How might we use the familiar "visual language" of American BBQ to introduce diners to lesser-known Vietnamese flavors?

Context: Most diners' perceptions of Vietnamese cuisine are limited to Pho and Banh Mi, creating a barrier to exploring more traditional, regional dishes.

Action: I collaborated with a Pit Master to design a fusion dining experience in Portland. We used the "American BBQ" format as an accessible framework to present complex, unfamiliar Vietnamese ingredients.

Impact: Created a successful cultural bridge that used strategic "fusion" as a tool for education, making new flavors approachable through a familiar dining ritual.

How might we teach complex gameplay mechanics to a diverse audience without overwhelming them during active play?

Context: Players across all ages struggled to learn "Invisible Mode" when the VR game was ported to tablets.

Action: Inspired by dance choreography, I designed a four-stage progressive voice-over system that faded out auditory cues as the player’s mastery increased.

Impact: Created a scalable learning system effective for both children and seniors, maintaining the game's challenge while removing the barrier to entry.