Make the refugee story uniquely personal by allowing users to experience a refugee’s journey of survival through their own phone. Using the familiar functions of the phone – picture gallery, messages, phone calls and videos – the app creates an entirely new OS within your phone.

Working alongside the UNHCR, we interviewed a series of refugees and constructed a storyline made from real-life events. The ‘Finding Home’ app puts you into the shoes of 16-year old Rohingya Kathijah as she is forced to flee her home. The complex and nuanced refugee story of searching for shelter, unscrupulous adults, supportive communities, and the plight of a person with no legal status unfolds in your hands. Now you have to make the decisions needed to survive.

Finding Home was translated into the language of a smartphone interface:

MESSAGES - Conversations were drafted as complex intertwining dialogues, creating different outcomes dependant on the users’ response

IMAGES - Via UNHCR, two Rohingya refugees were cast as the main characters. Creating backstories to the main characters within the gallery was crucial in showing the normal, human side of the refugees. That they behave, play, argue just like we do.

VIDEO – Bespoke films were shot, native to the smartphone, inspired by true events. Video calls and messages all made to add to the reality of the experience.

It took 5 months to conceptualise, plan, execute and launch. 'Finding Home' was launched on 25 April at UNHCR HQ, Kuala Lumpur with both local and international press present.

A vertical trailer was created - using the exciting and engaging style of 'found footage' movies to appeal to a wide audience. Created bespoke to Facebook and YouTube, spread via UNHCR social accounts.

The UNHCR recognised the app as an educational tool, appealing especially to teens. As a result, ‘Finding Home’ is now a part of all of their school visits throughout Malaysia.

At launch, the app was placed on the UNHCR Malaysia account. In late May, they plan to publish the app globally, reaching out to 128 countries.