Language, Identity, and Design is a 3D web-based game design project that explores how technology and digital storytelling can preserve and promote endangered languages and cultural heritage.
Inspired by UNESCO’s warning that 40% of the world’s languages are at risk, this project responds with a creative intervention that merges traditional storytelling and immersive technology.
Based on a human-centered design approach, integrating Cranz’s Ethnography, Ellen Lupton’s Design is Storytelling, and IDEO’s 3 “I”s, the design emphasizes accessibility, offering intuitive navigation for a broad audience.
My Role
- 3D Modeling, Animation & Design
- Illustration
- Motion Design
- Game Design
- User Experience Research
Credits
- Agency — (Self) Thesis Project
- Sound — Royalty-free sound under CC License
Promotional Video
Understanding the user (Participatory Method)
Engaging with members of the community, elders, Language speakers, and young adults helped in creating concepts that reflect some authentic cultural expressions and spoken language. This approach enables me to get feedback and ideas from my target audience for my project, and also ensures that the project remains true to the lived experiences of the Urhobo people.
User Persona
Design Sketches
A couple of sketches were made before finally arriving at an initial design. This activity helped to brainstorm initial ideas for the experience concerning ancient Urhoboland settings.
Storyboarding and User Mapping
By visualizing user interactions with the platform, I was able to anticipate a few challenges and refine the narrative flow of the experience. This method helped in structuring the user journey and identifying key moments for engagement.
Refining The Design
