Pangea
Pangea
Where it lives
Mobile App
Community
Housing
Timeline
4 Weeks
Where it lives
Mobile App
Mobile App
Mobile App
Community
Community
Community
Housing
Housing
Housing
Award Win
Award Win
Award Win
Timeline
4 Weeks
Helping university students find compatible roommates and build meaningful connections through shared living and cultural exchange.
/ TOOLS
Figma After Effects
TEAM
Beverage
/ WHAT I DID
User Interviews & Surveys Competitive Analysis Audience Personas Primary + Secondary Research Design System Wireframing & Prototyping
/ team
Rachel Lu
Overview
Pangea is a mobile platform designed to make roommate matching more intentional for university students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Unlike existing housing platforms that focus only on surface-level information, Pangea prioritizes compatibility, trust, and community.
Challenge
How might we help culturally diverse university students build genuine connections and feel a sense of belonging in their shared living spaces?
Approach
We set out to design a platform that transforms roommate matching from a transactional process into a people-first experience. Our solution was to integrate value-based filtering, verified university logins, and community-driven meetups within one cohesive platform. With features that encourage real-world connection, Pangea redefines what it means to find and live with the right roommate who share similar lifestyles and openness to cultural exchange.
/ Competitive Analysis
Exploring The Current Housing Landscape
/ Competitive Analysis
Exploring The Current Housing Landscape
/ Competitive Analysis
Exploring The Current Housing Landscape
/ Competitive Analysis
Exploring The Current Housing Landscape
We went undercover to look at three key platforms students currently use to find roommates or housing. This analysis helped us identify commonalities that suggested features to incorporate in our product, as well as aspects to avoid.
We went undercover to look at three key platforms students currently use to find roommates or housing. This analysis helped us identify commonalities that suggested features to incorporate in our product, as well as aspects to avoid.
We went undercover to look at three key platforms students currently use to find roommates or housing. This analysis helped us identify commonalities that suggested features to incorporate in our product, as well as aspects to avoid.
We went undercover to look at three key platforms students currently use to find roommates or housing. This analysis helped us identify commonalities that suggested features to incorporate in our product, as well as aspects to avoid.
Craigslist
Is widely used but often seen as unsafe and unmoderated; there's little to no info about who you’ll be living with.
Roomies
Is more profile-driven, but still lacks a focus on cultural compatibility, trust-building, or shared values — leaving students to figure it out on their own.
UBC Housing
Offers official listings, but it’s mostly limited to on-campus dorms, and doesn’t support off-campus roommate matching or personal connection.
Craigslist
Is widely used but often seen as unsafe and unmoderated; there's little to no info about who you’ll be living with.
Roomies
Is more profile-driven, but still lacks a focus on cultural compatibility, trust-building, or shared values — leaving students to figure it out on their own.
UBC Housing
Offers official listings, but it’s mostly limited to on-campus dorms, and doesn’t support off-campus roommate matching or personal connection.
Craigslist
Is widely used but often seen as unsafe and unmoderated; there's little to no info about who you’ll be living with.
Roomies
Is more profile-driven, but still lacks a focus on cultural compatibility, trust-building, or shared values — leaving students to figure it out on their own.
UBC Housing
Offers official listings, but it’s mostly limited to on-campus dorms, and doesn’t support off-campus roommate matching or personal connection.
Craigslist
Is widely used but often seen as unsafe and unmoderated; there's little to no info about who you’ll be living with.
Roomies
Is more profile-driven, but still lacks a focus on cultural compatibility, trust-building, or shared values — leaving students to figure it out on their own.
UBC Housing
Offers official listings, but it’s mostly limited to on-campus dorms, and doesn’t support off-campus roommate matching or personal connection.
Opportunity
This revealed a clear gap: no platform prioritizes intentional, value-based roommate matching for students who are also open to cultural exchange. That’s where our solution steps in.
Gathering Firsthand Insights
We conducted 5 interviews and received 15 survey responses from students with roommate experience, both locally and internationally.
💬 93% of students said communication skills were the most important factor when choosing a roommate.
🤝 87% found meeting potential roommates in person to be the best way to vibe-check them before moving in.
