tool focused on the real emotions of those beginning a new life in Madrid.