B.E.T is a Capstone project, using a How Might We (HMW) design thinking technique, where designers may rephrase and expand their issue statements to facilitate effective, focused, and creative brainstorming sessions that address design difficulties.
Problem: With a growing population of 30,000 Burmese immigrants residing in Indianapolis, some of the most common spaces for the Burmese immigrants are either their homes, schools, or churches. Besides these spaces, it seems that there are not many spaces for the 1st and 2nd generation Burmese people to interact with one another, thus leading to some sort of differences and disconnection between the 1st and 2nd generation Burmese immigrants.
HMW: How might we create a space for the 1st and 2nd generation immigrants to build connections in Indianapolis so that they can find social support, access essential resources, and foster a sense of unity and belonging together?
Site Analysis:
+ About 30,000 Burmese immigrants reside within or near the bubble.
+ About 30,000 Burmese immigrants reside within or near the bubble.
+ < 10 miles for the majority of the Burmese immigrants.
+ 12-minute walk to one of the most popular soccer tournament locations, St. Francis Soccer, amongst the Burmese community.
Study Key Insights:
+Older 1st generations still highly hold and understand the value of their traditional background. As for the younger generation, the understanding of their values and knowledge of their cultural background depends on their surroundings.
+ Education is highly important to the older generation as many were forced to enter labor work due to poor economy.
+ Gardening is well-loved by many Burmese immigrants.
+ The majority of the Burmese immigrants come together for sports such as soccer and volleyball.
+ Many older generations have trouble reaching out to human services.
+ Ethnic language is lost in the younger generation community, while the older generation has an English language barrier.
+ Burmese food and song allow many immigrants to stay connected to their background.
Those who had a memory of their life back in Myanmar highly missed their lifestyle back in Myanmar.
Many younger generations have major identity crises.
+Older 1st generations still highly hold and understand the value of their traditional background. As for the younger generation, the understanding of their values and knowledge of their cultural background depends on their surroundings.
+ Education is highly important to the older generation as many were forced to enter labor work due to poor economy.
+ Gardening is well-loved by many Burmese immigrants.
+ The majority of the Burmese immigrants come together for sports such as soccer and volleyball.
+ Many older generations have trouble reaching out to human services.
+ Ethnic language is lost in the younger generation community, while the older generation has an English language barrier.
+ Burmese food and song allow many immigrants to stay connected to their background.
Those who had a memory of their life back in Myanmar highly missed their lifestyle back in Myanmar.
Many younger generations have major identity crises.
Final board 1
Final board 2