🌎 Being open to living with people from different cultures can broaden search options, deepen understanding, and empower communities.
Gathering Firsthand Insights
We conducted 5 interviews and received 15 survey responses from students with roommate experience, both locally and internationally.
💬 93% of students said communication skills were the most important factor when choosing a roommate.
🤝 87% found meeting potential roommates in person to be the best way to vibe-check them before moving in.
🌎 Being open to living with people from different cultures can broaden search options, deepen understanding, and empower communities.
Gathering Firsthand Insights
We conducted 5 interviews and received 15 survey responses from students with roommate experience, both locally and internationally.
💬 93% of students said communication skills were the most important factor when choosing a roommate.
🤝 87% found meeting potential roommates in person to be the best way to vibe-check them before moving in.
🌎 Being open to living with people from different cultures can broaden search options, deepen understanding, and empower communities.
Gathering Firsthand Insights
We conducted 5 interviews and received 15 survey responses from students with roommate experience, both locally and internationally.
💬 93% of students said communication skills were the most important factor when choosing a roommate.
🤝 87% found meeting potential roommates in person to be the best way to vibe-check them before moving in.
🌎 Being open to living with people from different cultures can broaden search options, deepen understanding, and empower communities.
Secondary Research
Reddit threads and online forums were analyzed to uncover the unfiltered struggles students face when finding roommates, and reviewed academic articles to validate these insights. This helped us understand the broader social patterns behind housing challenges.
💡 International students are far more likely to live in unsuitable housing, up to nearly double the rate of domestic students.
Secondary Research
Reddit threads and online forums were analyzed to uncover the unfiltered struggles students face when finding roommates, and reviewed academic articles to validate these insights. This helped us understand the broader social patterns behind housing challenges.
💡 International students are far more likely to live in unsuitable housing, up to nearly double the rate of domestic students.
Secondary Research
Reddit threads and online forums were analyzed to uncover the unfiltered struggles students face when finding roommates, and reviewed academic articles to validate these insights. This helped us understand the broader social patterns behind housing challenges.
💡 International students are far more likely to live in unsuitable housing, up to nearly double the rate of domestic students.
Secondary Research
Reddit threads and online forums were analyzed to uncover the unfiltered struggles students face when finding roommates, and reviewed academic articles to validate these insights. This helped us understand the broader social patterns behind housing challenges.
💡 International students are far more likely to live in unsuitable housing, up to nearly double the rate of domestic students.
/ Audience Personas
Understanding Both Sides of the Match
/ Audience Personas
Understanding Both Sides of the Match
/ Audience Personas
Understanding Both Sides of the Match
/ Audience Personas
Understanding Both Sides of the Match
To better understand our users, we created two audience profiles:
A roommate seeker who already has a two-bedroom apartment and is looking for someone compatible to move in.
A space seeker, an international student from Germany coming to Vancouver for one semester.
These profiles allowed us to understand both sides of the roommate-matching experience; those offering a space and those searching for one. By mapping their motivations, frustrations, and goals, we were able to identify common pain points, design with empathy, and create a platform experience that serves both users seamlessly.
To better understand our users, we created two audience profiles:
A roommate seeker who already has a two-bedroom apartment and is looking for someone compatible to move in.
A space seeker, an international student from Germany coming to Vancouver for one semester.
These profiles allowed us to understand both sides of the roommate-matching experience; those offering a space and those searching for one. By mapping their motivations, frustrations, and goals, we were able to identify common pain points, design with empathy, and create a platform experience that serves both users seamlessly.
To better understand our users, we created two audience profiles:
A roommate seeker who already has a two-bedroom apartment and is looking for someone compatible to move in.
A space seeker, an international student from Germany coming to Vancouver for one semester.
These profiles allowed us to understand both sides of the roommate-matching experience; those offering a space and those searching for one. By mapping their motivations, frustrations, and goals, we were able to identify common pain points, design with empathy, and create a platform experience that serves both users seamlessly.
To better understand our users, we created two audience profiles:
A roommate seeker who already has a two-bedroom apartment and is looking for someone compatible to move in.
