LoFi Protypes
Persona
" I managed my first tax return with software, faced challenges but succeeded. A better understanding of the tax system would've helped ."
Better understanding about the U.S. tax system.
" I was not aware that there are specific deadlines for submitting the tax documents, I didn’t get any returns ."
unawareness of specific deadlines
"I consistently feel disoriented during tax filing, often forgetting the process, required documents and needing to relearn and comprehend it each time."
consistent disorientation and confusion
" I'm always confused on how many forms I need to fill and where I need to find them - Every year is a new year to me ."
Forgetting the tax process and required documents
Interview
As part of the user research, our team conducted 16 interviews with students from various universities across the country, of which I conducted four. The recurring themes that emerged were a lack of awareness, concern about the tax system, and a lack of resources. They reported that university-hosted webinars fell short of their expectations. Furthermore, practically all participants stated that navigating through current tools was quite difficult.
KEY FEATURES OF THE MVP
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
UX Research
UI Design
Documentation
User Testing
Prototyping
Role
Team
Srujan M.
Danny V.
Akhila M.
Anjani S.
Timeline
Oct 23- Dec 23
Figma
Miro
Illustrator
After Effects
Tools
StuTax
StuTax
StuTax
StuTax
StuTax
StuTax
International students in the U.S. face a distinctive set of challenges when it comes to tax filing, often marked by a lack of clarity and understanding of the U.S. tax system. Predominantly, these students are required to file forms like 1040-NR, 8843, and W-2, which can be a bewildering experience for those encountering the U.S. tax environment for the first time.
Why StuTax
Complex Tax Forms: The U.S. tax forms contain jargon and require detailed information that may be unfamiliar to international students.
Lack of Knowledge: Many students are unaware of their tax obligations, including which forms to fill out and the deadlines for submission.
Navigational Difficulties: International students often struggle to understand tax treaties between their home country and the U.S., leading to confusion about exemptions and credits.
Limited Access to Expert Help: Tailored assistance for tax-related queries specific to international students' circumstances is not readily available.
Software Restrictions: Common tax software and platforms may not cater to the specific needs of international students, leaving them without suitable tools for tax preparation.
International students in the U.S. face a distinctive set of challenges when it comes to tax filing, often marked by a lack of clarity and understanding of the U.S. tax system. Predominantly, these students are required to file forms like 1040-NR, 8843, and W-2, which can be a bewildering experience for those encountering the U.S. tax environment for the first time.
Why StuTax
Complex Tax Forms: The U.S. tax forms contain jargon and require detailed information that may be unfamiliar to international students.
Lack of Knowledge: Many students are unaware of their tax obligations, including which forms to fill out and the deadlines for submission.
Navigational Difficulties: International students often struggle to understand tax treaties between their home country and the U.S., leading to confusion about exemptions and credits.
Limited Access to Expert Help: Tailored assistance for tax-related queries specific to international students' circumstances is not readily available.
Software Restrictions: Common tax software and platforms may not cater to the specific needs of international students, leaving them without suitable tools for tax preparation.
Problem Statement
User-Friendly Interface : An intuitive user experience, where navigating through tax filing processes is straightforward and hassle-free. The app's design focuses on simplicity and clarity, making it approachable for users with varying levels of tax knowledge and technical proficiency.
Educational Empowerment : The app is designed to be an educational resource, demystifying U.S. tax systems for international students. It provides easy-to-understand explanations, interactive learning tools, and up-to-date information on tax regulations, empowering users to file taxes confidently.
Accessibility and Inclusion : Being accessible to all users, adhering to international accessibility standards. Features include customizable text sizes, high contrast modes, and a culturally sensitive interface, ensuring that the app is usable and beneficial for a diverse student population.
Responsive and Multilingual Support : The app's responsive design ensures seamless functionality across various devices. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of international students, StuTax includes multilingual support to accommodate non-native English speakers, making tax filing more approachable.
StuTax
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
Possible Design Solution
Design Solution
What’s your age?
Which country are you from originally?
How long have you been (studying) in the US?
How is your education being funded?
Are you currently employed? If yes where?
How long have you been studying in the US?
How familiar are you with the US banking system and practices like building credit, taking loans, filing taxes, etc?
What do you wish you knew about US finances before becoming an international student?
