NOT JUST US is a digital platform designed to support single-parent families by creating a space for connection, organisation and mutual help. The project responds to a real social need, focusing on emotional support, practicality and community.
The app was conceived as a tool to reduce isolation and make everyday life easier for single parents, combining functionality with a warm, accessible and non-judgmental tone.
Concept — “Designing Support, Not Advice”
Not Just Us is built around the idea that single-parent families do not need more advice, but real support.
The concept moves away from traditional social networks to create a safe, private and practical environment where users can connect with others in similar situations and feel understood without judgement.
The app is designed as a support system rather than a social platform, prioritising emotional wellbeing, trust and usefulness over visibility or performance.
User Research & UX Approach
The project is based on an in-depth research process focused on single-parent families between 25 and 45 years old. Through empathy mapping and problem analysis, four key areas were identified: emotional, practical, economic and social support.
These insights directly shaped the structure and features of the app, ensuring that every design decision responded to a real user need rather than assumptions.
Key features
Not Just Us brings together emotional support, practical tools and community resources in one intuitive platform.
It offers private chats and wellbeing content, shared calendars and task coordination, access to financial resources, and local community connections to exchange help and services.
Not Just Us is a digital product proposal that uses design as a tool for care, transforming research, empathy and UX thinking into a meaningful and socially driven app concept.
You can explore the project through the interactive prototypes below.
PATRICIA SERRA 