an outline of potential learning outcomes based on my project’s focus:
- Understanding Cultural Perceptions:
- Gain insight into how Thai massage shops are perceived locally and internationally.
- Identify cultural misconceptions and their impact on the branding and operation of Thai massage establishments.
- Applying Design Thinking:
- Explore how design elements, such as scent, branding, and interior aesthetics, influence customer perceptions and experiences.
- Develop innovative solutions that address stigma while preserving cultural identity.
- Critical Analysis of Wellness Industry:
- Evaluate the differences between Thai massage shops and high-end wellness establishments like spas.
- Understand pricing, service quality, and customer expectations in the wellness industry.
- Enhancing Safety and Well-being:
- Explore interventions that create a safe and welcoming environment for both customers and massage practitioners.
- Learn how small, actionable changes can significantly impact the perception of safety and professionalism.
- Cross-Cultural Sensory Research:
- Analyze how sensory elements, such as fragrance, evoke different responses across cultures.
- Test and validate the role of scent in creating a relaxing and memorable experience for diverse audiences.
- Developing Practical Skills:
- Learn to design and implement interventions, such as branding improvements and scent experiments, to address real-world challenges.
- Gain hands-on experience in prototyping and testing ideas in a business setting.
- Social and Ethical Implications:
- Reflect on the broader social impact of rebranding Thai massage shops, including implications for Thai tourism and cultural heritage.
- Develop ethical practices that balance cultural authenticity with business objectives.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Understand the needs and perspectives of diverse stakeholders, including business owners, practitioners, and customers.
- Learn to communicate and collaborate effectively with stakeholders to implement meaningful change.
- Personal and Professional Growth:
- Cultivate a deeper appreciation for cultural identity and its role in business branding.
- Develop a skillset for tackling complex, stigmatized issues with creativity and empathy.
- Future Implications:
- Understand how the findings and interventions from this project can serve as a model for others in the wellness and cultural industries.
- Explore opportunities to scale or adapt these solutions to other contexts.