Drift

Graduation is celebrated as a huge milestone, but not much attention is given to what comes right after. The first year out can feel disorienting: our identity shifts, expectations don’t always match reality, finances suddenly matter more than they ever did, and the built-in structure of campus life disappears. I wanted to create something for that in-between period, the space between being a student and feeling stable as an adult, where community and guidance don’t just stop at commencement.

The platform includes a landing page centered on belonging, a personalized onboarding experience using interactive identity bubbles, city-based event listings for alumni gatherings, a forum space where graduates can share experiences and ask for advice, and a simulated AI assistant that offers contextual suggestions.

Since this was built as a solo project within a tight timeframe, one of the biggest challenges was turning a complex life transition into a clear and cohesive product. Every piece had to be thoughtfully aligned without a team to divide roles. Another challenge was making sure the events, forum, and AI assistant felt like parts of one system rather than disconnected ideas.

I’m especially proud of how the research informed the design. Instead of just referencing studies, I used them to shape actual features, from identity-based onboarding to events and advice spaces that act as support systems. Throughout the process, I focused on making the experience feel warm and human, rather than corporate or transactional.

Next, I’d like to conduct interviews with recent graduates, build out real-time backend functionality for posts and RSVPs, develop the AI assistant into a working recommendation tool, and explore partnerships with university alumni organizations. Long term, I see this expanding across cities as an ongoing support network for early adulthood!

Built With

• framer