| dc.description.abstract | Undocumented migrants(UMs) have irregular identity that do not grant them entitlement to basic needs and official health services in Norway. Uncertainty and uncontrollable life situation in a new host country with past traumatic experience bring them to an extreme vulnerable position, especially their mental health need, which is being seen as one of the most common and urgent issues among this heterogeneous group. The constant fear of exposing identification and deportation back to the country they fled from, leads to reluctance on help-seeking behaviour and even life-threatening consequences.
This project was working with Health Centre in Oslo operated by Kirkens Bymisjon and Red Cross. The centre is believed to be the only organization offering free primary health services to UMs in Norway. Following an explanatory research approach with a user-centric design process, the unique needs of UMs for enhancement of mental health and existing services offered by Health Centre were being investigated through gathering insights from qualitative interviews with health professionals, volunteers and other close contacts. The process followed by data analysis with data visualization methods to build empathy for the user group and the creation of a concept idea to solve the challenges. A concept prototype of a mobile application for UMs in Norway was developed after several iterations of design cycle - an aid to bridge the existing service to UMs in navigating their basic needs in Oslo to reduce the possible risk factors that lead to mental stress and providing education about mental health to encourage help-seeking action. It also acts as an assistant tool in psychotherapists’ consultations and other health-related events. Practical implementation at the Health Centre and management of the product would require further investigation with future opportunities.
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