Intercultural Design - Final Compilation & Reflection

 5.2.2024 -  22.3.2024 (Week 1 - Week 7)
Chong Hui Yi / 0363195
Intercultural Design / BDCM

Final Compilation & Reflection

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LECTURES

Week 1

Culture & Design - PDF

# Visuals are powerful persuasive medium to provide most of our information about the world.

Visuals are:

• Everything that can be seen
• This definition is wide, all-inclusive including nature
• Everything produced or created by humans that can be seen
• produced or created by humans for the purpose of visual representations

Design System

Cultural Sensitivity Awareness:

• Symbolism & Imagery: Different cultures may interpret them differently, so designers should be careful to avoid misunderstandings.

• Color Considerations: They have cultural meanings, so understanding them helps designers choose appropriately.

• Typography & Language: Choose culturally suitable fonts and styles, and ensure accurate translations for diverse audiences.

Addressing Cultural Sensitivity:

• Inclusive Design: Create products and experiences accessible to people from diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities.

• User Research: Conduct thorough research across diverse groups to understand cultural preferences.

• Localization: Adapt designs to specific cultural contexts to enhance relevance.

• Cultural Awareness Training: Provide training to develop deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.

Week 2

Culture, Design & Research - PDF

"In design, research is important to unite theory and practices of design to establish your project rationale."

Research Process:

Before Proposal

- Secondary findings: Data collected through published & existing resources

- Primary findings: Sketches based on secondary research

After Proposal

- Primary findings: Data collected by you & team

During Artwork Creation

- Final design production of your artwork

- Data collected through published & existing resources

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INSTRUCTIONS

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Project 1: Proposal

Requirement

• The general theme is “Cultural Sensitivity in Design”
• You are to study a cultural phenomenon, or a particular subculture that is perceived as ‘sensitive’, and “frame” your study within the chosen theme.
• You are to convey this cultural aspect without altering the actual facts but within a presentable interpretation and adaptation that raises awareness from the viewers.
• Produce some preliminary ideas on how to visually express your interpretation using design language. Each idea is to be supported by a short rationale. Conduct visual research to help expand your idea generation.

A Powerpoint presentation of the proposal that contains:

• 200-word write-up defining and interpreting the theme in relation to the chosen cultural elements.
• Citation is necessary as evidence to the research.
• A minimum of 3 preliminary ideas in detailed sketches, each with individual rationale.
• Visual references (visuals that inspire/influence those ideas).
• Reference list
• Picture credits

Research

In Week 2, we formed our group by choosing our own members. Our group, Group 6, was led by Winnie, with members including myself, Jia Ern, Sejin, Yanny, and Kar Yee. We were tasked with researching cultural sensitivity in Japan.  After several hours of discussion, we decided to focus on the Geisha culture and allocated tasks accordingly.

We listed various aspects of Geisha culture that required research, such as their history, hairstyle, outfit, makeup, and more, to gain a comprehensive understanding. At that time, my responsibility was to research on Geisha levels and their roles. During the presentation, I was in charge of presenting this aspect along with Geisha hairstyles.

 

Fig. 1.0 Research on Geisha Culture - PDF

Final Proposal

Fig. 1.1 Final Proposal - PDF

Fig. 1.2 Proposal Presentation Video - MP4

Project 2: Field Study

Requirement

“The students are required to collect visual, oral, textual and tactile artefacts that would be part of their research materials for the ideation in Project 1 (proposal). All collected artefacts and materials must be recorded, kept and documented, accompanied by necessary information such as the type of artefact and material, its purpose, its symbolism, its cultural/historical background, and more, depending on the kind of artefact and material.”

Data Collection Methods:

1. Observation study.
2. Interview of relevant stakeholders (from the lecture series, you may approach any of the guest speakers for an interview, if you deem their presentation useful for further research).
3. Online and/or actual physical material* visual research of the selected culture (the people/arts/symbols/architecture/text/calligraphy etc.)

Progression

We went to Japan for 6 days and 5 nights to gather data. Before the trip, we planned out where we could collect useful information. Our schedule is detailed in Fig. 2.0. We borrowed an Insta360 camera from the Vortex Lab to take photos and videos in Japan, which we planned to use for our VR gallery later.

We booked a Geisha Show & Experience at the Gion Maikoya house. Our leader, Winnie, got to learn about tea ceremonies, meet a real Maiko, and film some 360 video. We also visited Popmart in Japan to learn about Popmart dolls and their packaging designs.

To learn more about kimonos, we rented them for a day to experience Geisha life. Afterward, I found wearing a kimono tough, and I admired the Geishas for wearing them every day. Besides gathering data, we also had fun trying out delicious food and doing some shopping in Japan!

Fig. 2.0 Itinery in Japan - PDF

Fig. 2.1 Experiencing wearing kimono in Japan

After returning from Japan, we held a meeting at the Makerspace to organize the data we collected and allocate tasks for the final project.

