Root Pals
Project Objective
The purpose of this project was to help people stay grounded to their roots and create a community of people to do so together. Due to various factors, some might be afraid or ashamed to share their culture with others; However, Root Pals is a safe space for people to openly share this part of themselves with others.
Goal
To reconnect people to their culture. By sharing it with others, it helps keep it alive; Whether it be through sharing recipes, celebrating traditions or holidays, or speaking the language.
UX/UI - Illustration - Branding
Outcome
Root Pals is a digital pen pal system made for people to create connections and share their culture with each other.
Collaborators
Myself - UX/UI, Design Research,
Isabella De La Garza - UX/UI Brand Identity
Research
Our research shows that it is important for people to keep their heritage alive for various reasons: it helps them understand where they came from, create connections through shared experiences, and feel represented in undiversified spaces. People can honor their upbringing and their ancestors when they stay connected to their culture.
User Journey
The Root Pals App shows the user step-by-step how to create your profile, pick the perfect Pal, and finally write an E-letter! At the beginning of the app, the user is asked to fill out a questionnaire about who you are and what you’re looking for, in order for it to pick out the best possible matches.
Questionnaire
To create a profile, start by answering well-designed questions. These ask about the languages you know, how well you speak them, and what topics you're interested in. This careful process helps the app make profiles that suit your preferences and goals.
PenPal List
After entering all the details, the app shows 16 possible matches. The user can choose up to three pen pals from this list. Once selected, the chosen pen pals will be displayed on the Friends page.
Home Page
The Home Page shows users personalized notifications for their letters and a variety of monthly recipes from different countries. Users can also personalize their experience by adding photos and interacting with other members on the community page.
Choose a Friend
To find your perfect pen pal, you have the power to choose the kind of person you want to connect with. You can specify your preferences or leave it up to chance. This step is crucial in making a personalized and enjoyable pen pal connection.
Write an E-Letter
Users can choose who they want to send a heartfelt letter to with this last step. They can go to the letter page to make it more special by changing the font, adding stickers, and attaching files. When they're ready, they just need to click "send" and look forward to building a meaningful connection.