notsh
An App for Prevention and Awareness of Sexual Harassment for University Students
Timeline
Sept 2023 - April 2024
Context
Final-Year Capstone Project (Individual)
Mentor
Dr. Junnan Yu
Responsibilities
User Research
Prototyping
User Experience Design
Usability testing
Tools
Figma
Miro
Protopie
Introduction
notsh is a mobile app specifically designed to protect university students from sexual harassment, both on and off-campus. This all-in-one app offers educational resources, a community feature where both victims and non-victims can share their experiences, and preventative features to help users navigate and escape uncomfortable situations.
What is notsh? Is there any meaning behind it?
notsh stands for "No To Sexual Harassment". It delivers a clear and straightforward message, establishing a norm for users that emphasizes the importance of understanding that such behavior is unacceptable.
Project Overview
In late 2023, I decided to focus my final-year capstone project on this topic, aiming to raise awareness and exploring potential interventions for prevention from this happening. I designed a concept education and prevention app that is specifically designed to protect university students from sexual harassment, both on and off-campus.
My contribution
I did individual on this capstone project, I played a major role in the project by doing user research and conducting in-depth interviews to gather valuable insights, prototyping the app.
Sexual harassment
is still a prevalent issue til this day....
How does it translate into university setting?
In Hong Kong, Orientation camp has been a bucket list for university student.
Having Fun, making new friends in university, getting to know their classmates.....
However, there was an incident happened during the orientation day
Causing students affecting academic or work performance, and physical or psychological health.
🗣️
“Why aren’t there that much reporting?“
🗣️
“Why is still happening???”
🗣️
“Universities/Faculty in charge need to implement effective measures to prevent this to happen again”
Why is it important
to talk about this issue?
What happens in universities today may repeat in the workplace in the future?
If such wrongful acts are trivialised and tolerated on university ground, how can students be expected to speak up against sexual harassment after graduation? And how can students be expected to respect colleagues when they learn sexual harassment bear no consequences in university?”
Problem
Sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue in Hong Kong universities.
Photo Source: HK01
Usually, when we hear about university sexual harassment incidents in news reports mainly relating to the orientation camps in the university context. which poses a significant challenge to the sexual harassment of a university student. This can perpetuate a climate of fear and intimidation among students.
**According to a 2019 Equal Opportunities Commission survey, a lack of reporting by university students is caused by a lack of information on sexual harassment, a lack of trust in the complaint mechanism, fear of retaliation by perpetrators in power, and a lack of awareness of the reporting channel.
23%
of university students who answered reported sexual harassment both on and off campus
Shows that many people are shy to raise their voice regarding the incident or reporting someone’s case.
Challenge
How can we protect university student from sexual harassment incidents in HK university context through providing awareness and fostering a supportive space?
Solution
Prevent, Educate, Community
.jpg)
.jpg)
notsh is a mobile app specifically designed to protect university students from sexual harassment, both on and off-campus.
This all-in-one app offers educational resources, a community feature where both victims and non-victims can share their experiences, and preventative features to help users navigate and escape uncomfortable situations.
This all-in-one app offers educational resources, a community feature where both victims and non-victims can share their experiences, and preventative features to help users navigate and escape uncomfortable situations.
Education Resources
Providing the education resources to understand about in-depth Sexual Harassment. And offering users to receive help from professionals if they need.
Communities
Fosters a supportive environment where users can share their experiences and offer advice to one another.
Creates a sense of belonging and understanding, helping to break the silence around sexual harassment.
Creates a sense of belonging and understanding, helping to break the silence around sexual harassment.
Safety Features
How does this app feature can ensure user's safety?
Safety feature is designed to enhance user safety by providing alerts and preventing incidents. It also facilitates the documentation and reporting of any occurrences.
There are two functions can get away for safety: One A-way and SafetyBeacon
There are two functions can get away for safety: One A-way and SafetyBeacon
One A-way
Fake call features provide a "reason" to leave uncomfortable situations.
SafetyBeacon
SafetyBeacon is an SOS distress signal that reaches out to people who are in a serious/uncomfortable situation.
Close friends or students who have the app have the chance to be an active bystander to take action to interrupt someone’s uncomfortable situation.
Close friends or students who have the app have the chance to be an active bystander to take action to interrupt someone’s uncomfortable situation.
User's POV
Close Friends/Others's POV
Research
Who are the target audience?
General University Students
University Student who have just & gone through the process (Victim)
So, How did we get there?
For the research process and findings to find the aspects and reason why it is still happening in the present times. To further the research on the topic, I focused on the awareness and education level of sexual harassment on the university campus.
Throughout the research, I have used first-hand & second-hand research to understand the issue deeply.
I conducted a literature review of existing research on university student on sexual harassment online. I also conducted interviews with university students, and victims to gather their perspectives on the issue.
I have used two research methods to use:
Throughout the research, I have used first-hand & second-hand research to understand the issue deeply.
I conducted a literature review of existing research on university student on sexual harassment online. I also conducted interviews with university students, and victims to gather their perspectives on the issue.
