Intercultural Design - Project 1,2 & 3
5/2/2024- 22/3/2024 ( Week 1- Week 7)
Alyssa Lim Shyn Yi (0365877) Class 01 Sec 01
Intercultural Design GCD61304
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Intercultural Design: Cultural Sensitivity In Design
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Instructions
2. Lectures
4. Project 2 (Data Collection)
5. Project 3 (Final Assessment)
6. Feedback
7. Reflection
INSTRUCTIONS
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LECTURES
WEEK 1
In our week 1 lecture, we were being briefed by our lecturer Mr Asrizal about information related to our project 1. The general theme is "Cultural Sensitivity in Design". Students are allowed to choose any culture for this project, however for some students who are going to Osaka field trip to Japan must choose culture from Japan. Students can started to think about a few preliminary ideas before grouping with other students in week 2. This is a group project with 5 to 6 students in one group and our grouping will be decided by our lecturer.
Other than that, Ms Noranis also taught us on lecture slides which discussed on the topic 'Culture & Design'. She also showed us some examples and provided information which are stated in the slide below.
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Visuals are:-
- Everything that can be seen (wide, all-inclusive including nature)
- Everything produced or created by humans that can be seen (Purpose of visual representations)
Cultural Sensitivity
1. Symbolism & Imagery
- Certain symbols & images may carry different meanings in different cultures
- Mindful of potential cultural interpretations to avoid unintentional misunderstandings or offense
2. Color Considerations
- Some colors have cultural significance as their meanings may vary across different societies
- Better understanding in cultural associations can help designers make the right choice
3. Typography & Language
- Choose fonts & text styles that are culturally appropriate
- To reach diverse audiences - considering language variations & ensuring accurate translations
Figure 1.1 (Example of Design Significance)
Addressing Cultural Sensitivity
1. Inclusive Design
- Accessible & inclusive for people from various cultural backgrounds, including those with different abilities & needs
2. User Research
- Conducting thorough user research (ethnographic studies & user testing across diverse groups)
- Helps designers gain insights into cultural preferences and behaviors
3. Localization
- Adapt designs to specific cultural contexts through localization
- Better enhancing the relevance and acceptance of a product or service
4. Cultural Awareness Training
- To develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives & sensitivities
WEEK 2 LECTURE
In our week 2 lecture, Ms Anis explaining to us about importance of doing research before starting to work on our project. Moreover, we had also got into groups for this subject to do our group project. We will be submitting at least 3 sketches of artwork and 200 words rationale of our selected theme.
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PROJECT 1 (PROPOSAL)
Instructions
- Theme: "Cultural Sensitivity in Design"
- Required to study a cultural phenomenon or a particular subculture that is perceived as "sensitive"
- Convey the cultural aspect without altering the actual facts
- Awareness should be raise among the viewers among a presentable interpretation and adaption
- Produce some preliminary ideas on how to visually express your interpretation using design language. (The idea should be supported by a short rationale)
- Visual research can be conducted to help expand your idea generation
- Definition & interpretation of the theme in relation to the chosen element (200 words)
- Minimum of 3 preliminary ideas - with detailed sketches & individual rationale
- Citation & visual references (Example: Visuals that inspired/influenced the ideas), references, picture credits
Cultural Sensitivity in Design (Japan)
Personal Research
As one of the students who are going to Osaka, Japan for the field trip study, I am required to do about cultural sensitivity in design related to Japan culture. The term "cultural sensitivity" discussed about being aware the cultural differences and similarities between people exist without assigning them a value - positive or negative, better or worse, right or wrong. It is considered as a set of skills that allow you to understand and learn about people whose cultural background is not the same as your own. (From NYC Human Resources Administration, Department of Social Services)
As for "cultural sensitivity in design", it explained that taking considerations into the diverse experiences and perspective of different cultures and communities. It is crucial in the design industry as it could affect the way people perceived and interact with designs. If a design is culturally insensitive, it can be offensive and exclusionary to certain communities and even cause harm. (From John D Saunders, Black Illustrations)
Therefore, I had come out with a few subcultures from Japan that are perceived as 'sensitive'. (source)
As for sake and whisky culture, I got the idea by myself as I used to have interest in their drinking culture.