A space seeker, an international student from Germany coming to Vancouver for one semester.
These profiles allowed us to understand both sides of the roommate-matching experience; those offering a space and those searching for one. By mapping their motivations, frustrations, and goals, we were able to identify common pain points, design with empathy, and create a platform experience that serves both users seamlessly.
/ Branding
Crafting the Visual Identity
/ Branding
Crafting the Visual Identity
/ Branding
Crafting the Visual Identity
/ Branding
Crafting the Visual Identity
The branding for Pangea was led by Rachel Lu, who developed the visual identity to reflect the platform’s inclusive, friendly, and authentic spirit.
The branding for Pangea was led by Rachel Lu, who developed the visual identity to reflect the platform’s inclusive, friendly, and authentic spirit.
The branding for Pangea was led by Rachel Lu, who developed the visual identity to reflect the platform’s inclusive, friendly, and authentic spirit.
The branding for Pangea was led by Rachel Lu, who developed the visual identity to reflect the platform’s inclusive, friendly, and authentic spirit.
/ Design System
Bringing the Brand to Life Through UI
/ Design System
Bringing the Brand to Life Through UI
/ Design System
Bringing the Brand to Life Through UI
/ Design System
Bringing the Brand to Life Through UI
Since I handled the UI design for this project, I built a design system that tied in with Rachel’s branding. I took inspiration from film strips, which led to using a monospace typeface for body text and a handwritten font for personal touches. This paired well with our photography, which has a film-like, flash aesthetic inspired by digicam shots and candid moments. It feels raw and relatable, capturing the everyday reality of shared living.
Since I handled the UI design for this project, I built a design system that tied in with Rachel’s branding. I took inspiration from film strips, which led to using a monospace typeface for body text and a handwritten font for personal touches. This paired well with our photography, which has a film-like, flash aesthetic inspired by digicam shots and candid moments. It feels raw and relatable, capturing the everyday reality of shared living.
Since I handled the UI design for this project, I built a design system that tied in with Rachel’s branding. I took inspiration from film strips, which led to using a monospace typeface for body text and a handwritten font for personal touches. This paired well with our photography, which has a film-like, flash aesthetic inspired by digicam shots and candid moments. It feels raw and relatable, capturing the everyday reality of shared living.
Since I handled the UI design for this project, I built a design system that tied in with Rachel’s branding. I took inspiration from film strips, which led to using a monospace typeface for body text and a handwritten font for personal touches. This paired well with our photography, which has a film-like, flash aesthetic inspired by digicam shots and candid moments. It feels raw and relatable, capturing the everyday reality of shared living.
From Ideas to Sketches
A peek at a few of my low-fidelity wireframes and post-its, where I explored layout ideas, features, and key screens to shape the foundation of Pangea’s interface. Narrowing down which features to include was challenging since I brainstormed so many possibilities! What helped was constantly referring back to our research and problem statement, making sure every feature tied directly to user needs and the core goal.
From Ideas to Sketches
A peek at a few of my low-fidelity wireframes and post-its, where I explored layout ideas, features, and key screens to shape the foundation of Pangea’s interface. Narrowing down which features to include was challenging since I brainstormed so many possibilities! What helped was constantly referring back to our research and problem statement, making sure every feature tied directly to user needs and the core goal.
From Ideas to Sketches
A peek at a few of my low-fidelity wireframes and post-its, where I explored layout ideas, features, and key screens to shape the foundation of Pangea’s interface. Narrowing down which features to include was challenging since I brainstormed so many possibilities! What helped was constantly referring back to our research and problem statement, making sure every feature tied directly to user needs and the core goal.
From Ideas to Sketches
A peek at a few of my low-fidelity wireframes and post-its, where I explored layout ideas, features, and key screens to shape the foundation of Pangea’s interface. Narrowing down which features to include was challenging since I brainstormed so many possibilities! What helped was constantly referring back to our research and problem statement, making sure every feature tied directly to user needs and the core goal.
