CASE STUDY
02.
User Research | UX Design
The Mekong Journey
For the AIGA DC SHINE Mentorship, I embarked on "The Mekong Journey," a project aimed at capturing and preserving the generational stories and cultural heritage of Lao-American immigrants. Guided by the question, "How might we effectively capture and preserve the generational stories and cultural heritage of Lao-American immigrants to foster understanding and connectivity within and beyond the community?" I conducted interviews and surveys to uncover personal experiences and cultural practices. Key questions focused on participants' origins, knowledge of their ancestors' lives in Laos and initial U.S. experiences, and their engagement in Lao cultural practices.
Through this research, I recognized a generational disconnect and the need to create a platform connecting social media to an archive, preserving these invaluable stories.
For the AIGA DC SHINE Mentorship, I embarked on "The Mekong Journey," a project aimed at capturing and preserving the generational stories and cultural heritage of Lao-American immigrants. Guided by the question, "How might we effectively capture and preserve the generational stories and cultural heritage of Lao-American immigrants to foster understanding and connectivity within and beyond the community?" I conducted interviews and surveys to uncover personal experiences and cultural practices. Key questions focused on participants' origins, knowledge of their ancestors' lives in Laos and initial U.S. experiences, and their engagement in Lao cultural practices.
Through this research, I recognized a generational disconnect and the need to create a platform connecting social media to an archive, preserving these invaluable stories.
The design process involved developing wayfinding tools, creating prototypes, and wireframing potential products. The project evolved into a visualization endeavor documenting and sharing the journey of Lao-American immigrants. Using affinity mapping to identify common themes and opportunities, I developed a comprehensive product design. Reflecting on this journey, I leveraged design thinking to explore and preserve cultural identity, gaining insights into the art of possibility through qualitative research. The final deliverable was a detailed documentation and visualization of the research journey, showcasing personal stories and increasing community awareness. This project not only preserved valuable cultural stories but also enhanced my UX/UI design and research methodology skills, providing a meaningful and impactful experience.