Concept Design
Placemaking for tourists and local people alike that not only perserves, but emphasizes the exsisting local culture, nature, and food.
The Challenge
How might we revive a rural area while preserving the existing culture and nature?
Outcome
An eco resort and farm concept that promotes deeper connection to nature and humans through the Hawaiian values of sustainability, respect, and Aloha.
Role
Concept-making consultant, market research, data collection, investor relations
Time Frame
8 months
Context
Area Analysis
The farm is pristine...
But the former resort grounds need TLC
Talking Story (Interviews)
After staying on the grounds, talking to people, and shadowing them in their everday lives, I've learned...
Food, coffee, and tea are fresh, organic, and delicious.
Most residents are local/native. They are very protective of the land and culture. The area has seen better days and is dilapidated due to a series of events including constant change of hands, a previous-owner's backruptcy, declining economy, and lack of services and attention from the government.
The nature in the area is unparalled.
Further Insights from Interviews and Contexual Studies
We can use these insights to think about the proudct mix and functions. Common needs include...
Meeting/working space
Open event and commerce space
Emphasis on local nature, culture, and food
We'll bring the area from "The Lost Gem"...
Mapping helped overcome the challenge of serving a variety of users of different socioeconomic backgrounds and functions. We were not able to travel to the area to get a better understanding of the area and stakeholders, so creating a way to prioritize where we should focus our proto-personas was useful
