Benett Benny Thomas

BD3596

In today's interconnected world, addressing complex "wicked" problems demands tools for collective creativity amidst uncertainty. This research investigates co-creation dynamics in linguistically diverse environments, focusing on food design initiatives at Project Otenga Cafe in Ahmedabad, namely Dabba Diaries and Narrative Kitchens. Using a confirmatory research approach, three experiments—Dabba Diaries, Narrative Kitchens, and Otenga Transformations—are analyzed over 16 weeks to validate co-creation feasibility within varied linguistic contexts. The study deepens our understanding of food design's role in problem-solving, exploring themes like gamification, participatory methodologies, and cultural narratives. By transcending conventional culinary design and embracing interdisciplinary perspectives, the research emphasizes the transformative potential of collaborative culinary experiences in overcoming language barriers and fostering community cohesion.