The Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) program stands as a global initiative funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) across nearly 100 locations annually. Central to this initiative is the O-Canada Mobile Application, designed as an educational tool to facilitate the resettlement of refugees in Canada. The app, which is available in eight languages and functions offline, offers essential and timely information to help refugees make informed decisions and navigate integration challenges. The initial launch in English took place in June 2021, with subsequent expansion to other languages by November 2022. Enhancing the user experience (UX) of the app has been a continuous priority.
In early 2023, CLEAR Global conducted usability testing to improve the UX of the O-Canada Mobile Application. Testing involved 52 refugees located in Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, and Tajikistan, utilizing both direct and remote methodologies. The testing process was conducted in five languages: Arabic, Dari, Kiswahili, Somali, and Tigrinya. The critical findings from these tests revealed that a user-friendly, intuitive design and accessible content are essential to effectively accommodate the diverse levels of internet connectivity and language proficiency among refugees. By focusing on these elements, the app can better serve its intended users and fulfill its mission of aiding refugee integration into Canadian society.
Key Usability Insights
The Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) program is a global initiative, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in nearly 100 locations annually. Central to this effort is the O-Canada Mobile Application, an educational tool designed to aid refugees in their resettlement process. This app, available in eight languages and functional offline, offers crucial information to help refugees make informed decisions and navigate integration hurdles. Initially launched in English in June 2021, it expanded to other languages by November 2022, continually refining its user experience (UX).
In early 2023, CLEAR Global undertook usability testing to further enhance the UX of the O-Canada App. This testing involved 52 refugees in Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, and Tajikistan, using both direct and remote methods, and was conducted in five languages: Arabic, Dari, Kiswahili, Somali, and Tigrinya. Key findings emphasized the need for a user-friendly, intuitive design and accessible content to accommodate varying levels of internet connectivity and language skills among refugees. By focusing on these aspects, the app aims to better assist its users, aiding their integration into Canadian society.
