Context

After studying and working abroad for 9 months, I noticed some inherent biases and strained relationships that people had towards those of neighboring countries. I saw a huge opportunity to apply design principles to navigate cultural barriers and overcome biases.

I spent my co-op working in Crete, Greece.

Challenge

Each person has a different framework of knowledge, norms, and traditions, shaped by the culture they grew up in. They communicate with different languages, behaviors, gestures, and understandings. When people from different cultures interact, there can be a disconnect in these basic understandings, which is known as culture shock or cultural barriers.

I created these graphics based on landscape analysis and
initial literature review.

Research

Through initial investigations, I found that immigrants face cultural barriers on a daily basis. Therefore, I wanted to explore some of their current challenges and solutions. I interviewed experts, talked to immigrants of all ages and backgrounds, and conducted several design research activities.

How might we enable immigrants to overcome cultural barriers?

Research Insights

Cultural sharing promotes deeper
understanding and connection.

Immigrants want to share their culture.

Ideation

How can I use food to bring people of diverse backgrounds together?

I used this question to guide my concept brainstorming, and then obtained feedback from interviewing participants.

Concept

After getting feedback on several rounds of ideation, I found that immigrants’ needs would best be met by the following concept:

An immersive restaurant experience through which participants can explore a featured food culture.

Features

Food acts as a gateway into culture and personal experiences.

Featured culture changes throughout year to represent many cultures.

Activities encourage personal and cultural sharing to strengthen relationships.

Prototyping and Validation

For the sample design, I worked with South Indian immigrants to determine what key aspects of culture needed to be present in the restaurant and exhibit. I built out both the flow and visual aspects of the experience.

Challenge

Create a mobile app that complements the physical experience and creates a sense of cohesion between all stages. The interface should provide a second level of information and interaction throughout the experience.

Goals

Simple and Understandable

The interface needs to compliment the physical experience without overwhelming the user

Visually Engaging

The visual design should communicate the themes of diversity, culture, and cuisine in a compelling way that brings delight to the experience. 

Add Value

The mobile app should add additional components to the experience that couldn’t be obtained from the physical exhibit alone. The app should provide users with value even after they have left the restaurant.

Visual Guide

During earlier stages of the project I created these graphics for physical Conversation Cards. Participants said the designs were engaging, provided insight into the culture, and easily understandable.

After deciding to make a mobile app, I used these designs as a visual guide for the interface and interactions.

Prototyping and User Testing

I began to build out the Task Flows and Wireframes for app use during the dining experience and after the user has left. Despite COVID-19, I was able to receive a lot of feedback through online surveys and usability tests to see which mental models worked best for ingredient organization and layout.