Website Design

Graduate Thesis Project

Taandav

Overview

Role
Designer

Team
A Functional MVP Prototype

Timeline
August - October 2024

Tools
Figma, Teachable Machine, HTML, CSS, JS, Github

Overview
Taandav is a gamified e-learning platform designed to help students master Kuchipudi, a traditional Indian dance form. The project focuses on enhancing the learning journey for students, particularly those enrolled in the SAMPADA certificate program, by integrating interactive tools, community engagement, and cultural storytelling.

Background

I began the project by researching how cultural programs impact second-generation immigrants, conducting literature reviews and case studies to understand how initiatives like SAMPADA support bicultural identity development.

Project Trailer about Taandav

PROBLEM CONTEXT

Second-generation immigrants in the U.S. often struggle to balance their cultural heritage with American identity, leading to challenges with self-esteem and belonging.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

10 Literature Reviews: Explored how cultural programs (e.g., Chinese schools) and bicultural identity positively impact immigrant youth.

5 Case Studies: Analyzed initiatives like SAMPADA and Korean Traditional Dance Institute to understand community impact.

POTENTIAL SOLUTION

Leveraging traditional dance forms as an expressive and engaging medium to reconnect second-generation Indian-American youth with their heritage. Dance provides a unique way to foster cultural pride, build self-confidence, and strengthen community bonds, ultimately enabling the development of bicultural identity.

CONTEXT

A dancer’s journey often begins early, requiring about 10 years of training to master a solo recital. Lifelong learning continues through cultural organizations like Silicon Andhra, which provide opportunities to deepen engagement with the art form.

CULTURAL ORG COLLABORATION

To understand my target audience, I surveyed 17+ dance students and found their main motivators were earning college credits, deepening their knowledge, and reconnecting with heritage. This feedback shaped Taandav’s key features.

CURRENT LEARNING JOURNEY

The student’s current learning journey relies heavily on self-study through physical books, PDFs, and pre-recorded videos, combined with in-person instruction and self-assessment, making asynchronous learning challenging and lacking real-time guidance or community support.

Example of Theory Content, Student Annotations

PAIN POINTS

Through surveys and interviews with 6 current and 25 past students, I identified three common pain points among those in the certification program, leveraging the SAMPADA dance community for insights.

Challenge Statement

How might we help students overcome theory learning challenges, provide virtual guidance, and build a stronger sense of community in their SAMPADA journey?

POTENTIAL SOLUTION

After initial ideation, a website was chosen as the optimal solution, considering time constraints, user testing plans, and access to the local dance community.

PAIN POINTS

Challenge Statement

How might we help students overcome theory learning challenges, provide virtual guidance, and build a stronger sense of community in their SAMPADA journey?

POTENTIAL SOLUTION

After initial ideation, a website was chosen as the optimal solution, considering time constraints, user testing plans, and access to the local dance community.

USER PERSONAS