OCAD University Open Research Repository

TCKConnect: A platform for Adult Third Culture Kids to find a sense of belonging

Khamkar, Rutooja (2025) TCKConnect: A platform for Adult Third Culture Kids to find a sense of belonging. Masters thesis, OCAD University.

Item Type: Thesis
Creators: Khamkar, Rutooja
Abstract:

Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCKs) represent a unique demographic who spent their formative years in a country (or countries) other than their parent’s passport culture, often leading to rootlessness and challenges in forming a stable sense of identity and belonging. ATCKs experience feelings of disconnection from non-ATCKs due to their unique backgrounds, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of finding meaningful connections and a sense of community. Recognizing the need for belonging through shared experiences, and drawing from my personal experience as an ATCK, this research addresses the gap in existing social platforms by proposing TCKConnect, a geolocation-based mobile app designed to foster in-person meetups and support the formation of local communities among ATCKs. Employing the Double Diamond Model, a structured design methodology, this thesis integrates user-centered design principles and user and usability testing. Beyond the app, the project includes an interactive online documentary that represents the collected data and research, showcasing the ATCK experience through a narrative format.

Date: April 2025
Uncontrolled Keywords: Adult Third Culture Kids, Double Diamond Model, mobile app, connections, community, belonging
Divisions: Graduate Studies > Digital Futures
Date Deposited: 06 May 2025 16:41
Last Modified: 06 May 2025 16:41
URI: https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/4695

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