Manja is a mobile application that allows users to interact through a shared social eating experience. Users are onboarded through a series of questions that learn their food preferences and eating habits.They are then able to search for events they would be interested in joining. An in-app chat functions allows users to interact before meeting. Users are also able to host events through the application. During the experience, the application offers the possibility to set the ambient conditions of the physical space; like lighting, music and projected displays.

Through our research, we have discovered that international students are more open to experimenting with new social activities and are motivated to meet new people in a new environment, compared to other user groups. Our digital platform was developed to be an intersection of food websites, a social platform and an integration of physical “co-cooking” kitchen.
Further development suggests that the application can be a plug-in for hosting companies like AirBnB, that would like to attract a young, international crowd to their locations, through a comprehensive digital and audio-visual package. 

The platform allows users to easily find interesting eating experiences through their shared food preferences. It has a consistent brand image that appeals to the target users, which are international students. The user flow integrates a seamless booking or hosting experience, while allowing users to chat and share information. During the experience, the application has the potential to set the right mood for a specific eating experience. Users are also able to project recipes and share music while cooking and dining together. Users finish the experience with exposure to a new culture and new social connections.