Basata App
Growing up between the vibrant markets of Cairo and the serene forests of Germany, I experienced firsthand how food can connect diverse cultures. From sharing the rich flavors of Egyptian cuisine with curious friends to discovering the rising trend of plant-based eating in Germany, I saw an opportunity to bridge these worlds. Basata is more than just a recipe app—it’s a platform that celebrates cultural diversity, promotes sustainable living, and brings people together through the love of food. Join me as we explore Basata, where every meal is a journey of flavor, culture, and connection.
Client:
TH Augsburg
Role:
Year:
2024
The Challenge
Bringing Basata to life meant tackling key challenges that blend culture, accessibility, and user engagement. The goal was to create a seamless experience that not only simplifies meal planning but also fosters cultural exchange through food.
Bridging culinary cultures – Making traditional Middle Eastern recipes more accessible while aligning with modern dietary preferences.
Personalized meal recommendations – Crafting an intuitive system that adapts to users' tastes, dietary needs, and ingredient availability.
Simplifying the cooking experience – Designing a user-friendly interface that guides users step by step, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey from ingredient selection to meal preparation.
Process
Creating Basata was a journey shaped by real user needs and cultural insights. We began by diving deep into research, uncovering challenges in meal planning and sustainability. Through user interviews, we listened to real stories and experiences, synthesizing key insights to shape our direction.
From there, we explored ideas, iterating on solutions that balance tradition with modern food habits. A prototype was crafted to bring the vision to life, and through continuous user testing, we refined Basata into an experience that truly resonates.
User interviews & research – Understanding real struggles and behaviors.
Synthesis of findings – Identifying patterns and opportunities.
Ideating the solution – Exploring concepts that blend culture and convenience.
Crafting a prototype – Bringing the main idea to life.
Testing with users – Validating and refining through real feedback.
Solution
To bring Basata to life, we designed a seamless and engaging experience that blends culture with accessibility. Our approach focused on making traditional recipes easy to explore while personalizing the journey for every user.
Smart Recipe Filtering – Users can search based on dietary preferences, available ingredients, or cooking time, ensuring a tailored experience.
Personalized Meal Suggestions – AI-driven recommendations help users discover dishes that align with their tastes and needs.
Cultural Storytelling – Each recipe comes with background insights, connecting users to the origins and traditions behind the dishes.
Effortless Navigation – A clean, intuitive UI guides users step by step, making cooking simple and enjoyable for all skill levels.
Key takeaways
After months of research, ideation, and prototyping, Basata took shape as an innovative platform that reimagines cultural and plant-based cuisine.
Validated through User Testing – Users resonated with the concept, confirming the need for a seamless, culturally rich recipe experience.
Clear Demand for Personalization – Testing revealed the importance of tailored recommendations based on taste preferences and dietary needs.
Engaging & Intuitive UX – The experience was designed to make discovering traditional recipes effortless and enjoyable.
Potential for Real-World Impact – Feedback highlighted Basata’s potential to bridge cultural food gaps and support sustainable eating habits.
With a strong foundation in research and user insights, Basata stands as a testament to the power of design in shaping meaningful food experiences.