Sacred Roots
Sacred Roots
Sacred Roots
Uniting families, sharing stories, and staying connected.
Uniting families, sharing stories, and staying connected.
Uniting families, sharing stories, and staying connected.
AWARD:
2025 CORE77 NOTABLE FOR SPECULATIVE DESIGN
PROJECT TYPE:
CONCEPTUAL APP AND VR DESIGN
NAME:
SACRED ROOTS
TIMELINE:
AUG. 2024 - DEC. 2024
TOOLS:
FIGMA, BEZI, DOVETAIL, QUALTRICS, PHOTOSHOP, MURAL
AWARD:
2025 CORE77 NOTABLE FOR SPECULATIVE DESIGN
PROJECT TYPE:
CONCEPTUAL APP AND VR DESIGN
NAME:
SACRED ROOTS
TIMELINE:
AUG. 2024 - DEC. 2024
TOOLS:
FIGMA, BEZI, DOVETAIL, QUALTRICS, PHOTOSHOP, MURAL
Challenge
The invaluable knowledge and wisdom possessed by older Indigenous individuals has been fading with time, and because of this, we are in danger of having a less unique United States.
Solution & Impact
Solution & Impact
Solution & Impact
Sacred Roots is an interactive experience that communicates stories and cultural traditions in numerous, unique ways so that younger generations can stay connected to their heritage, and seniors can preserve their culture while decreasing senior lonliness.
We are in danger of having a less unique United States.
situation
We are in danger of having a less unique United States.
situation
We are in danger of having a less unique United States. The invaluable knowledge constructed by older Indigenous individuals has been fading with time. This led us to create Sacred Roots, an interactive experience that communicates their stories and cultural traditions in numerous, unique ways so that younger generations can learn about and stay in touch with their heritage.
We are in danger of having a less unique United States. The invaluable knowledge constructed by older Indigenous individuals has been fading with time. This led us to create Sacred Roots, an interactive experience that communicates their stories and cultural traditions in numerous, unique ways so that younger generations can learn about and stay in touch with their heritage.
We are in danger of having a less unique United States.
situation
We are in danger of having a less unique United States. The invaluable knowledge constructed by older Indigenous individuals has been fading with time. This led us to create Sacred Roots, an interactive experience that communicates their stories and cultural traditions in numerous, unique ways so that younger generations can learn about and stay in touch with their heritage.
Learning about our users.
task
Learning about our users.
task
Through secondary research, we discovered that ~54% of the world’s cultures are endangered (Scientific American). This includes nearly 3,500 languages, 5,000 religions, and 2,052 unique cultures (United Cultures).
This loss of culture can result in a number of concerning consequences, including but not limited to, an impaired sense of belonging and identity (Harvard International Review), and a loss of diverse mindsets, behaviors, and approaches.
Through secondary research, we discovered that ~54% of the world’s cultures are endangered (Scientific American). This includes nearly 3,500 languages, 5,000 religions, and 2,052 unique cultures (United Cultures).
This loss of culture can result in a number of concerning consequences, including but not limited to, an impaired sense of belonging and identity (Harvard International Review), and a loss of diverse mindsets, behaviors, and approaches.
How can we empower indigenous seniors to leverage technology to preserve and share their memories and cultural knowledge with today’s youth, decreasing senior loneliness and reducing the loss of vital cultural practices?
Initial Findings
54%
of the world's cultures are endangered
Scientific American
78%
of AIAN people have located off-reservation, making it increasingly harder to foster inter-generational cultural communication
Harvard International Review
25%
of America's seniors face social isolation
BMC Public Health
54%
of the world's cultures are endangered
Scientific American
25%
of America's seniors face social isolation
BMC Public Health
78%
of AIAN people have located off-reservation, making it increasingly harder to foster inter-generational cultural communication
Harvard International Review
Gaining insights and exploring solutions.
action
Gaining insights and exploring solutions.
action
My team utilized 3 research methods to aid in understanding our problem at hand - secondary research (see above), observational study, and user surveys and interviews. These methods helped us flesh out realistic personas and journey maps that gave our design a story.
My team utilized 3 research methods to aid in understanding our problem at hand - secondary research (see above), observational study, and user surveys and interviews. These methods helped us flesh out realistic personas and journey maps that gave our design a story.
My team utilized 3 research methods to aid in understanding our problem at hand - secondary research (see above), observational study, and user surveys and interviews. These methods helped us flesh out realistic personas and journey maps that gave our design a story.
Observational Study
University of North Texas NASA - Native American Student Association
We attended the Native American Student Association meeting on September 9th, 2024 and learned so much about indigenous culture and gave us insight on the problem we aimed to help solve.
The importance of dancing and learning to dance
UNT’s removal of the Grandmother tree
Indigenous peoples day 2024
28 Muscogee Creek students 1890
Disrespectful statements made toward them
All try to connect with their tribal affiliations
AIAN cultures emphasize community involvement
We attended the Native American Student Association meeting on September 9th, 2024 and learned so much about indigenous culture and gave us insight on the problem we aimed to help solve.
