Role: Creator, Author, Designer, Illustrator and Interviewer

PROBLEM

Expats in Shanghai often feel isolated, longing for flavors, traditions, and connections to their home cultures.

Product: Taste of Home: Culinary Interview Cooking Book

Personal Project

Duration: 2 years

Pain Points for the Target Audience:

Lack of community and cultural connections.
Difficulty finding authentic cuisine from their home countries.
Homesickness and nostalgia for familiar flavors and traditions.

SOLUTION

"Taste of Home" is a cooking interview book showcasing stories and culinary traditions of expats from 13 different countries living in Shanghai.

Design solution

Hand-drawn illustrations for each recipe step, adding warmth and a personal connection. Interviews paired with corresponding recipes, foster empathy and curiosity. Cultural playlists accompanying each recipe for an immersive experience.

Key Themes Presented in the Book

True-life experiences of expats in Shanghai.
Memorable recipes from 13 countries, plus five Chinese recipes cooked with locals.
Cultural insights and a guide to living and adapting in China.

Outcome and Impact

Result:

The book was well-received by expats and locals, who praised its storytelling, cultural insights, and vibrant design.
Sparked meaningful conversations about identity, food, and cultural exchange among readers.
Highlighted as a unique project blending food, culture, and design.

Reflection and Learnings

Challenges Faced:

Managing multiple roles as creator, interviewer, and designer.
Navigating cultural nuances while conducting interviews and curating content.

Key Learnings:

Deepened understanding of UX research techniques such as interviewing, empathy mapping, and user insights.
Gained valuable experience communicating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and adapting content for a multicultural audience.
Developed strong project management skills to balance creative and logistical demands.

RESEARCH

54% of expats agree that food plays a key role in maintaining their cultural identity while living abroad.

The inspiration came from my own experience working in international environments and frequently encountering expats struggling with cultural disconnect. The challenge of finding familiar foods is a major stress point for many expats. In cities like Shanghai, while the local cuisine is delicious, there is a strong desire for familiar tastes from home.

DESIGN PROCESS

58% of designers consider "research" the most important phase in the design process.

As autor, I began by reaching out to expats through Facebook groups and personal networks. These interviews were intimate and conversational, focusing on their experiences in Shanghai, cultural connections, and the role of food in their lives. Each conversation provided deep insights into the unique challenges and joys of being an expat.

I organized cooking sessions with each participant to bring these stories to life. Together, we recreated their favorite dishes, with me documenting every step using audio recordings, detailed notes, and professional photography. These sessions added authenticity and warmth to the project, capturing not just recipes but the emotions and memories tied to them.

Using the collected materials, I designed the book to flow seamlessly between storytelling and practical guidance. Each interview was paired with its corresponding recipe, complemented by photography and detailed cooking steps. I carefully structured the layout to balance readability, visual appeal, and cultural immersion.

To enhance the uniqueness of the book, I hand-drew illustrations depicting the cooking steps and cultural elements. These visuals added a personal touch, bridging the gap between written content and the emotions behind the stories, making the book more engaging and relatable.

To celebrate the cultural diversity of each country, I designed a custom illustration pattern for each participant based on the colors of their national flags. These patterns served as visual identifiers, adding a vibrant and unique layer to the book’s aesthetic.