New In Town

Moving is hard, making friends doesn’t have to be...

Moving to a new city alone can feel isolating, especially when most event platforms are built around groups, nightlife, or people who already have a network. New in Town is a solo design project I created to support people in that in-between space, where connection is still forming and confidence takes time.

I surveyed and interviewed young adults who had recently relocated, then prototyped and tested a local event tool focused on inclusion, clarity, and ease of entry. Features like the “I’m Going Solo” toggle and filters such as “Solo-Friendly” or “Alcohol-Free” helped normalize different ways of showing up. On-boarding was built around comfort and intention, not just interests.

Testing confirmed that subtle changes in tone, framing, and flow made users feel more welcome. What stood out most was the impact of simply being seen. This project deepened my belief that design isn’t just about what gets people to act. It’s also about what makes them feel safe enough to try.