I have used two research methods to use:
First Hand Research
- Surveys
- Interview (2 Parts)
Second Hand Research
- Reports
- Research & News Article
Break the Silence: Territory-wide Study on Sexual Harassment of University Students in Hong Kong
For the survey, I wanted to see the general public's and students’ perspectives on sexual harassment on school campuses. To understand whether they have enough awareness and understanding of sexual harassment in general and on the school campus as well, and for the interview, there are two parts
The first part is what is their purpose, which is to get a better understanding of the victims, bystanders point of view, and those who have never experienced but heard and are aware of sexual harassment before.
The second part of the interview talks about how to prevent and protect ourselves from this bad situation from their point of view to understand them better.
The first part is what is their purpose, which is to get a better understanding of the victims, bystanders point of view, and those who have never experienced but heard and are aware of sexual harassment before.
The second part of the interview talks about how to prevent and protect ourselves from this bad situation from their point of view to understand them better.
For the interview process, I had interviewed 8 students for my interview. As all of them are currently studying in university or in college:
6 Females and 2 Males
2 of the females were a victim
The rest of 6 students witness or never seen it but heard about sexual harassment
Findings
Key Findings on the causes of Sexual Harassment
After conducting the interview, survey, and connecting the second hand research which helped me since there's a lot of official sources regarding sexual harassment in university in Hong Kong.
These are key findings that caused sexual harassment towards university students:
These are key findings that caused sexual harassment towards university students:
Lack of Awareness
Based on the research, the awareness of sexual harassment was not sufficient to educate university students. The awareness was not enough to educate sexual harassment to students.
Student lacks sexuality education in secondary school and the workplace (whether they have part-time jobs or are joining as an intern), Thus, this can lead to a to a lack of awareness about sexual harassment, especially among freshman. Apart from that, students are not sure whether causing sexual harassment acts and behaviors.
Student lacks sexuality education in secondary school and the workplace (whether they have part-time jobs or are joining as an intern), Thus, this can lead to a to a lack of awareness about sexual harassment, especially among freshman. Apart from that, students are not sure whether causing sexual harassment acts and behaviors.
.png)
The existing materials that are shown in residential halls, school campuses are not effective as well. According to the Equal Opportunities Committee, 26% of students found that traditional promotion and training efforts of universities are not working effectively. Furthermore, based on my survey result, students think the school does have but does not put effort into promoting it.
Students often rely on their smartphones for learning and gain information whether through the internet or social media. In today's digital age, they are more inclined to use their phones rather than reading notice boards or recognizing traditional forms of communication.
Happens in a big scale event
It usually happens at a large-scale event or in large crowds, or possibly one-on one.
Orientation Camps
Club/Bar
Workplace
School (Lecture, campus area)
Fellowship
🗣️
“It mainly just happens in a large crowd”
Interviewee E
Bystander Effect
The bystander effect occurs when the presence of others discourages an individual from intervening in an emergency situation. Bystanders have an important role in preventing and responding to sexual harassment on and off campus at the university.
They can prevent sexual assault and harassment by intervening in settings where these behaviors are taking place or are likely to take place.
They can prevent sexual assault and harassment by intervening in settings where these behaviors are taking place or are likely to take place.
🗣️
“In Hong Kong, “we don't mind other people's business" or else cause some trouble”
Interviewee D
🗣️
“Students have the option to help or not”
Interviewee C
🗣️
“Unaware of what to do in the situation when intervene”
Interviewee B
As most of the respondents selected intervention to prevent the harassment, report and support and validate the victims.
Inadequate support
Inadequate support and validation with the victims due to how they are being perceived by the public. It's an issue where victims are often blamed instead which leads to them not being able to speak out because of embarrassment.
Also could caused traumatic experience, which led to the victims to be afraid to open up their feelings because they do not know who trust but mainly close ones of the victims
Also could caused traumatic experience, which led to the victims to be afraid to open up their feelings because they do not know who trust but mainly close ones of the victims
🗣️
“Feel that there is somewhere safe they can go to that will actually care for them if they get harassed“
Survey Participant
🗣️
“No one is going to believe them because they afraid to be called a liar”
Interviewee B
🗣️
“Causing how they will be connecting with the adults that who's older then them can cause trust issue.”
Interviewee C
Vision Statement
"Aims to protect university students from sexual harassment by providing informative education, prevention tools and fostering a supportive space where they can engage with one another"
Design Process
Design Criteria
The design direction is grounded in my vision statement and research.
Educational
To educate victims and university students how to protect themselves and what to do in such circumstances.
Empathetic
To empathize between victims and university students to share valuable information through communities. Also, help and empower each other.
Safety
To provide a safe environment by avoiding hateful, bad comments in the community And provide protection (prevention) tools from uncomfortable situations.
Design Iteration
First Semester (Concepts only)
Throughout the two-semester design process, the concept evolved significantly. I made changes based on target audience feedback and decisions that, while possible to implement, may not be relevant to the final product.
In the first semester, In order to help students, especially freshmen, to be prepared in university.
