Heart-Tea Talks Conversation Kit

Overview

Dapat Studio, formerly Works of Heart, is a Filipino social impact design studio that approaches social transformation through participative design.

As part of our internship batch project, my co-interns and I conceptualized and executed Heart-Tea Talks, a conversation starter kit designed to make discussions around gender, sexuality, and LGBTQ+ experiences more approachable. The project spanned research, ideation, brand identity, packaging design, and social media promotion, with a strong emphasis on empathy and user context.

Strategy deck slides outlining research findings, insights, and an early concept for a digital game.

Background

In the Philippines, conversations around sexual orientation and gender identity are often avoided due to conservative cultural and religious norms. These silences can leave LGBTQ+ individuals without language, support, or safe spaces for expression.

Our goal was to design a tool that lowers the emotional and social barriers to these conversations, particularly among friends and allies, who are often the first point of safety for queer individuals navigating their identity.

Research & Insights

We conducted surveys and stakeholder interviews with LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to understand where support systems naturally emerge. While experiences varied, a consistent pattern surfaced: peer groups often provide the earliest and safest form of support, even when family acceptance is limited.

This insight reframed the problem. Rather than designing for institutional education, we focused on empowering allies within social circles, giving them a gentle, accessible way to initiate meaningful conversations.

Collage of brand identity and research slides showing insights, tone exploration, and early visual directions.

The Kit

Heart-Tea Talks was designed as a set of tea sachets paired with themed conversation cards. Each prompt is intentionally sequenced, starting with light, reflective questions and gradually moving toward deeper, more personal topics.

By pairing a familiar, calming ritual with guided dialogue, the kit reframes conversations about gender and sexuality as natural, shared moments rather than confrontational discussions. The experience encourages trust, empathy, and openness, one cup at a time.

Ultimately, the kit serves as a facilitated experience that supports understanding and inclusion within everyday social spaces.