Who do you turn to when you have questions about finances in the US?
What kind of financial help would have been great when you first arrived?
Have you faced any issues managing your finances since arriving in the US?
What financial mistakes have you made, and what did you learn? (eg, have you opened a saving account in a bank with very low interest? You only got to know about it once everything is done?)
What resources have you used to learn about US financial systems and manage your money? How helpful have they been?
Tell us your experience of opening a bank account in the U.S. as an international student.
(was it hard or easy)
Do you have a credit card? If yes - Did you face any problems in picking a credit card for your needs?
Have you learned more about loans, taxes, or budgeting since coming here?
If you could access a customized financial literacy program, what top 3 topics would be most helpful and why?
Is your university providing you with any resources for financial literacy? If yes, what are they? How are they helpful to you?
If not, In what ways could your university better support international students in developing financial skills?
What tools(apps) or info have you found helpful in managing your money here?
What features would you like to see in a financial literacy app for international students?
Do you watch YouTube videos and reels related to financial topics?
Key Questions Used in DoorDash User Interviews
Interviews: These initial explorative conversations provided early insights, forming an overview of the user experience.
Think Aloud Sessions: Under detailed observation, these sessions revealed specific areas of difficulty and success in user navigation.
The study utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, notably think-aloud sessions and user interviews, to extract in-depth understanding of challenges.
Methodology
Insights from Interviews
In our interviews, it was commonly observed consistent disorientation and confusion are prevalent, with students often forgetting the tax process and required documents each year. There is a notable lack of understanding about the number of forms needed and their sources, leading to a feeling that each tax year is a completely new experience. Additionally, unawareness of specific deadlines results in missed opportunities for tax returns. Even those who have managed to file taxes using software face challenges, indicating a need for better understanding and education about the U.S. tax system. These insights highlight the need for more effective support and information tailored to the unique challenges faced by international graduate students in navigating U.S. tax filing.
"I consistently feel disoriented during tax filing, often forgetting the process, required
documents and needing to relearn and comprehend it each time."
" I'm always confused on how many forms I need to fill and where I need to find them - Every year is a new year to me ."
" I was not aware that there are specific deadlines for submitting the tax documents, I didn’t get any returns ."
" I Managed my first tax return with software, faced challenges but succeeded. A better understanding of the tax system would've helped ."
Quotes from Interviews
Quantitative & Qualitative Matrix
User Flow
Typography
High Fidelity Prototype
StuTax
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
International students often struggle to understand tax treaties between their home country and the U.S., leading to confusion about exemptions and credits.
The U.S. tax forms contain jargon and require detailed information that may be unfamiliar to international students.
Many students are unaware of their tax obligations, including which forms to fill out and the deadlines for submission.
Common tax software platforms may not cater to the specific needs of international students for tax preparation.
Process
Empathize
Define
Ideate
Design
Test
UX Research
UI Design
over
60%
of international students reported
the tax filing process as difficult.
over
54%
of international students reported
needing more information on US tax filing.
One study found over 60% of international students reported the tax filing process as "difficult" or "very difficult"
(https://www.internationalstudent.com/tax/)
Lack of financial literacy is a significant problem for international students
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/mba_student/18/
"Association of International Educators found that 54% of international students reported needing more information on US tax filing."
2018 survey by NAFSA
52% of international students reported feeling unprepared to file US taxes, highlighting a knowledge gap.
Nafsa 2021 Survey
Secondary Research
We used a collaborative and iterative method for the ideation. Each team member independently came up with 10 ideas. During the team session, an evaluation of the pros and cons of each solution, considering feasibility and viability, was done, and it was decided to address three key issues.
Design Direction
Generating Document Checklist
It simplifies Tax preparation by displaying a
tailored comprehensive checklist.
How does it solve our problem?
It assists students in finding all necessary
tax filing documents in one place and
educates them about each form.
HiFi Protypes
Support from Financial Advisors
It establishes communication to seek credible
guidance from Uni-Affiliated Financial Advisors
How does it solve our problem?
Providing contact information of their
university officials to get advice from
credible resources.
