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Aussie Exchange

Project Type:

Localization Web Application
5/20/25
GitHub: [Link]

Aussie Exchange is a Java-Swing web application that pairs older adults in Japan with friendly Australian visitors for casual conversation, cultural sharing, or guided experiences. The goal: ease loneliness in Japan’s aging population while giving tourists a richer, people-first way to explore the country.

DEMO:

My Roles

Java-Swing Developer

- Implemented language-switching, authentication, and accessibility tweaks
- Refactored UI components after each round of user testing

Project Manager

- Set weekly milestones and kept the team of four on schedule
- Facilitated stand-ups & retros to maintain a healthy team dynamic

Documentation Lead

- Authored the localization summary, usability-test reports & final slide deck
- Ensured all deliverables met course and ISLO standards

The Problem

  • Social Isolation: Japan has the world’s fastest-aging population; single-person households and reported loneliness are rising.

  • Tourism Opportunity: Australian travel to Japan has grown 5× since 2010. We saw potential to connect these two trends for mutual benefit.

The Solution

  • Profile Browsing – Japanese users scroll a card-style list of vetted Aussies.

  • Secure Matching – Requests are encrypted; both sides approve before any contact.

  • Language Support – One-click language swap (日本語 / English); all labels auto-localize.

  • Accessibility First – High-contrast palette, scalable fonts, keyboard-navigable layout.

Cultural Localization Approach

We wanted to build more than just a translated app, our goal was to make Aussie Exchange feel natural and intuitive for Japanese users.

Research-First Process

Started with academic and online research to understand social issues in Japan (like loneliness among older adults) and cultural norms around design, privacy, and interaction.

Interviews with Cultural Experts

We talked with Japanese users and cultural experts to ensure our concepts addressed a real need, not just what sounded good to us.

Usability Testing:

Round 1

Our first prototype (Figma) focused on basic flow and structure. Feedback helped us fix spacing, labeling, and other quality-of-life issues.

Results

Usability Testing:

Round 2

The second prototype was built in Java Swing with full functionality. We tested it with four Japanese users (either native or fluent). Their insights changed everything.

JP Font Matters

Default Java fonts appeared Chinese. We switched to MS Mincho, a Japanese-friendly font, for all localized screens based on direct user feedback.

Replacing Commercial Imagery

Our original login screen used a Mt. Fuji photo that felt too touristy. We replaced it with friendly, human-centered visuals to match the app’s purpose.

Improved Interaction

Users tried clicking on flag icons to change languages, but only the small button below worked. We made the whole flag clickable for easier use.

Sorting Differences

Unlike U.S. apps like Amazon, Japanese users use fewer sorting filters. We simplified our browsing experience based on that preference.

Tech Stack

Frontend & Backend:

Java 17 + Swing

Authentication System:

Custom-built using CSV files and secure password hashing

Version Control:

GitHub Classroom

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Bright Board

Project type

Product- Toy

Date

October 2023

The Bright Board is an engaging and interactive toy thoughtfully designed for children with disabilities. It incorporates components of a light-up rainbow to aid in developing sensory and fine motor skills. The process of designing this toy required careful consideration to meet the unique needs of these children. Through my work on the Bright Board, I significantly improved my manufacturing skills. I improved my soldering technique, sharpened my ability in laser cutting, and deepened my understanding of design for manufacturing.

In constructing the Bright Board, the integrated lights and circuits were securely encased within the toy to ensure the safety of the children, shielding them from any electrical components. The board's structure was created by laser cutting wooden plywood into the required shapes. Similar to layering in 3-D printing, we assembled these wooden pieces to create the final form. Within this wooden frame, electrical wires and lights were embedded to produce the intended lighting effect, activated when users placed pieces in the correct spots. Navigating this intricate assembly was challenging but significantly boosted my confidence in handling wiring systems. This project was an incredible learning experience in teamwork and leadership and provided immense joy and satisfaction in creating a product for children. I eagerly look forward to applying the skills I gained to future product development projects.

Deven Wells

Mobile Number: (937)-825-0485

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