Key Finding 10:
Students Mirror High-Stress Users in Needs, but with More Openness and Less Extremity
Although students were analysed separately from working professionals, their responses to structured support features in Q10, Q12, and Q14 closely mirrored patterns seen in high-stress single-tool users. Despite lower daily tool reliance overall, students demonstrated clear emotional and functional alignment with supportive, clarity-oriented discovery features.
Elevated but Milder Stress Levels
In Q5, more than half of student respondents fell into the moderate-to-high stress range (ratings 3–4) — a proportion closely aligned with the single-tool user group. However, none of the students selected 5 (“always overwhelmed”), suggesting that while they do experience uncertainty or friction, it tends to be manageable rather than debilitating. Most selected 3 (“sometimes”), indicating latent stress that could be addressed through proactive guidance.
Alignment with Drop Features
In Q10, when asked about the helpfulness of supportive discovery experiences:
The vast majority rated “Explain what a tool does in simple terms” as “Very helpful”
There was only one “Not helpful” response across Drop-related prompts — a strong signal of alignment with structured, emotionally accessible UX patterns
Alignment with Stack Features
In Q12, more than half of students selected ratings 4 or 5, indicating strong perceived value in being able to save, revisit, and organise tools. This reinforces the role of Stack not just as a productivity layer, but as a form of confidence scaffolding for newer or less consistent users.
Readiness to Engage
In Q14, the majority of student respondents selected either “Yes” or “Maybe” when asked whether they would sign up for a more supportive tool-finding experience. This suggests openness combined with cautious optimism, and highlights students as a receptive audience for onboarding-first features.
Overall, students represent a group with moderate stress, low resistance, and high curiosity. Their emotional and cognitive needs align strongly with the intent behind Drop and Stack, and they may serve as a valuable secondary user group for early-stage validation.