/ final Solution
Welcome to Pangea
/ final Solution
Welcome to Pangea
/ final Solution
Welcome to Pangea
/ final Solution
Welcome to Pangea
Onboarding
Onboarding starts by verifying users through their school email to ensure a student-only community. It then guides students through a personalized setup that helps improve match accuracy. The flow ends with an Empathy Pledge, where students commit to approaching cultural exchange with openness and respect — setting the tone for intentional co-living.
Onboarding
Onboarding starts by verifying users through their school email to ensure a student-only community. It then guides students through a personalized setup that helps improve match accuracy. The flow ends with an Empathy Pledge, where students commit to approaching cultural exchange with openness and respect — setting the tone for intentional co-living.
Onboarding
Onboarding starts by verifying users through their school email to ensure a student-only community. It then guides students through a personalized setup that helps improve match accuracy. The flow ends with an Empathy Pledge, where students commit to approaching cultural exchange with openness and respect — setting the tone for intentional co-living.
Onboarding
Onboarding starts by verifying users through their school email to ensure a student-only community. It then guides students through a personalized setup that helps improve match accuracy. The flow ends with an Empathy Pledge, where students commit to approaching cultural exchange with openness and respect — setting the tone for intentional co-living.
Explore Pages
Pangea tailors the experience based on whether you’re looking for a space or a roommate.
For space seekers: The feed highlights listings from people who already have a space and are searching for a compatible roommate, helping students find both the right place and the right people to live with.
For roommate seekers: The feed showcases potential roommates, making it easier to connect with someone whose living style and values align before inviting them into a home.
Explore Pages
Pangea tailors the experience based on whether you’re looking for a space or a roommate.
For space seekers: The feed highlights listings from people who already have a space and are searching for a compatible roommate, helping students find both the right place and the right people to live with.
For roommate seekers: The feed showcases potential roommates, making it easier to connect with someone whose living style and values align before inviting them into a home.
Explore Pages
Pangea tailors the experience based on whether you’re looking for a space or a roommate.
For space seekers: The feed highlights listings from people who already have a space and are searching for a compatible roommate, helping students find both the right place and the right people to live with.
For roommate seekers: The feed showcases potential roommates, making it easier to connect with someone whose living style and values align before inviting them into a home.
Explore Pages
Pangea tailors the experience based on whether you’re looking for a space or a roommate.
For space seekers: The feed highlights listings from people who already have a space and are searching for a compatible roommate, helping students find both the right place and the right people to live with.
For roommate seekers: The feed showcases potential roommates, making it easier to connect with someone whose living style and values align before inviting them into a home.
Detail Pages
For space seekers, each detailed listing highlights the people behind the space. Each page features roommate profiles, shared house intros, and reflective prompts to convey the home’s cultural vibe. Practical details are also included, alongside reviews from past roommates for added trust. To make long-distance searches easier, listings feature Virtual Tours and a Message option for direct communication.
For roommate seekers, profiles focus on compatibility and openness. Interest tags, validated skill ratings, and clear preference sections help users assess fit quickly, making the decision process more intuitive and transparent.
Detail Pages
For space seekers, each detailed listing highlights the people behind the space. Each page features roommate profiles, shared house intros, and reflective prompts to convey the home’s cultural vibe. Practical details are also included, alongside reviews from past roommates for added trust. To make long-distance searches easier, listings feature Virtual Tours and a Message option for direct communication.
For roommate seekers, profiles focus on compatibility and openness. Interest tags, validated skill ratings, and clear preference sections help users assess fit quickly, making the decision process more intuitive and transparent.
Detail Pages
For space seekers, each detailed listing highlights the people behind the space. Each page features roommate profiles, shared house intros, and reflective prompts to convey the home’s cultural vibe. Practical details are also included, alongside reviews from past roommates for added trust. To make long-distance searches easier, listings feature Virtual Tours and a Message option for direct communication.
For roommate seekers, profiles focus on compatibility and openness. Interest tags, validated skill ratings, and clear preference sections help users assess fit quickly, making the decision process more intuitive and transparent.
Detail Pages
For space seekers, each detailed listing highlights the people behind the space. Each page features roommate profiles, shared house intros, and reflective prompts to convey the home’s cultural vibe. Practical details are also included, alongside reviews from past roommates for added trust. To make long-distance searches easier, listings feature Virtual Tours and a Message option for direct communication.