User Testing
Prototyping
Overview
An innovative solution for international students to guide them through the complex US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
Duration
2 Months
Team
Danny
Anjani
Akhila
Srujan
Contribution
Research Ideation
UI/UX
StuTax
2023
Step-By-Step
Tax Filing Guide
Document
Checklist
Financial Resources
How can we simplify tax filing for international student and improve their financial literacy?
Our Design Challenge:
International students in the U.S. face significant tax filing challenges.
Due to the complexity of the system and unfamiliar forms such as 1040-NR, 8843, and W-2.
Research carried out at universities across the US have identified significant challenges faced by international students, out of which 32% felt "not at all prepared" to file their taxes. The IRS acknowledges that nonresidents generally have higher error rates on their tax returns compared
to residents.
Introduction
LoFi Protypes
Persona
" I managed my first tax return with software, faced challenges but succeeded. A better understanding of the tax system would've helped ."
Better understanding about the U.S. tax system.
" I was not aware that there are specific deadlines for submitting the tax documents, I didn’t get any returns ."
unawareness of specific deadlines
"I consistently feel disoriented during tax filing, often forgetting the process, required documents and needing to relearn and comprehend it each time."
consistent disorientation and confusion
" I'm always confused on how many forms I need to fill and where I need to find them - Every year is a new year to me ."
Forgetting the tax process and required documents
Interview
As part of the user research, our team conducted 16 interviews with students from various universities across the country, of which I conducted four. The recurring themes that emerged were a lack of awareness, concern about the tax system, and a lack of resources. They reported that university-hosted webinars fell short of their expectations. Furthermore, practically all participants stated that navigating through current tools was quite difficult.
KEY FEATURES OF THE MVP
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
UX Research
UI Design
Documentation
User Testing
Prototyping
Role
Team
Srujan M.
Danny V.
Akhila M.
Anjani S.
Timeline
Oct 23- Dec 23
Figma
Miro
Illustrator
After Effects
Tools
StuTax
International students in the U.S. face a distinctive set of challenges when it comes to tax filing, often marked by a lack of clarity and understanding of the U.S. tax system. Predominantly, these students are required to file forms like 1040-NR, 8843, and W-2, which can be a bewildering experience for those encountering the U.S. tax environment for the first time.
Why StuTax
Complex Tax Forms: The U.S. tax forms contain jargon and require detailed information that may be unfamiliar to international students.
Lack of Knowledge: Many students are unaware of their tax obligations, including which forms to fill out and the deadlines for submission.
Navigational Difficulties: International students often struggle to understand tax treaties between their home country and the U.S., leading to confusion about exemptions and credits.
Limited Access to Expert Help: Tailored assistance for tax-related queries specific to international students' circumstances is not readily available.
Software Restrictions: Common tax software and platforms may not cater to the specific needs of international students, leaving them without suitable tools for tax preparation.
Problem Statement
User-Friendly Interface : An intuitive user experience, where navigating through tax filing processes is straightforward and hassle-free. The app's design focuses on simplicity and clarity, making it approachable for users with varying levels of tax knowledge and technical proficiency.
Educational Empowerment : The app is designed to be an educational resource, demystifying U.S. tax systems for international students. It provides easy-to-understand explanations, interactive learning tools, and up-to-date information on tax regulations, empowering users to file taxes confidently.
Accessibility and Inclusion : Being accessible to all users, adhering to international accessibility standards. Features include customizable text sizes, high contrast modes, and a culturally sensitive interface, ensuring that the app is usable and beneficial for a diverse student population.
Responsive and Multilingual Support : The app's responsive design ensures seamless functionality across various devices. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of international students, StuTax includes multilingual support to accommodate non-native English speakers, making tax filing more approachable.
StuTax
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
Possible Design Solution
What’s your age?
Which country are you from originally?
How long have you been (studying) in the US?
How is your education being funded?
Are you currently employed? If yes where?
How long have you been studying in the US?
How familiar are you with the US banking system and practices like building credit, taking loans, filing taxes, etc?
What do you wish you knew about US finances before becoming an international student?
Who do you turn to when you have questions about finances in the US?
What kind of financial help would have been great when you first arrived?
Have you faced any issues managing your finances since arriving in the US?
What financial mistakes have you made, and what did you learn? (eg, have you opened a saving account in a bank with very low interest? You only got to know about it once everything is done?)
What resources have you used to learn about US financial systems and manage your money? How helpful have they been?
