Andi Patrylo- BSc (Hons) Web and User Experience Design
BUZKO — Civic Engagement Platform for Ukrainian Diaspora
BUZKO is a digital platform concept exploring how uprooted Ukrainian human capital can be reintegrated through skill-based contributions to the third sector.
The project began with a specific concern: many displaced Ukrainians remain emotionally and civically connected to Ukraine, yet there is no clear, trusted pathway for contributing professional skills remotely. My research into the Ukrainian diaspora and civic-tech landscape suggested that the issue is not a lack of willingness, but a lack of infrastructure. People may feel personal responsibility to support Ukraine, while NGOs, charities, and civic organisations continue to operate under the pressure of war, limited capacity, and the loss of human capital.
BUZKO responds to this gap through a mobile app prototype focused on the volunteer experience, while implying a wider two-sided service model between organisations and contributors. The design helps users discover verified opportunities, understand whether their skills are relevant, inspect trust signals, discuss scope before committing, and see the impact of their contribution after completion.
The project followed a Lean UX approach through the Double Diamond framework, combining desk research, survey analysis, participatory design, usability testing, and prototype iteration. Across the process, the concept evolved from a volunteering app into a civic-tech trust system: one that turns willingness into structured, safe, and meaningful digital contribution.