- Anime and Manga Enthusiasts
- Cosplay Community
- Idol culture
- Sake culture
- Whisky culture
- Shinto Shrine
GROUP WORK
During week 2, we were separated into groups by our lecturer, each
group consists of 5 to 6 members, including at least three students from the
same semester combining with students from other semesters. After discussing
with my group members, we decided to proceed with the theme doing
" Kimono Obi Belt ". The obi belt will come
in different variations such as in female, male & unisex/gender-neutral
type. Moreover, the designs of the kimono had some modern approach on it
while still preserving the traditions of wearing an obi belt.
SELF RESEARCH ON TOPIC CHOSEN
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Hiragana=みゆ
Katakana=ミユ
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PROJECT 2 (CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT)
Instructions
Students are required to collect visual, oral, textual & tactile artefacts that would be part of their research materials for the ideation in Project 1(proposal). All collected artefacts & materials must be recorded, kept & documented, accompanied by necessary information such as the type of artefact & material, its purpose, its symbolism, its cultural/historical background, & more, depending on the kind of artefact & material.
Submission
- In relevant ways that protect and preserve the collected artefacts & materials
- Accompanying descriptions that properly and clearly informs about crucial information of each artefact & materials
Journal & Interview
After we had gone back to Malaysia after our Osaka trip, we began to work on our project 2 which covered in interviews dialogues and a journal about it. I was in charge for doing the journal part while my other teammates did the interview questions. Thus, we all took part in the interview such as talking to the interviewee, taking pictures and record video about it.
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Link to Google Drive for more pictures:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pks-h4oKoOoX_-GPuPAREpyxP1Dj_CkW?usp=sharing
PROJECT 3 (CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT)
Instructions
Utilising the data collected from the research trip, students are to produce visual design outcomes that reflect their interpretation and definition of "Framing", bearing in mind to consider cultural and aesthetic aspects, balanced with their design knowledge. Various directions & approaches can be engaged in, such as experimental design/art with the use of manual/digital or combination of both media
Submission
- Final deck for Task 3(Final Project) containing your progress, sketches & final output
- Data collection deck (Containing all collected data & artefacts)
- 10 mins video recording of your final project presentation (Maximum file size: 100mb)
Final Data Collection
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Final Product
Before we came out with the slide below, we did a photoshoot of our product.
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Link to BTS photo: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MEhadwm9MrnvudQxDeliWdyWhgbq9XJf?usp=sharing
Final Product Presentation
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FEEDBACK
WEEK 3
General Feedback: Overall is good
Specific Feedback: N/A
WEEK 4 (In Japan)
General Feedback: Great idea
Specific Feedback: Look for interesting brand in Japan, gather different style based on the inspiration, has to preserve the value of obi
WEEK 5
General Feedback: Great work, may proceed with the following work
Specific Feedback: Ms Maria suggested us to do infographic video similar to Instagram reels type but packed with context
WEEK 6
General Feedback: There was no physical class.
Specific Feedback: There was no physical class.
REFLECTION
Throughout this whole module, I had discovered the importance of teamwork in forming our perspective together and method of approaching design through cooperative endeavors. Research is now a pillar that directs our work to guarantee cultural sensitivity and relevance. It has been shown that innovative thinking and connecting different viewpoints require effective communication. Our ability to handle obstacles and apply real-world experiences to inform our answers has sharpened our critical thinking skills.
My perspective has been widened and my creativity has been enhanced by interacting with people from several cultural backgrounds. Recording results has emphasized how crucial courteous and transparent representation is. A forum for expressing complex ideas and evoking strong emotions has been provided by visual expression. Converting concepts into physical designs has been a gratifying and difficult process that calls for creativity and adaptability. Impactful results have been achieved through careful selection of media and design strategies.
To sum up everything, the journey in this module has not only enhanced my technical skills but has also deepened my appreciation for diversity & its profound influence on design. Moreover, I have learn to be active in group work and listen attentively to others opinion & respected it. It was one of a kind experience during this semester.
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