The importance of dancing and learning to dance
UNT’s removal of the Grandmother tree
Indigenous peoples day 2024
28 Muscogee Creek students 1890
Disrespectful statements made toward them
All try to connect with their tribal affiliations
AIAN cultures emphasize community involvement
We attended the Native American Student Association meeting on September 9th, 2024 and learned so much about indigenous culture and gave us insight on the problem we aimed to help solve.
The importance of dancing and learning to dance
UNT’s removal of the Grandmother tree
Indigenous peoples day 2024
28 Muscogee Creek students 1890
Disrespectful statements made toward them
All try to connect with their tribal affiliations
AIAN cultures emphasize community involvement
“Remember your ancestors; you are a testament to their survival & resilience.”
-NASA
“Remember your ancestors; you are a testament to their survival & resilience.”
-NASA
“Remember your ancestors; you are a testament to their survival & resilience.”
-NASA
Affinity Mapping
Surveys and Interviews
We conducted a Qualtrics survey exploring technological barriers, technological preferences, and interest in learning from seniors that acquired 52 responses that we used to further define our solution and locate solid ground among ambiguity.
We also conducted several interviews with indigenous individuals (born and reconnecting alike). Exploring their wants and needs would define our use cases and viable users.
We conducted a Qualtrics survey exploring technological barriers, technological preferences, and interest in learning from seniors that acquired 52 responses that we used to further define our solution and locate solid ground among ambiguity.
We also conducted several interviews with indigenous individuals (born and reconnecting alike). Exploring their wants and needs would define our use cases and viable users.
Key takeaways that helped inform the design
Key takeaways that helped inform the design
Strong interest in cross-generational digital collaboration
Phones, laptops, and tablets are the primary devices
Seniors struggle with accessibility, confusing language, and fear of errors
Facebook and Messenger are key family-connection tools
Elders need simpler, more intuitive technology
Youth help elders adopt and use new tech
Social platforms bridge long-distance family ties
Youth are reconnecting with traditions through elders
Digital tools can support intergenerational connection
Strong interest in cross-generational digital collaboration
Phones, laptops, and tablets are the primary devices
Seniors struggle with accessibility, confusing language, and fear of errors
Facebook and Messenger are key family-connection tools
Elders need simpler, more intuitive technology
Youth help elders adopt and use new tech
Social platforms bridge long-distance family ties
Youth are reconnecting with traditions through elders
Digital tools can support intergenerational connection
Strong interest in cross-generational digital collaboration
Phones, laptops, and tablets are the primary devices
Seniors struggle with accessibility, confusing language, and fear of errors
Facebook and Messenger are key family-connection tools
Elders need simpler, more intuitive technology
Youth help elders adopt and use new tech
Social platforms bridge long-distance family ties
Youth are reconnecting with traditions through elders
Digital tools can support intergenerational connection
Creating personas that tell a story
We developed two primary personas from our research to better understand user needs and shape the design - Sarah and her grandson Fred.
We developed two primary personas from our research to better understand user needs and shape the design - Sarah and her grandson Fred.
3 main concepts to foster connection and learning
3 main concepts to foster connection and learning
We decided to pursue an experience that utilized both VR and mobile touch-points focused on 3 main themes.
Gamification of learning
Here, the user will be placed in a 3D environment and be able to do numerous activities.
They can choose to create artifacts, recipes, and activities.
They can also play in-app games.
Sharing stories and creations
The VR/app experience will allow users to build out their own tutorials to share with others.
Convert to VR.
Accessible on 2D screens.
VR Inclusion
VR technology will immerse users in a world to learn about indigenous culture.
Mascot to help guide users.
Personalized game dependent on tribe.
We decided to pursue an experience that utilized both VR and mobile touch-points focused on 3 main themes.
VR Inclusion
VR technology will immerse users in a world to learn about indigenous culture.
Mascot to help guide users.
Personalized game dependent on tribe.
Gamification of learning
Here, the user will be placed in a 3D environment and be able to do numerous activities.
They can choose to create artifacts, recipes, and activities.
They can also play in-app games.
Sharing stories and creations
The VR/app experience will allow users to build out their own tutorials to share with others.
Convert to VR.
Accessible on 2D screens.
Solution exploration
Solution exploration
Our team knew we wanted to incorporate virtual reality, three-dimensional scanners, and some form of sandbox game into our solution. Not only would this encourage creativity, but it would facilitate the exchange of knowledge through a variety of unique story-telling methods. We conducted several cognitive walkthroughs of VR technology and lidar scanners, as well as competitive analyses of sandbox applications that allow users to build their worlds, environments, games, and stories.
Our team knew we wanted to incorporate virtual reality, three-dimensional scanners, and some form of sandbox game into our solution. Not only would this encourage creativity, but it would facilitate the exchange of knowledge through a variety of unique story-telling methods. We conducted several cognitive walkthroughs of VR technology and lidar scanners, as well as competitive analyses of sandbox applications that allow users to build their worlds, environments, games, and stories.
