The OpenTable project represents a participatory design manifested in the form of an interactive website, a collaborative effort with Ukrainian children residing in London, who were forced to emigrate due to the Ukrainian war.
By showing the children’s drawings of their beloved traditional Ukrainian food, and the subtle dialogue that naturally unfolded during the drawing workshops, the project reveals the profound impact of the conflict on them softly.
Simultaneously, the conceptual and visual emphasis on the table underscores the designer’s intent to ‘bring these impacts to the table.’, calling attention to those children’s awareness of their cultural identity, the challenges they encounter while adapting to their new environment, and other non-epistemological psychological issues. At the same time, it also represents the designer’s critical reflection on the war and its impacts, as well as a deep appreciation for and a call for peace.