MOM'S PAN by Brenda Isabell

Ethnographic Research:

*Interview with Mom*

Me: "Hi, Mom. I'm working on a Reimagined Object project from Object Ecologies Subject focusing on how people engage with their passions and daily activities. I'd love to learn more about your experiences, especially when it comes to cooking, something you're so passionate about. Could we chat for a few minutes?"

Mom: "Sure, I'd be happy to help you. What would you like to know?"
Me: "Firstly, how are you doing today? I hope you've had a great day mom!"
Mom: "I'm doing well, thank you. Today, I've been busy planning my next cooking experiment"
Me: "Okay then hehe, could you tell me about your most memorable experience cooking your favorite Indonesian dish, perharps a time when you cooked with meat? What were you thinking during that cooking session?"
Mom: "Oh, Indonesian dishes bring back memories of my childhood. I remember cooking a traditional Indonesian dish, 'Rendang' for a family gathering. I felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia as I recreated a recipe passed down through generations. And fun fact, durian it is my favorite fruit since I was a child, it always reminds me of my hometown Anjai, Bangka Island, Indonesia."

Me: "Can you walk me through how you organize your cooking preparations and recipes? What goes through your mind when you plan a meal?"

Mom: "I use various notes, book, and papers, but sometimes it gets chaotic. I wish I had a better way to organize everything in one place."

Me: "Why do you love to cook Indonesian dishes? What emotions do you feel when you cook these meals?"
Mom: "Cooking these dishes is a way of preserving my cultural heritage. It fills me with pride and joy to share these flavors with my family and friends."

Me: "How do you feel when you're in your village, reminiscing about Anjai Village? Is there a particular moment that stands out to you?"

Mom: "Anjai is my paradise. I feel an overwhelming sense of belonging and happiness when I think about the beautiful landscapes and the warmth of the people there."

Me: "You ever mentioned your love for roses. What draws you to them? Any specific memories or feelings associated with these flowers?"

Mom: "Roses have this timeless beauty that captivates me. They remind me of the lush gardens back in our village, especially the one my grandmother tended."

Me: "How does music, particularly mellow tunes, influence your cooking or daily routines? Is there a connection between the music you love and the dishes you prepare?"

Mom: "Soft music relaxes me and sets a serene atmosphere in the kitchen. It elevates the cooking experience and allows me to immerse myself in the culinary process."

Me: "In what ways does your faith influence your approach to life and your interactions with others? How does it affect your cooking or the way you teach us, your children, about love and kindness?"

Mom: "My faith shapes my values. It guides me in treating everyone with respect and kindness, which I try to impart in our family's daily life and through cooking, a way of sharing love."

Me: "How do you build connections with God in your daily life? Does this spiritual connection impact the way you approach cooking and other activities?"

Mom: "Prayer is a centering ritual for me. It brings me peace and a sense of gratitude, which influences how I infuse love into the meals I prepare for my family."

Me: "Great! Thank you mom for sharing your experiences and insights. Based on our conversation, I see how a pan and magnetic whiteboard could assist in organizing your cooking preparations and recipes more efficiently, helping you explore your passion for cooking even more. It could capture your cultural recipes, to-do lists, and serve as a hub for your creative culinary journey."

6 Ideation Sketches: