Bridged (2025 Thesis)

Guiding immigrants through life’s firsts with AI

Bridged is an AI-powered guidance platform I designed to help Korean immigrants like myself navigate U.S. life with confidence.

Through personalized roadmaps, culturally relevant insights, and peer support, it transforms the overwhelm of starting over into clarity, connection, and momentum.

My Role

Sole designer

Skills

Product Design

User research & testing

Prototyping

Timeline

Jan-May 2025

Thesis Advisors

Federico Villa (Design Lead, Google Deepmind)

Diamond Ho (Design Director, Microsoft AI)

Dorahan Arapgirlioglu (Product Designer, Robinhood)

"What if navigating a new country wasn’t so lonely, confusing, or scattered?”

Context

Asian immigrants are the fastest-growing immigrant group in the U.S., yet nearly 70% experience acculturative stress — the strain of unfamiliar systems, cultural disconnects, and limited support. For those arriving alone, without a built-in network, that stress becomes even more acute.

Preliminary Research & Competitor Analysis

• Cultural adjustment isn’t automatic — many immigrants end up separated or marginalized.

• Existing support systems show two gaps: Lack of personalization & few offer both emotional and practical support, and those that do are often hard to access

These led to my guiding question:

"How might we support Asian immigrants in integrating into life in the U.S. by providing both practical guidance and culturally familiar social connections?”

From Interviews to Insights

I started by speaking with immigrants from a range of Asian countries, but eventually focused on Koreans in their 20s and 30s who arrived in the U.S. alone — after noticing many overlapping challenges in this group and narrowing the scope, to design a solution that truly met their needs.

3 Key Challenges & Quotes

Even simple daily tasks became unexpected hurdles, leaving many feeling powerless.

“Even something as simple as grocery shopping felt confusing — there were so many stores, but only a few had Asian groceries. And I didn’t even know what they were called in English. I felt like a child again.”

Finding career guidance in a completely different culture felt confusing and discouraging.

“It’s not just the job search—it’s everything around it. How to talk in interviews, how to follow up, what’s considered rude or too casual… I feel like I’m constantly guessing.”

Despite craving connection, many struggled to find people they could speak to comfortably.

“Everyone already seemed to have their own group. I didn’t know how to break in — I missed speaking in my own language without overthinking every word.”

To synthesize my findings, I conducted affinity mapping and 1) developed a user journey map, which revealed two major dips. I then 2) grouped the pain point quotes and 3) mapped them onto a probability vs. damage matrix which helped me prioritize the 3 key challenges.

Design Pivot: Reducing Friction, Boosting Engagement

Initial onboarding tested poorly — users felt overwhelmed, confused, and dropped off early. The AI-led roadmap asked too much too soon.

During a thesis workshop, I mapped business and user goals across the journey (acquisition → conversion → retention). This revealed the need for a lighter, more gradual entry point.

Pivot

• Simplified onboarding into interest-based communities (Spaces)

• Users first explore posts, comments, and public Journeys (AI-generated roadmaps) from peers

• They only start their own Journey when ready

Impact

• In follow-up testing, 70% of participants described the Spaces entry as “clear” and “easy to explore”, compared to only 20% with the roadmap-first onboarding.

• 8 of 10 testers said they felt “curious to continue” rather than “stuck or hesitant.”

Final Design

A platform designed to support those navigating unfamiliar systems, in unfamiliar places, completely alone.

Imagine you’re a master’s student from Korea, just weeks away from moving to New York. You’re watching vlogs, digging through Reddit threads, trying to piece together how to prepare.

Then you find Bridged.

Part 1: Explore Spaces. Learn from others. Ease into your journey.

1) Once you enter Bridged, you land to smaller communities called Spaces- either joining through a chat with Bri (AI assistant) for personalized recommendations or browse through the Spaces right away.
2) Once you follow a Space, you’ll see a top tab that makes it easy to explore posts, questions, and peer reflections from others who’ve been through similar transitions.
3) As you browse profiles in your Space, you find a “Journey” button and tap it — and discover a personalized roadmap of someone else’s transition. It shows what they did, when, and how.
1) Once you enter Bridged, you land to smaller communities called Spaces- either joining through a chat with Bri (AI assistant) for personalized recommendations or browse through the Spaces right away.
2) Once you follow a Space, you’ll see a top tab that makes it easy to explore posts, questions, and peer reflections from others who’ve been through similar transitions.
3) As you browse profiles in your Space, you find a “Journey” button and tap it — and discover a personalized roadmap of someone else’s transition. It shows what they did, when, and how.
1) Once you enter Bridged, you land to smaller communities called Spaces- either joining through a chat with Bri (AI assistant) for personalized recommendations or browse through the Spaces right away.
2) Once you follow a Space, you’ll see a top tab that makes it easy to explore posts, questions, and peer reflections from others who’ve been through similar transitions.
3) As you browse profiles in your Space, you find a “Journey” button and tap it — and discover a personalized roadmap of someone else’s transition. It shows what they did, when, and how.
1) Once you enter Bridged, you land to smaller communities called Spaces- either joining through a chat with Bri (AI assistant) for personalized recommendations or browse through the Spaces right away.
2) Once you follow a Space, you’ll see a top tab that makes it easy to explore posts, questions, and peer reflections from others who’ve been through similar transitions.
3) As you browse profiles in your Space, you find a “Journey” button and tap it — and discover a personalized roadmap of someone else’s transition. It shows what they did, when, and how.

