Coming to Solutions

We finally had a vision:

How might we build trust between the Micc and Naresh (South Asian Immigrant Seniors) by displaying signs and providing meaningful activities, instilling a sense of nostalgia and promoting new memories? 

Now had to solve our problem. We generated a lot of bad ideas: we facilitate speed dating, give Naresh sleeping pills, fly Naresh back home to see his old doctor, etc. They also gave us insights into what a solution could look like: a light dusting of cultural symbols, an area in which Naresh felt comfortable, and an activity that he would feel is important.

Our initial solution probably had about 10 different solutions/steps in it. When we ran this by our target demographic, it was confusing. So we continued to iterate on our prototypes until we reached three core offerings.

First, Naresh would be greeted by someone of similar ethnic background. Second, he would then wait in a tea room. Pratyush had said that Chai in India is normally consumed with loved ones or friends. Finally,  he could participate in a culture centered activity: he could answer a local school’s question about his culture. Finally, a solution!