Unboxing the Model Minority Myth

Unboxing the Model Minority Myth is an interactive storytelling board game inspired by my experiences as a Chinese American as well as the common experiences Asian Americans face while growing up. The board game is designed to allow participants to explore the complexities of navigating stereotypes, familial expectations and the process of discovering identity. In it’s creation, I utilized a wide range of set skills including game design and mechanics, storytelling, illustration, prototyping and cultural research.

Structured similarly to the Game of Life, except with additional decision-making, complex paths and scenarios, which allows players to discover opportunities, experience the different pressures of cultural expectations and find a balance between tradition and identity. By intertwining both expectations and personal experiences, the game promotes a stronger understanding of common experiences in the Asian American community. 

The game incorporates event space cards, tokens that symbolize Asian American experiences, and a multi-path ending, which helps reflect how diverse choices lead to distinct outcomes. This project raises awareness, especially in Asian American families, about how these stereotypes and expectations can affect personal growth. The objective of this game is not to “win or collect the highest amount of points”, but instead encourages participants to reflect on the multipaths that exist apart from the Model Minority Myth and expectations. Unboxing the Model Minority Myth aims to inspire participants to explore paths that align with their true passions and aspirations, embracing them to create their own identities.