Fig. 2.2 Google Drive folder categorization

Fig. 2.3 Data Collection - Google Drive 

Final Outcome

Fig. 2.4 Data Collection - Google Slide

Final Project: Visual Outcome

Requirement

“Utilizing data gathered from the research trip, students must produce visual design outcomes reflecting their interpretation and definition of "Framing," while considering cultural and aesthetic aspects and balancing them with their design expertise. Various directions and approaches, including experimental design/art employing manual, digital, or combined media, can be explored. Submission format depends on the proposed medium.”

Progression

During the meeting, we assigned tasks to each person. I was tasked with designing the Geisha alongside Sejin. I drew some simple sketches, which Sejin then refined to perfection. In addition to this, Jia Ern and I collaborated on designing the Geisha's kimono and obi belt. Moreover, I worked with Winnie and Yanny on the design of the Popmart packaging. 

As many aspects were interconnected, we needed to collaborate closely to ensure completion, so we frequently met face-to-face at school to discuss and refine our designs.

Fig. 3.0 Task division meeting at Makerspace

Fig. 3.1 Task division

I drew the top three designs for the Geisha's kimono from Fig. 3.2, while Jia Ern drew the bottom three. We decided to go with the design in the bottom right corner. This design includes a black kimono with gold Susuki (eulalie grass) and cranes. The black represents the Geisha's prestige, while the Susuki symbolizes elegance, and the cranes symbolize longevity and good fortune.

Fig. 3.2 Geisha's kimono sketch

Fig. 3.3 Geisha's kimono digitalization

While Jia Ern was digitalizing and modifying the Geisha's kimono, I was designing the Geisha's obi belt, which resulted in Fig. 3.4. The color scheme for the Geisha's obi belt is red and gold. The gold colour complements the gold Suzuki on the kimono, and the pine tree symbolizes longevity, resilience, and wisdom in Japan.

Fig. 3.4 Geisha's obi belt 

When most of our packaging design was completed, I struggled with which layout from Fig. 3.2 to use for our cover. In the end, we voted and chose the third option for our Popmart packaging. Afterwards, we might print it out as a real box for us to keep, but it won't be included in the final project.

Fig. 3.5 Packaging design 

Fig. 3.6 Progression - Google Slide

Next, we used Framer VR to build our VR gallery. We included 3D models of Geisha and Maiko, posters, real Maiko photographs, and photos and videos from our Japan trip. We decorated and arranged everything inside the gallery. Our VR gallery was divided into five sections: Main Hall, Presentation Room, Gion Room, Osaka Room, and Packaging Room.

Fig. 3.7 VR Gallery

Fig. 3.8 Main Hall 

Fig. 3.9 Main Hall (right)

Fig. 4.0 Presentation Room

Fig. 4.1 Gion Room

Fig. 4.2 Gion Room (right)

Fig. 4.3 Gion Room (left)

Fig. 4.4 Osaka Room (right)

Fig. 4.5 Osaka Room (left)

Fig. 4.6 Packaging Room 

Final Outcome

VR Frame Gallery Link: https://framevr.io/bxz-lwf-mkm

Fig. 4.7 Final Outcome - Google Slide

Fig. 4.8 Final Presentation - Google Slide

Fig. 4.9 Final Presentation - MP4

Google Drive Submission Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nXL5R3RhPFplZ0i-JcOsfX6EHalF4kjF?usp=sharing

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FEEDBACK

Week 3:

Ms. Anis think that among the 3 ideas proposed, she suggested our group to go with the popmart idea. 

Week 4:

Ms. Anis said that the data collection is very well done, good job on being able to interview a real maiko. Fascinating job done. 

Week 5:

Ms. Anis said that the progress of the group is very fast and we should just continue with what we are doing, remember to include rationales for the concepts behind our design decisions 

Week 6:

We showed Ms. Anis our popmart 3D model and she think that we can make the eyes of the doll more "docile". Increase the size of the black part of the eyeballs. Can consider adding titles and subtitles to the product showcase. 

Week 7:

Ms. Anis complimented that the final product is amazing and there is a VR gallery showcasing the products too. Extremely good job on leading the team and the effort of all the group members. 

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REFLECTION

I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this group project. It turned out much better than I expected, mainly because we have a great team leader and members. During this module, I learned a lot about geishas. Japan has lots of geisha-related illustrations, posters, and dolls, but sadly, I didn't get to see a real geisha (though our team leader saw a maiko). Additionally, I never expected to have the chance to design models and packaging in this module, which has been a fascinating new experience in both research and design.

Personally, I am very satisfied with our final project. I learned how to use a VR gallery, which was eye-opening. and I got to see how cool and fun a 360 camera is. It's a pity that we couldn't incorporate 360 photos and videos into our VR gallery. Furthermore, this project got me interested in modeling.

I feel that this team is excellent. The relationships are very harmonious, and we often have face to face discussions without any arguments. We use communication to solve problems, and everyone does their work well. I would like to praise our team leader, Winnie, who is truly outstanding. She has strong leadership skills and can allocate tasks to each member fairly. Overall, this is the best team I have ever been a part of!