Product Design
MeltingPot
A screen-based, omni-channel and social solution for cultural alienation in multicultural societies. Includes a voting-based game on an interactive table as well as an app with quizzes, recipes and events to promote cultural engagement.
Challenge
Multiculturalism is central to Australia’s national identity, with approximately 28% of the population born overseas and 50% having an overseas-born parent (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022).
For individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, constructing a clear sense of identity is often challenging. People raised in multiple cultures may struggle to reconcile their ethnic heritage with their national identity, leading to feelings of cultural alienation and rejection. These complex feelings of isolation can significantly impact mental health and well-being.
What motivates culturally diverse young adults living in Australia to connect with their heritage?
Results
MeltingPot adopts a voting-based game on an interactive table as a unique omnichannel device for supporting social interactions. In the app, educational and discovery features are applied in the form of a quiz, recipe and event section to promote positive cultural engagement.
Overview of Research
Research insights were derived from questionnaire, interview and online ethnography data. This data was analysed using data visualisations and affinity diagramming, and synthesised using personas, storyboards and empathy mapping.
Our insights surrounded the importance of acceptance, using time purposefully, accessible learning resources and meaningful social connections.
Below are some examples of our analysis and synthesis. Our main takeaway from our questionnaire revolved around participants' desire to be more connected to their culture, but a lack of knowledge and engagement preventing them from doing so. Our main takeaways from our interviews and online ethnography included a desire for cultural knowledge, meaningful activities, and genuine connections in an inclusive environment.
Ideation
From our research insights, our refined design problem was to design an inclusive experience that fosters cultural engagement and meaningful connections among culturally diverse young adults in Australia.
Our ideation methods included crazy 8s, reverse thinking and challenge assumptions. Based on the outcomes of our decision matrix, we decided to combine the strongest aspects of each idea - gamification of education, cultural resources such as recipes and events, and an interactive table.
Prototyping & Testing
Below are selections of our sketches, wireframes and final mockups.
Between wireframes and mockups, we conducted cognitive walkthroughs and moderated think alouds. Between mockups and our final prototype, we conducted heuristic evaluations and unmoderated think alouds using Loop11.
Our main changes for the app included:
Combined iconography and text for enhanced clarity
Added quiz categories and an option to edit cultures for more choice and control
Added a 'save' banner and provided filter feedback for clearer navigation
Our main changes for the table included:
Clearer instructional copy and call-to-action buttons
Replaced recipe section with nearby restaurants due to lack of immediate need for recipes
Final Prototype Video
The below video shows the user flow of MeltingPot's app. All animations were prototyped on Figma.
