To ground my concept in real user needs, we conducted a multi-layered research process focused on understanding the emotional, psychological, and behavioral experiences of my target demographic: Gen Alpha and early post-graduates (ages ~22–25). I began with in-depth interviews to unpack feelings around structure, identity, post-grad transition, and the pressures tied to comparison and autonomy. These conversations revealed consistent themes: the desire for guidance while maintaining independence, anxiety around forging a unique path, and the tension between digital expectations and real-life uncertainty.

          Alongside interviews, we synthesized generational research on Gen Alpha’s tech fluency, personalization norms, shorter attention spans, and their need for instant feedback and hybrid physical-digital experiences. For post-grads, we mapped psychological traits, aesthetic preferences, needs, and wants, developing a comparative framework that highlighted where the two groups overlap and where their motivations diverge. This included identifying key drivers like structure, identity formation, peer comparison, and the craving for community and mentorship after college.

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