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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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Emotional Design Project: Bob the Builder's Walkie Talkie

Project type

School Project

Date

November 2024

In this project, we were tasked with creating an emotional design for a remote that solves a fantasy character's problem. For this project, I chose to create a solution that enhances Bob the Builder's communication and delegation. Specifically, I designed Bob the Builder's walkie-talkie, which allows Bob to scan a construction or repair site and determine who in his crew would be best suited for the task. It also provides Bob with a way to send notifications to the selected crew members.

In this project, we were required to ensure that our design included visceral, behavioral, and reflective design elements. For the visceral aspect, I drew inspiration from real-world heavy-duty walkie-talkies to design the aesthetic of my remote. I incorporated the essential actions Bob the Builder needs, such as diagnosing issues and notifying crew members, and ensured the design reflected Bob's way of life and how he interacts with other tools in his world.

I also worked on strengthening my skills in design for manufacturability, making sure that my remote could be injection moldable. This involved learning to work with and communicate effectively with manufacturing companies such as Proto Labs. Additionally, I honed my skills in designing enclosures to ensure they could accommodate all the necessary electrical components for full functionality.

Another significant aspect of this project was writing various reports and milestone updates on the stages of product development. Through this process, I was able to refine my skills in emotional design, design for manufacturability, communication, and documentation. This project provided valuable experiences that enhanced my ability to create functional enclosures that align with design and manufacturing processes and integrate effectively with electrical components.

Deven Wells

Mobile Number: (937)-825-0485

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