Moving to a new country is an exciting experience, but often it can get isolating after. Leaving behind familiar support systems and adjusting to new cultures, norms, and logistics can feel overwhelming. Many newcomers struggle with loneliness and dejection, unsure where to turn for guidance. Yaar changes that. More than an app, it’s a culturally-aware digital companion designed to ease this transition. By connecting newcomers with local buddies (yaars) and offering curated cultural insights, it celebrates meaningful connections and fosters a sense of belonging.
In Hindi, Yaar means a close friend—someone who makes you feel comfortable, understood, and supported. This ethos is at the heart of Yaar, ensuring no newcomer has to navigate this journey alone.
How It Works
Yaar operates through three core functions:
1. Local Buddy-Matching: Connects newcomers with locals based on shared interests, making integration more personal and supportive.
2. Yaar Circles: Circles are small, hyper-local groups created by local buddies/yaars and are based on shared interests and activities. These are designed to help newcomers find their communities with ease, relieving them of the pressures of networking to find friends.
3. Tasks and Journeys: Simplifies key settlement tasks (getting an ID, opening a bank account, etc.) into interactive challenges. Completing tasks earns points, with 500 points marking a full transition. At this stage, users are encouraged to become Yaars for others, creating a cycle of support.
Designed with empathy, playfulness, and inclusivity, Yaar features an intuitive interface, warm visuals, and a culturally sensitive approach to ensure all users feel seen and supported.
In an increasingly global world, migration is inevitable, but no one should be made to feel unwelcome in a new country. Yaar envisions a future where diversity and inclusion are an integral part of our societies—not just an afterthought.










CREDIT
- Agency/Creative: Soumya Gupta
- Article Title: Soumya Gupta Reimagines Cultural Belonging Through the Yaar App Experience
- Organisation/Entity: Student
- Project Type: Graphic
- Project Status: Published
- Agency/Creative Country: United States
- Agency/Creative City: New York City
- Market Region: North America
- Project Deliverables: App Design, Brand Design, Creative Direction, Illustration
- Industry: Entertainment
- Keywords: Branding, App Design, Belonging, Culture, Migration
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Credits:
Designer: Soumya Gupta