Tell us your experience of opening a bank account in the U.S. as an international student.
(was it hard or easy)
Do you have a credit card? If yes - Did you face any problems in picking a credit card for your needs?
Have you learned more about loans, taxes, or budgeting since coming here?
If you could access a customized financial literacy program, what top 3 topics would be most helpful and why?
Is your university providing you with any resources for financial literacy? If yes, what are they? How are they helpful to you?
If not, In what ways could your university better support international students in developing financial skills?
What tools(apps) or info have you found helpful in managing your money here?
What features would you like to see in a financial literacy app for international students?
Do you watch YouTube videos and reels related to financial topics?
Key Questions Used in DoorDash User Interviews
Interviews: These initial explorative conversations provided early insights, forming an overview of the user experience.
Think Aloud Sessions: Under detailed observation, these sessions revealed specific areas of difficulty and success in user navigation.
The study utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, notably think-aloud sessions and user interviews, to extract in-depth understanding of challenges.
Methodology
Insights from Interviews
In our interviews, it was commonly observed consistent disorientation and confusion are prevalent, with students often forgetting the tax process and required documents each year. There is a notable lack of understanding about the number of forms needed and their sources, leading to a feeling that each tax year is a completely new experience. Additionally, unawareness of specific deadlines results in missed opportunities for tax returns. Even those who have managed to file taxes using software face challenges, indicating a need for better understanding and education about the U.S. tax system. These insights highlight the need for more effective support and information tailored to the unique challenges faced by international graduate students in navigating U.S. tax filing.
"I consistently feel disoriented during tax filing, often forgetting the process, required
documents and needing to relearn and comprehend it each time."
" I'm always confused on how many forms I need to fill and where I need to find them - Every year is a new year to me ."
" I was not aware that there are specific deadlines for submitting the tax documents, I didn’t get any returns ."
" I Managed my first tax return with software, faced challenges but succeeded. A better understanding of the tax system would've helped ."
Quotes from Interviews
Quantitative & Qualitative Matrix
User Flow
Typography
High Fidelity Prototype
StuTax
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
International students often struggle to understand tax treaties between their home country and the U.S., leading to confusion about exemptions and credits.
The U.S. tax forms contain jargon and require detailed information that may be unfamiliar to international students.
Many students are unaware of their tax obligations, including which forms to fill out and the deadlines for submission.
Common tax software platforms may not cater to the specific needs of international students for tax preparation.
Process
Empathize
Define
Ideate
Design
Test
UX Research
UI Design
over
60%
of international students reported
the tax filing process as difficult.
over
54%
of international students reported
needing more information on US tax filing.
One study found over 60% of international students reported the tax filing process as "difficult" or "very difficult"
(https://www.internationalstudent.com/tax/)
Lack of financial literacy is a significant problem for international students
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/mba_student/18/
"Association of International Educators found that 54% of international students reported needing more information on US tax filing."
2018 survey by NAFSA
52% of international students reported feeling unprepared to file US taxes, highlighting a knowledge gap.
Nafsa 2021 Survey
Secondary Research
We used a collaborative and iterative method for the ideation. Each team member independently came up with 10 ideas. During the team session, an evaluation of the pros and cons of each solution, considering feasibility and viability, was done, and it was decided to address three key issues.
Design Direction
Generating Document Checklist
It simplifies Tax preparation by displaying a
tailored comprehensive checklist.
How does it solve our problem?
It assists students in finding all necessary
tax filing documents in one place and
educates them about each form.
HiFi Protypes
Support from Financial Advisors
It establishes communication to seek credible
guidance from Uni-Affiliated Financial Advisors
How does it solve our problem?
Providing contact information of their
university officials to get advice from
credible resources.
User Testing
Prototyping
Overview
An innovative solution for international students to guide them through the complex US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
Duration
2 Months
Team
Danny
Anjani
Akhila
Srujan
Contribution
Research Ideation
UI/UX
StuTax
2023
Step-By-Step
Tax Filing Guide
Document
Checklist
Financial Resources
How can we simplify tax filing for international student and improve their financial literacy?
Our Design Challenge:
International students in the U.S. face significant tax filing challenges.
Due to the complexity of the system and unfamiliar forms such as 1040-NR, 8843, and W-2.
