We created two personas to help synthesize the information generated in our research and to guide the design process. We wanted to exemplify two use cases of our site while simultaneously capturing the needs of our users.

Daphne

Daphne, our first persona, has recently been transferred cross-country by her employers, and is seeking social connections in her new hometown. She loves cooking, and used to have impromptu cooking-nights with her housemates while they discussed their sailing adventures. She sees an ad for Mix It Up! while searching recipe sites for new dishes to cook, and decides to investigate.

Daphne's Mental Model

Hank

Hank, our second persona, is a high school geometry teacher, assistant track coach, and an avid fisherman who loves to cook. Raised by his single mother, many of his fondest childhood memories center on helping her cook or bake. Unfortunately, none of his friends share his love of the kitchen, so he usually ends up cooking alone. On a recent fishing trip with his friends, he caught a large sea bass, and even after gifting his various family and friends with large chunks, he still has more than he can possibly use himself. When he gave a few pounds to a cousin, she told him about Mix It Up!, which would both let him use the fish and meet other people who enjoy cooking as much as he does.

Hank's Mental Model

"It's hard to find people to cook with."

• single people usually meet others through work or school, if that doesn't work they will look elsewhere
• people often cook with roommates or their significant other
• people trust food and recipe referrals from friends and family