Bite Abroad
Bite Aborad: Exploring Cultural Identity and Migration through Traditional Thai Dessert Workshops, Bua Loy.
«Bite Abroad» explores the intersection of cultural identity, migration, and self-reflection through the design and implementation of Thai dessert workshops. This study is based on interaction design principles and seeks to create a comfortable and inclusive environment for participants to share their cultural identities and migration experiences, especially in Switzerland, and engage self-reflection. Qualitative methods, such as participant observation and interviews are used in this study. It shows that these workshops are able to help participants feel validated, spark curiosity about others' culture and foster a sense of community.
There are four main frameworks in this study, including embodiment, acculturation, cultural identity, and commensality. Moreover, this study suggests that further research directions may be able to include digital tools and collaborations with Zurich Migration Office or other related organizations. The thesis contributes to both academic research and practical applications, demonstrating how designing Thai-dessert making, Bua Loy, workshops are able to support participants in feeling validated, igniting curiosity towards other cultures, and fostering a social cohesion.
Author: Plengpai (Pin) Ratnajarn
Mentor: Joëlle Bitton
MA Thesis: Bite Abroad
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