Once you enter Bridged, you land to smaller communities called Spaces- either joining through a chat with Bri (AI assistant) for personalized recommendations or browse through the Spaces right away.
01
Once you follow a Space, you’ll see a top tab that makes it easy to explore posts, questions, and peer reflections from others who’ve been through similar transitions.
02
As you browse profiles in your Space, you find a “Journey” button and tap it — and discover a personalized roadmap of someone else’s transition. It shows what they did, when, and how.
03
Once you enter Bridged, you land to smaller communities called Spaces- either joining through a chat with Bri (AI assistant) for personalized recommendations or browse through the Spaces right away.
01
Once you follow a Space, you’ll see a top tab that makes it easy to explore posts, questions, and peer reflections from others who’ve been through similar transitions.
02
As you browse profiles in your Space, you find a “Journey” button and tap it — and discover a personalized roadmap of someone else’s transition. It shows what they did, when, and how.
03
Once you enter Bridged, you land to smaller communities called Spaces- either joining through a chat with Bri (AI assistant) for personalized recommendations or browse through the Spaces right away.
01
Once you follow a Space, you’ll see a top tab that makes it easy to explore posts, questions, and peer reflections from others who’ve been through similar transitions.
02
As you browse profiles in your Space, you find a “Journey” button and tap it — and discover a personalized roadmap of someone else’s transition. It shows what they did, when, and how.
03
Once you enter Bridged, you land to smaller communities called Spaces- either joining through a chat with Bri (AI assistant) for personalized recommendations or browse through the Spaces right away.
01
Once you follow a Space, you’ll see a top tab that makes it easy to explore posts, questions, and peer reflections from others who’ve been through similar transitions.
02
As you browse profiles in your Space, you find a “Journey” button and tap it — and discover a personalized roadmap of someone else’s transition. It shows what they did, when, and how.
03

Part 2: Start your Journey when you’re ready—with guidance that grows with you.

You’re curious, and a little comforted, so you start your own.

Bri helps you build a personalized one-year journey — not just by asking what you want to do, but by proactively recommending tasks based on your timeline and background.
01
Some are things you expected, like opening a bank account or navigating job interviews.

Others are things you might not have even thought to prepare for — like choosing the right phone plan, or understanding how apartment leases work in the U.S.
02
Each task includes culturally relevant tips, clear steps, and reflections from others who’ve been there before.
03
As you complete each month’s tasks, your own Journey becomes something others can refer to. They can reach out, learn from you, and feel less alone — creating a cycle of mutual support and belonging.
04
You’re curious, and a little comforted, so you start your own.

Bri helps you build a personalized one-year journey — not just by asking what you want to do, but by proactively recommending tasks based on your timeline and background.
01
Some are things you expected, like opening a bank account or navigating job interviews.

Others are things you might not have even thought to prepare for — like choosing the right phone plan, or understanding how apartment leases work in the U.S.
02
Each task includes culturally relevant tips, clear steps, and reflections from others who’ve been there before.
03
As you complete each month’s tasks, your own Journey becomes something others can refer to. They can reach out, learn from you, and feel less alone — creating a cycle of mutual support and belonging.
04
You’re curious, and a little comforted, so you start your own.

Bri helps you build a personalized one-year journey — not just by asking what you want to do, but by proactively recommending tasks based on your timeline and background.
01
Some are things you expected, like opening a bank account or navigating job interviews.

Others are things you might not have even thought to prepare for — like choosing the right phone plan, or understanding how apartment leases work in the U.S.
02
Each task includes culturally relevant tips, clear steps, and reflections from others who’ve been there before.
03
As you complete each month’s tasks, your own Journey becomes something others can refer to. They can reach out, learn from you, and feel less alone — creating a cycle of mutual support and belonging.
04
You’re curious, and a little comforted, so you start your own.

Bri helps you build a personalized one-year journey — not just by asking what you want to do, but by proactively recommending tasks based on your timeline and background.
01
Some are things you expected, like opening a bank account or navigating job interviews.