Research carried out at universities across the US have identified significant challenges faced by international students, out of which 32% felt "not at all prepared" to file their taxes. The IRS acknowledges that nonresidents generally have higher error rates on their tax returns compared
to residents.
Introduction
LoFi Protypes
Persona
" I managed my first tax return with software, faced challenges but succeeded. A better understanding of the tax system would've helped ."
Better understanding about the U.S. tax system.
" I was not aware that there are specific deadlines for submitting the tax documents, I didn’t get any returns ."
unawareness of specific deadlines
"I consistently feel disoriented during tax filing, often forgetting the process, required documents and needing to relearn and comprehend it each time."
consistent disorientation and confusion
" I'm always confused on how many forms I need to fill and where I need to find them - Every year is a new year to me ."
Forgetting the tax process and required documents
Interview
As part of the user research, our team conducted 16 interviews with students from various universities across the country, of which I conducted four. The recurring themes that emerged were a lack of awareness, concern about the tax system, and a lack of resources. They reported that university-hosted webinars fell short of their expectations. Furthermore, practically all participants stated that navigating through current tools was quite difficult.
KEY FEATURES OF THE MVP
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
UX Research
UI Design
Documentation
User Testing
Prototyping
Role
Team
Srujan M.
Danny V.
Akhila M.
Anjani S.
Timeline
Oct 23- Dec 23
Figma
Miro
Illustrator
After Effects
Tools
StuTax
International students in the U.S. face a distinctive set of challenges when it comes to tax filing, often marked by a lack of clarity and understanding of the U.S. tax system. Predominantly, these students are required to file forms like 1040-NR, 8843, and W-2, which can be a bewildering experience for those encountering the U.S. tax environment for the first time.
Why StuTax
Complex Tax Forms: The U.S. tax forms contain jargon and require detailed information that may be unfamiliar to international students.
Lack of Knowledge: Many students are unaware of their tax obligations, including which forms to fill out and the deadlines for submission.
Navigational Difficulties: International students often struggle to understand tax treaties between their home country and the U.S., leading to confusion about exemptions and credits.
Limited Access to Expert Help: Tailored assistance for tax-related queries specific to international students' circumstances is not readily available.
Software Restrictions: Common tax software and platforms may not cater to the specific needs of international students, leaving them without suitable tools for tax preparation.
Problem Statement
User-Friendly Interface : An intuitive user experience, where navigating through tax filing processes is straightforward and hassle-free. The app's design focuses on simplicity and clarity, making it approachable for users with varying levels of tax knowledge and technical proficiency.
Educational Empowerment : The app is designed to be an educational resource, demystifying U.S. tax systems for international students. It provides easy-to-understand explanations, interactive learning tools, and up-to-date information on tax regulations, empowering users to file taxes confidently.
Accessibility and Inclusion : Being accessible to all users, adhering to international accessibility standards. Features include customizable text sizes, high contrast modes, and a culturally sensitive interface, ensuring that the app is usable and beneficial for a diverse student population.
Responsive and Multilingual Support : The app's responsive design ensures seamless functionality across various devices. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of international students, StuTax includes multilingual support to accommodate non-native English speakers, making tax filing more approachable.
StuTax
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
Possible Design Solution
What’s your age?
Which country are you from originally?
How long have you been (studying) in the US?
How is your education being funded?
Are you currently employed? If yes where?
How long have you been studying in the US?
How familiar are you with the US banking system and practices like building credit, taking loans, filing taxes, etc?
What do you wish you knew about US finances before becoming an international student?
Who do you turn to when you have questions about finances in the US?
What kind of financial help would have been great when you first arrived?
Have you faced any issues managing your finances since arriving in the US?
What financial mistakes have you made, and what did you learn? (eg, have you opened a saving account in a bank with very low interest? You only got to know about it once everything is done?)
What resources have you used to learn about US financial systems and manage your money? How helpful have they been?
Tell us your experience of opening a bank account in the U.S. as an international student.
(was it hard or easy)
Do you have a credit card? If yes - Did you face any problems in picking a credit card for your needs?
Have you learned more about loans, taxes, or budgeting since coming here?
If you could access a customized financial literacy program, what top 3 topics would be most helpful and why?
