Pjilasi'i: Museum of Nova Scotia

Overview
Pjila’si (meaning "welcome" in Mi’kmaw) is a permanent exhibit created in partnership with the Mi’kmaw Advisory Group (MAG), the Nova Scotia Museum, and IX Labs. As UX/UI lead, I was tasked with translating oral traditions and Indigenous knowledge into engaging digital experiences that respected cultural nuance and storytelling values.

Challenge
How can we build interactive experiences that reflect Mi’kmaw worldviews—where language, land, and story are deeply interconnected—without defaulting to Western design patterns?

Approach
Co-creation & Listening
We worked in close collaboration with the MAG throughout, aligning every design decision with cultural values, storytelling priorities, and language protocols.

Visual & Interaction Design
The design language prioritized fluidity and respect—organic shapes, minimal UI, and warm textures grounded each interface. Typography, icons, and transitions were customized for clarity and emotional tone.

Rapid Prototyping
Each interactive was wireframed and prototyped in Figma, user-tested on location, and optimized for intuitive navigation by multi-generational visitors.

Key Installations
Mi’kmaw Language Game
A word-building game inspired by Scrabble introduces visitors to Mi’kmaw vocabulary through playful, tactile interaction.

Interactive Storytelling Wall
A video-based installation featuring Mi’kmaw Elders and knowledge keepers sharing stories, legends, and personal histories.

Phonetics Explainer (Scrim Projection)
Narrated by Bernie Francis, this ambient educational projection uses animated text and visuals to teach pronunciation and syntax of Mi’kmaw phrases.

Interactive Land Map
Instead of using conventional cartography, this spatial experience centers places of meaning as defined by the Mi’kmaw—designed to reflect memory, utility, and cultural significance.

Outcome
Elevated community voice and authorship at every stage of the UX/UI process

Positioned the Nova Scotia Museum as a leader in culturally sensitive, co-created exhibitions

Strengthened intergenerational engagement with Indigenous language and knowledge through technology

What I Learned
This project taught me how to design with community, not just for them. It deepened my approach to inclusive UX and reminded me that cultural sensitivity isn't a feature—it's the foundation of meaningful interaction.