For roommate seekers, profiles focus on compatibility and openness. Interest tags, validated skill ratings, and clear preference sections help users assess fit quickly, making the decision process more intuitive and transparent.
Meet Page
Bridging online matching and real-world connection, the Meet Page addressing our finding that 87% of students prefer meeting potential roommates in person before moving in. It features university-backed events like roommate socials, cultural exchange nights, and speaker sessions to build trust, community, and meaningful roommate relationships.
Meet Page
Bridging online matching and real-world connection, the Meet Page addressing our finding that 87% of students prefer meeting potential roommates in person before moving in. It features university-backed events like roommate socials, cultural exchange nights, and speaker sessions to build trust, community, and meaningful roommate relationships.
Meet Page
Bridging online matching and real-world connection, the Meet Page addressing our finding that 87% of students prefer meeting potential roommates in person before moving in. It features university-backed events like roommate socials, cultural exchange nights, and speaker sessions to build trust, community, and meaningful roommate relationships.
Meet Page
Bridging online matching and real-world connection, the Meet Page addressing our finding that 87% of students prefer meeting potential roommates in person before moving in. It features university-backed events like roommate socials, cultural exchange nights, and speaker sessions to build trust, community, and meaningful roommate relationships.
Monetization
Pangea+ is a premium tier that keeps the app sustainable while still accessible. It helps students connect faster, engage more deeply, and unlock exclusive perks.
Monetization
Pangea+ is a premium tier that keeps the app sustainable while still accessible. It helps students connect faster, engage more deeply, and unlock exclusive perks.
Monetization
Pangea+ is a premium tier that keeps the app sustainable while still accessible. It helps students connect faster, engage more deeply, and unlock exclusive perks.
Monetization
Pangea+ is a premium tier that keeps the app sustainable while still accessible. It helps students connect faster, engage more deeply, and unlock exclusive perks.
/ signing off!
Final Thoughts
/ signing off!
Final Thoughts
/ signing off!
Final Thoughts
/ signing off!
Final Thoughts
Designing Pangea really got me thinking about balancing user-centered design with social impact.
Empathy matters: Mapping both space seekers and roommate seekers made me think carefully about each user’s frustrations and goals, which shaped the flow and features.
Collaboration & branding: Working alongside Rachel on the visual identity showed me how UI and branding work together to reinforce the app’s mission and personality.
What’s next:
I’d love to prototype and test the Pangea+ premium features to see how they impact engagement.
With no deadline looming, I’d run usability tests to make sure the experience is smooth and intuitive for all students.
Designing Pangea really got me thinking about balancing user-centered design with social impact.
Empathy matters: Mapping both space seekers and roommate seekers made me think carefully about each user’s frustrations and goals, which shaped the flow and features.
Collaboration & branding: Working alongside Rachel on the visual identity showed me how UI and branding work together to reinforce the app’s mission and personality.
What’s next:
I’d love to prototype and test the Pangea+ premium features to see how they impact engagement.
With no deadline looming, I’d run usability tests to make sure the experience is smooth and intuitive for all students.
Designing Pangea really got me thinking about balancing user-centered design with social impact.
Empathy matters: Mapping both space seekers and roommate seekers made me think carefully about each user’s frustrations and goals, which shaped the flow and features.
Collaboration & branding: Working alongside Rachel on the visual identity showed me how UI and branding work together to reinforce the app’s mission and personality.
What’s next:
I’d love to prototype and test the Pangea+ premium features to see how they impact engagement.
With no deadline looming, I’d run usability tests to make sure the experience is smooth and intuitive for all students.
Designing Pangea really got me thinking about balancing user-centered design with social impact.
Empathy matters: Mapping both space seekers and roommate seekers made me think carefully about each user’s frustrations and goals, which shaped the flow and features.
Collaboration & branding: Working alongside Rachel on the visual identity showed me how UI and branding work together to reinforce the app’s mission and personality.
What’s next:
I’d love to prototype and test the Pangea+ premium features to see how they impact engagement.
With no deadline looming, I’d run usability tests to make sure the experience is smooth and intuitive for all students.
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