Others are things you might not have even thought to prepare for — like choosing the right phone plan, or understanding how apartment leases work in the U.S.
02
Each task includes culturally relevant tips, clear steps, and reflections from others who’ve been there before.
03
As you complete each month’s tasks, your own Journey becomes something others can refer to. They can reach out, learn from you, and feel less alone — creating a cycle of mutual support and belonging.
04

1) You’re curious, and a little comforted, so you start your own. Bri helps you build a personalized one-year journey — not just by asking what you want to do, but by proactively recommending tasks based on your timeline and background.
2) Some are things you expected, like opening a bank account or navigating job interviews. Others are things you might not have even thought to prepare for — like choosing the right phone plan, or understanding how apartment leases work in the U.S.
3) Each task includes culturally relevant tips, clear steps, and reflections from others who’ve been there before.
4) As you complete each month’s tasks, your own Journey becomes something others can refer to. They can reach out, learn from you, and feel less alone — creating a cycle of mutual support and belonging.
1) You’re curious, and a little comforted, so you start your own. Bri helps you build a personalized one-year journey — not just by asking what you want to do, but by proactively recommending tasks based on your timeline and background.
2) Some are things you expected, like opening a bank account or navigating job interviews. Others are things you might not have even thought to prepare for — like choosing the right phone plan, or understanding how apartment leases work in the U.S.
3) Each task includes culturally relevant tips, clear steps, and reflections from others who’ve been there before.
4) As you complete each month’s tasks, your own Journey becomes something others can refer to. They can reach out, learn from you, and feel less alone — creating a cycle of mutual support and belonging.
1) You’re curious, and a little comforted, so you start your own. Bri helps you build a personalized one-year journey — not just by asking what you want to do, but by proactively recommending tasks based on your timeline and background.
2) Some are things you expected, like opening a bank account or navigating job interviews. Others are things you might not have even thought to prepare for — like choosing the right phone plan, or understanding how apartment leases work in the U.S.
3) Each task includes culturally relevant tips, clear steps, and reflections from others who’ve been there before.
4) As you complete each month’s tasks, your own Journey becomes something others can refer to. They can reach out, learn from you, and feel less alone — creating a cycle of mutual support and belonging.
1) You’re curious, and a little comforted, so you start your own. Bri helps you build a personalized one-year journey — not just by asking what you want to do, but by proactively recommending tasks based on your timeline and background.
2) Some are things you expected, like opening a bank account or navigating job interviews. Others are things you might not have even thought to prepare for — like choosing the right phone plan, or understanding how apartment leases work in the U.S.
3) Each task includes culturally relevant tips, clear steps, and reflections from others who’ve been there before.
4) As you complete each month’s tasks, your own Journey becomes something others can refer to. They can reach out, learn from you, and feel less alone — creating a cycle of mutual support and belonging.

How Bridged Solves the 3 Key Challenges

with User Testimonials

Everyday tasks felt overwhelming

• Challenge: Simple tasks back home — like groceries or banking — became unexpectedly complicated, leaving immigrants feeling powerless.

• Solution: AI-powered guidance with small steps, paired with peer reflections.

• Impact: Reduces uncertainty and stress when facing unfamiliar systems.

“There was a task about getting urgent care and I didn’t even realize I needed to prepare for that. I felt more confident just knowing someone else had figured it out before me.”

Career guidance lacked cultural context

• Challenge: Job search in the U.S. felt confusing and discouraging.

• Solution: Curated Journey builder with culturally relevant tasks (networking tips, interview dos/don’ts, peer reflections).

• Impact: Turns job search from overwhelming into actionable.

“I’ve seen career checklists before, but this felt like someone already knew what I was going through. It helped me stop overthinking and just take one step at a time.”

Building authentic connections was hard

• Challenge: Users struggled to find a safe, comfortable space to connect.

• Solution: Small, interest-based Spaces for casual chats, shared questions, and peer Journeys.

• Impact: Creates belonging without pressure.

“I don’t usually post in communities, but seeing someone else’s Journey made me want to share mine. It felt nice to just be understood.”

Why Bridged Is Different

Structure. Safety. Personalization.

Bridged fills a critical gap in the adaptation experience—combining structure, personalization, and emotional safety in one platform.

It’s not just another forum or checklist. Bridged is designed to evolve with each user, meeting them wherever they are in their journey.

Unlike generic AI tools, Bri is powered by a curated knowledge base sourced from trusted resources—government sites, university guides, and verified community content. Users can also flag content that feels outdated or unclear, and Bridged plans to partner with local organizations to keep the platform accurate and contextually relevant.

What’s Next for Bridged

While Bridged was designed for Korean newcomers to the U.S., the platform has clear potential to scale across immigrant communities.

Next, I plan to conduct further research to understand which communities could benefit most from localized support—and what cultural and linguistic adaptations are needed to build trust and relevance.

I also envision a B2B2C model, partnering with universities, relocation platforms, and community organizations to offer tailored onboarding tools—customized by region, language, and local policy.

Reflections from my Journey

This journey was meaningful thanks to supportive classmates, sharp advisors, and faculty who kept me going.

Bridged was deeply personal. Supporting Asian immigrants who came to the U.S. alone meant constantly stepping outside my own experience — listening, iterating, and learning from others. It wasn’t always smooth, but feedback made the design stronger and the process rewarding.

If I could do one thing differently, I’d talk to users sooner instead of trying to figure things out alone. Their input shaped everything. With more time, I would have built an MVP to test in the real world, especially to refine the AI side.

I’m looking for new opportunities where I can learn, grow, and work alongside thoughtful people. If you’re interested, or just curious to hear more about this project, I’d love to chat! :)