Lee Barends

ZaandamConnects

This new app enables teenagers in Zaanstreek to connect with each other in an engaging and enjoyable manner.

Skills

CLIENT
Mediacollege
YEAR
2024

Assignment

This assignment, while outside our regular school projects, held significant importance. '

We were asked to choose a city and examine a specific social issue. I selected Zaandam and the surrounding Zaanstreek, focusing on the growing problem of teenagers feeling isolated.

Our task included developing an app incorporating gamification elements. I created ZaandamConnects, designed to help teenagers connect with like-minded peers, making it easier to form new friendships through engaging features.

Learning goals

Research

Before developing the app, I conducted thorough research to understand the existing initiatives for this demographic in the city and their effectiveness. I also explored how to tailor my app to reach this audience effectively.

Collaborating with the city council emerged as a solution, allowing the app to remain within budget while leveraging city promotion to enhance its reach.

See here full research document

App high fidelity prototype