Convive
A mobile cultural learning application for the users to learn cultural values
and practices contextually by connecting cultural models and life experiences.
Sept. 2021 - May 2022
Project introduction
The culture we grew up with is what shapes the most profound parts of us, and it influences how we see and learn about the world through interactions. As the world becomes more accessible through all means of communication tools either digitally or tangibly. it is not a new thing anymore when we talk about a cross-cultural family nowadays. It usually starts with a romantic international love story that a couple is open-minded and generous; however, when it comes to family settings that multiple sets of cultural beliefs and backgrounds are blended on a daily basis, it could be challenging for the people to balance the assimilation in reforming hybrid family cultures that share every member's personal values while maintaining a sense of family belonging. My thesis project aims to develop a design solution based on my research findings in the challenges in a cross-cultural family setting.
Design models and principles
The working progress of Convive from brainstorming to development uses SAM (Successive Approximation Model) as its primary design model, for the fact that this project is a one-person effort and needs iteration throughout the process to polish the design. SAM is an agile model in that multiple steps can happen at the same time, however, it does not have a strong emphasis on the research and analysis phase. Even though the project is generally following SAM model as the design model along the way, due to the time constraints, the project could not reach to the roll-out stage.
However, throughout the project, there are a great number of design principles being implemented throughout the process, such as Human Centered Design (the Double Diamond) and design thinking processes. As for visual design, color theories and visual design principles have been implemented in the decision-making of colors, layouts and typography heavily.
Part 1: Research
The first phase is literature research, user research and ideation with learning theories and design rationales. Please review the research process here in detail.
Part 2: Design and develop
The second phase the is design and development phase, where I make wireframes and prototypes based on my design solutions, with the validations from concept testing and usability testing as parts of iterative design processes. Please review the design and prototypes here in detail.
Final presentation
I live presented my thesis project at the program Thesis Expo on May 13, 2022. By giving out a short 5-minute teaser of my hard work for two semesters, audiences taste my design ideologies and visual prototypes in an interactive and storytelling way. The presentation video hasn’t been published yet. Stay tuned.
Recognition
This project is awarded “Excellence in Prototyping” by the NYU Steinhardt School of Education’s Education, Communication and Technology program.