System mapping and information architecture
We settled on coming up with a solution that utilizes both a screen-based application paired with a VR environment to foster learning and cultural connection between elders and youth.
System mapping and information architecture
We settled on coming up with a solution that utilizes both a screen-based application paired with a VR environment to foster learning and cultural connection between elders and youth.
We created a system map that separated our ideas into five main groups: end user, community, technology, collaboration, and preservation. This helped us determined how all of these groups were connected and how they effected each other. Although there are many, a few of the subgroups include:
Repository navigation (technology)
Events and workshops (community)
Research team (collaboration)
Storytelling (preservation)
Indigenous communities (end users)
We worked on information architecture for our screen-based app that helped us figure out what type of features we wanted to include, and how long and wide we needed to make our navigation.
We also created information architecture for our VR space to help us determine feature-inclusion and layout of the virtual reality map.
We created a system map that separated our ideas into five main groups: end user, community, technology, collaboration, and preservation. This helped us determined how all of these groups were connected and how they effected each other. Although there are many, a few of the subgroups include:
Repository navigation (technology)
Events and workshops (community)
Research team (collaboration)
Storytelling (preservation)
Indigenous communities (end users)
We worked on information architecture for our screen-based app that helped us figure out what type of features we wanted to include, and how long and wide we needed to make our navigation.
We also created information architecture for our VR space to help us determine feature-inclusion and layout of the virtual reality map.
Turning 140 storyboards into 100+ high fidelity screens and one VR world.
results
We created 100+ high-fidelity mobile screens that immerse users in an experience that allows them to learn, connect, and share their cultural knowledge. We paired these screens with a VR environment, creating a multi-dimensional space to engage with.
We created 100+ high-fidelity mobile screens that immerse users in an experience that allows them to learn, connect, and share their cultural knowledge. We paired these screens with a VR environment, creating a multi-dimensional space to engage with.
We created 100+ high-fidelity mobile screens that immerse users in an experience that allows them to learn, connect, and share their cultural knowledge. We paired these screens with a VR environment, creating a multi-dimensional space to engage with.
140 concepts and storyboards
140 concepts and storyboards
100+ high fidelity screens
100+ high fidelity screens
One VR world
One VR world
One VR world
Screen-based prototypes
Communicating with loved ones
1/7
Communicating with loved ones
1/7
Communicating with loved ones
1/7
Play games from a vast selections and see leaderboards
2/7
Play games from a vast selections and see leaderboards
2/7
Play games from a vast selections and see leaderboards
2/7
Write stories to share with others
3/7
Write stories to share with others
3/7
Write stories to share with others
3/7
Scan items to view and interact with in both app and VR, and to share
4/7
Scan items to view and interact with in both app and VR, and to share
4/7
Scan items to view and interact with in both app and VR, and to share
4/7
Customizable companion that’s easily accessible and offers in app instructions
5/7
Customizable companion that’s easily accessible and offers in app instructions
5/7
Customizable companion that’s easily accessible and offers in app instructions
5/7
Find classes and tutorials
6/7
Find classes and tutorials
6/7
Find classes and tutorials
6/7
Browse news and articles
7/7
Browse news and articles
7/7
Browse news and articles
7/7
Virtual reality world
Hands-on interaction with friends through VR, easily accessible to the Sacred Roots system
1/2
Hands-on interaction with friends through VR, easily accessible to the Sacred Roots system
1/2
Hands-on interaction with friends through VR, easily accessible to the Sacred Roots system
1/2
Personalize your virtual hub.
2/2
Personalize your virtual hub
2/2
Personalize your virtual hub
2/2
User testing
Our team conducted 5 total tests, 3 that were video recorded and notated using Dovetail, and 2 that were recorded via note-taking, both of which helped us to update our digital experience.
Takeaways:
Add more in-depth instructions throughout the interface.
Make our navigation more intuitive.
Create a more guided Daily News experience.
Creating a future rooted in our past
Sacred Roots is more than just a project or app. It’s a commitment to honoring the traditions of those who came before us and empowering those who will advance their legacy. We aimed to help indigenous seniors get the technology they need to advance that legacy.
There are still stories that need to be told, connections that need to be made, and identities that need to be shaped.
User testing
Our team conducted 5 total tests, 3 that were video recorded and notated using Dovetail, and 2 that were recorded via note-taking, both of which helped us to update our digital experience.
Takeaways:
Add more in-depth instructions throughout the interface.
Make our navigation more intuitive.
Create a more guided Daily News experience.
Creating a future rooted in our past
Sacred Roots is more than just a project or app. It’s a commitment to honoring the traditions of those who came before us and empowering those who will advance their legacy. We aimed to help indigenous seniors get the technology they need to advance that legacy.
There are still stories that need to be told, connections that need to be made, and identities that need to be shaped.
“A modality that the younger generation might give more credence to since this is an age of such technology.”
“A modality that the younger generation might give more credence to since this is an age of such technology.”
“A modality that the younger generation might give more credence to since this is an age of such technology.”
-User 5, impact statement
-User 5, impact statement
-User 5, impact statement
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