Research Statement:
Students from the University of Maryland’s College of Information Studies were tasked with developing an application that solves a problem or opportunity. The project centers around joy. Keeping this in mind, we as students drew upon our experience as individually functioning predominately remotely with limited contact to design our application. As individuals, we all agreed that our sense of joy comes from communicating and interacting with others whether that be friends, family, or even work colleagues. As the pandemic has decreased the opportunity for many to meet physically virtual communication platforms have grown increasingly popular. Thus, group 7B, has decided to develop an application centered around virtual communication platforms that have grown increasingly popular during the pandemic.
Problem Area:
Currently, communication applications such as Zoom, and Discord have grown increasingly popular as they allow users to meet virtually. This stated, extreme groups such as children ages 11 and under and elder adults ages 60 and older, are facing difficulties learning how to use such platforms. Prior to the pandemic teachers and other family members could have helped them through this process but as everything has shifted remotely these previous sources of assistance have disappeared. In effect, these groups are unable to utilize the platforms and thus are unable to communicate with others who may predominately use the platforms. Thus in order to combat this information need we have attempted to develop an application that will teach users how to navigate these platforms.
Target Audience:
Our target audience is elderly people and young children ages 11 and under. Our app meets the user's needs since it teaches them how to use Zoom and Discord which are commonly used today. They are able to connect with family and friends better which brings them joy.