Is your university providing you with any resources for financial literacy? If yes, what are they? How are they helpful to you?
If not, In what ways could your university better support international students in developing financial skills?
What tools(apps) or info have you found helpful in managing your money here?
What features would you like to see in a financial literacy app for international students?
Do you watch YouTube videos and reels related to financial topics?
Key Questions Used in DoorDash User Interviews
Interviews: These initial explorative conversations provided early insights, forming an overview of the user experience.
Think Aloud Sessions: Under detailed observation, these sessions revealed specific areas of difficulty and success in user navigation.
The study utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, notably think-aloud sessions and user interviews, to extract in-depth understanding of challenges.
Methodology
Insights from Interviews
In our interviews, it was commonly observed consistent disorientation and confusion are prevalent, with students often forgetting the tax process and required documents each year. There is a notable lack of understanding about the number of forms needed and their sources, leading to a feeling that each tax year is a completely new experience. Additionally, unawareness of specific deadlines results in missed opportunities for tax returns. Even those who have managed to file taxes using software face challenges, indicating a need for better understanding and education about the U.S. tax system. These insights highlight the need for more effective support and information tailored to the unique challenges faced by international graduate students in navigating U.S. tax filing.
"I consistently feel disoriented during tax filing, often forgetting the process, required
documents and needing to relearn and comprehend it each time."
" I'm always confused on how many forms I need to fill and where I need to find them - Every year is a new year to me ."
" I was not aware that there are specific deadlines for submitting the tax documents, I didn’t get any returns ."
" I Managed my first tax return with software, faced challenges but succeeded. A better understanding of the tax system would've helped ."
Quotes from Interviews
Quantitative & Qualitative Matrix
User Flow
Typography
High Fidelity Prototype
StuTax
An innovative solution designed for international students to guide them through the maze of US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
International students often struggle to understand tax treaties between their home country and the U.S., leading to confusion about exemptions and credits.
The U.S. tax forms contain jargon and require detailed information that may be unfamiliar to international students.
Many students are unaware of their tax obligations, including which forms to fill out and the deadlines for submission.
Common tax software platforms may not cater to the specific needs of international students for tax preparation.
Process
Empathize
Define
Ideate
Design
Test
UX Research
UI Design
over
60%
of international students reported
the tax filing process as difficult.
over
54%
of international students reported
needing more information on US tax filing.
One study found over 60% of international students reported the tax filing process as "difficult" or "very difficult"
(https://www.internationalstudent.com/tax/)
Lack of financial literacy is a significant problem for international students
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/mba_student/18/
"Association of International Educators found that 54% of international students reported needing more information on US tax filing."
2018 survey by NAFSA
52% of international students reported feeling unprepared to file US taxes, highlighting a knowledge gap.
Nafsa 2021 Survey
Secondary Research
We used a collaborative and iterative method for the ideation. Each team member independently came up with 10 ideas. During the team session, an evaluation of the pros and cons of each solution, considering feasibility and viability, was done, and it was decided to address three key issues.
Design Direction
Generating Document Checklist
It simplifies Tax preparation by displaying a
tailored comprehensive checklist.
How does it solve our problem?
It assists students in finding all necessary
tax filing documents in one place and
educates them about each form.
HiFi Protypes
Support from Financial Advisors
It establishes communication to seek credible
guidance from Uni-Affiliated Financial Advisors
How does it solve our problem?
Providing contact information of their
university officials to get advice from
credible resources.
User Testing
Prototyping
Overview
An innovative solution for international students to guide them through the complex US tax forms with a document checklist, support from university financial experts, and resources for financial literacy.
Duration
2 Months
Team
Danny
Anjani
Akhila
Srujan
Contribution
Research Ideation
UI/UX
StuTax
2023
Step-By-Step
Tax Filing Guide
Document
Checklist
Financial Resources
How can we simplify tax filing for international student and improve their financial literacy?
Our Design Challenge:
International students in the U.S. face significant tax filing challenges.
Due to the complexity of the system and unfamiliar forms such as 1040-NR, 8843, and W-2.
Research carried out at universities across the US have identified significant challenges faced by international students, out of which 32% felt "not at all prepared" to file their taxes. The IRS acknowledges that nonresidents generally have higher error rates on their tax returns compared
to residents.
Introduction