While conducting my research I uncovered a beautiful cultural insight which inspired me to create two distinct intergenerational user personas. I learned that as Indigenous communities age, knowledge is passed from elder to younger generations, which forms the basis of cultural exchange and identity formation. I wanted to capture this dynamic in my primary and secondary personas. I incorporated parts of real life stories like that of Stephanie Jensen to create compelling personas with real user needs.

As with any project, it was important to validate the feasibility for intervention within relevant global markets. To my excitement, I discovered numerous markets with promising growth metrics, like average yearly growth of over 12% within the cultural preservation space. What felt meaningful at this moment was the chance to affect meaningful change within marginalized communities (reflecting a core value in my design practice) whilst partaking in growing markets with exciting growth opportunities.

Looking into competitors was slightly challenging, as existing solutions often didn’t cater directly to Indigenous needs. What little existed in helping preserve Indigenous communities was limited in scale, and didn’t fully address the problem of cultural loss. My exploration helped inform gaps and opportunities for a better more integrated solution, which ultimately reflected in the final solution Echo.

Translating the initial opportunities for innovation into a tangible solution was challenging. The lack of firsthand Indigenous involvement made brainstorming features inefficient and less meaningful. To workaround this limitation I utilized a decision matrix and success criteria to outline 15+ impactful and feasible features for Echo. The result? A set of innovative solutions that addressed Indigenous cultural loss. From digital communities, fundraisers, timelines, and more, Echo was ready to make an impact.

Throughout the prototyping process for Echo, I consistently looked for ways to simplify actions and reduce unnecessary steps. While working on the community tab, I replaced a multi-page flow with modals and buttons, removing over 3+ screens. This mindset of prioritizing clarity and efficiency guided my approach across the entire platform. I aimed to create an experience that felt respectful, accessible, and mindful of the unique needs of elder and younger Indigenous users.

Echo is a platform designed to preserve Indigenous culture by supporting the documentation of intergenerational knowledge, revitalizing language, and strengthening community connections. It blends modern design with cultural intention, creating a digital space where both young and elder Indigenous individuals like Aubrey and Ila can be heard, shared, and celebrated. By focusing on an intuitive user experience, Echo ensures Indigenous voices aren’t just preserved, but echoed for generations to come.

Exploring this unique problem space pushed me to expand my understanding of cultural protocol and best practices. While I had to rely solely on secondary research (something that came with its own limitations) I remained committed to learning with care and intention. Despite the challenges, it was deeply rewarding to design for a community that’s often underserved, and to create a solution that aligned closely with my values as a designer: thoughtful, respectful, and impact-driven.

Time constraints were a significant factor throughout Echo’s design process. With just two weeks to bring the project to life, I wasn’t able to conduct the level of research and user testing I had hoped for. Methods like user interviews and surveys would have strengthened both the data and the empathy behind my design decisions. Still, the process challenged me to prioritize, move with intention, and make the most of the time I had - skills that are just as valuable as the final product.