I designed a system centered around a mobile app and an Arduino-powered wearable. The app provides a convenient way for students to know what to expect about the educational resources, helping them feel more prepared as they begin their university journey.
In the first semester, In order to help students, especially freshmen, to be prepared in university.
I designed a system centered around a mobile app and an Arduino-powered wearable. The app provides a convenient way for students to know what to expect about the educational resources, helping them feel more prepared as they begin their university journey.
For the mobile app, I wanted to focus on,
Education Resources with interaction quiz w/ scenarios
Providing Hotline Services
Communities for those who gone through the process
Stories which is to share their experience
Close ones is where their close friends/family can locate if the user is in bad situation with a click of a button
Second Semester (Prototyping & testing)
The design concept did change from it, I focused on phone app only not the wearble arduino. All of them may be the same, except I created the stories into communities instead because It would make sense on connecting the vision statement.
I kept the safety features, until if there is any negative feedback from the testing, then possibly remove and stick with education and awareness focus.
I kept the safety features, until if there is any negative feedback from the testing, then possibly remove and stick with education and awareness focus.
Lo-Fi Prototype
The functions in order to prototype from the beginning, as I wireframe the UI and set it as a concept first before the first presentation.
Which its not completed, but what had was onboarding, hotline services, safety feature which is a call screen.
I kept the safety features, until if there is any negative feedback from the user testing, then possibly remove and stick with education and awareness focus.
Which its not completed, but what had was onboarding, hotline services, safety feature which is a call screen.
I kept the safety features, until if there is any negative feedback from the user testing, then possibly remove and stick with education and awareness focus.
Hi-Fi Prototype (Presentation 1 draft)
The functions in order to prototype from the beginning, as I wireframe the UI and set it as a concept first before the first presentation.
Which its not completed, but what had was onboarding, hotline services, safety feature which is a call screen.
I kept the safety features, until if there is any negative feedback from the user testing, then possibly remove it and stick with educational and awareness focus app.
Which its not completed, but what had was onboarding, hotline services, safety feature which is a call screen.
I kept the safety features, until if there is any negative feedback from the user testing, then possibly remove it and stick with educational and awareness focus app.
Hi-Fi Prototype (Presentation 2 draft)
In the second presentation, i have used a new prototype software called Protopie which can uses the actual phone functions from your phone to simulate compare to Figma.
*However, I cannot showcase it anymore on Protopie for viewing, only I can showcase the Figma prototype at the moment.
I have added prototype function for the safety features, whereas the user press a volume to trigger the feature. and also i have added
*However, I cannot showcase it anymore on Protopie for viewing, only I can showcase the Figma prototype at the moment.
I have added prototype function for the safety features, whereas the user press a volume to trigger the feature. and also i have added
Presentation 2nd draft testers
I have tested out with the design concepts prototype to see whether the target audience likes it or give feedback on the app and it's functions.
They mainly of them liked the functions which they enjoyed especially the fake call as they find fascinating to use especially the male user sees the ladies as their getting away solution.
However, there were some parts they disliked which were:
It was messy, too many pages
Does not know where to tap on
Confused
Wish there was quicker button to do an action rather than going other pages
While conducting the testing, it was not the best version of the app that I gave out to the tester, but then it got improved on their second try which was the final design solution.
User Journey
How does it explore for the users?
In these user journey, there are two users who are being focus on;
Final Prototype
Click the screen to start navigating
Restart
Concept Video
Demonstrating on how the app's feature and how it work in different of scenario.
Final Takeaways
Reflection
During an 8-month journey spanning two semesters, time flew by. While the process was filled with challenges and growth. It's a ride with many highs and lows. Taking on this project required facing significant challenges, including the sensitive and serious nature of my topic, which added considerable pressure. However, delving deep into this subject turned out to be a rewarding and eye-opening experience.
At first, I felt intimidated by the project, as I mentioned earlier. Still, I took the risk and pushed myself forward, believing I could make a meaningful contribution. In doing this project has given me confidence in handling solo projects, whether in research or freelance work. Beyond completing the capstone project itself, I am grateful for the skills I’ve developed along the way.
At first, I felt intimidated by the project, as I mentioned earlier. Still, I took the risk and pushed myself forward, believing I could make a meaningful contribution. In doing this project has given me confidence in handling solo projects, whether in research or freelance work. Beyond completing the capstone project itself, I am grateful for the skills I’ve developed along the way.
What is next?
There is room for further improvements based on their feedback, which could enhance the app's functionality and impact.
I believe this project has the potential to become a valuable resource for university students.
If incidents of sexual harassment persist, it would be beneficial for universities to consider this app as a reference or tool to address the issue more effectively.
I believe this project has the potential to become a valuable resource for university students.
If incidents of sexual harassment persist, it would be beneficial for universities to consider this app as a reference or tool to address the issue more effectively.
I would like to thank my mentor, Junnan for giving me encourage and guidance in this capstone project! 💪🏻
Showcasing the project; Me and with my mentor: Junnan Yu
Thank you for taking your time to read this far!
If you are interested to see more case studies, check this out
.jpg)
.webp)
.jpg)