Intercultural Design - Final Compilation & Reflection

on

5.2.2024 - 29.3.2024 ( Week 1- Week 7)
Gam Jze Shin / 0353154
Intercultural Design / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Final Compilation & Reflection

Index

Instructions


Project 1: Proposal

In this module, groups should consist of no more than 6 members. Additionally, the lecturer specified that no more than three members should be from the same semester intake. To form our groups, we utilized different colored stickers during physical classes in lecture theatre one. For Project 1, we were tasked with creating a proposal that solidifies ideas supported by research. This proposal should focus on a final design centered around a given theme, showcasing students' comprehension and interpretation of global issues and design aesthetics.  

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.

Progress

fig 1.1 Group members

In second week, our group was formed, and my fellow group members are: 
  1. Nicole Yeow Zhi Ying 0370289 (Leader)
  2. Gam Jze Shin 0353154
  3. Liew Xiao Hui 0353121
  4. Tan Jie Ying 0353959
  5. Phang Yee Theng 0372664
  6. Sima Heshu 0368451

fig 1.2 WhatsApp group 

Then, we established a group on WhatsApp for our convenience, as it provided a convenient platform for discussing our project.

fig 1.3 Theme and Topic

During our first Google Meet session, we collectively decided on our theme: the traditional costume known as the Horse-face skirt. This idea stemmed from the recent widely-discussed Dior case, highlighting the cultural sensitivity surrounding traditional and contemporary fashion. Our primary objective is to delve deeper into this overarching theme, aiming to raise awareness among the public.

fig 1.4 Research before doing proposal

Before drafting the proposal, each of us conducted individual research online. We compiled relevant information and data, which we then listed on Canva slides for our proposal. This approach streamlined our process, saving time, and allowing for diverse perspectives and ideas from each team member.



fig 1.5 - 1.7 Our ideas

In our next meeting, we discussed about what we wanted to achieve in the final stage. Everyone suggested different ideas, and we voted on the top three to explore more. We settled on three different options: a poster, folding fan, and booklet. Additionally, three individuals were tasked with sketching out the three ideas, while the remainder of the group was responsible for creating rationales and other related tasks.


fig 1.8 - 1.10 Slide needed for presentation

I done the basic introduction and highlighted the iconic features of the Horse-face skirt. This information is essential for my presentation, which I am in charge of. After all of my group members completed the proposal, I presented it using Zoom. This step was crucial as I needed to ensure that the lecturer and others could understand the ideas we had provided in our proposal, as it would influence the direction of the following project.

Final Proposal
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13lzddOLAVVdAhLcz436S-iNep4oyjHQv

fig 1.11 Final Project 1 Proposal - PDF

fig 1.12 Final Project 1 Presentation Video

Project 2: Field Study

The second project involves conducting a data gathering collection process about culture relevant to the theme, research objectives, issues, and design aesthetics.

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

Some of the methods by which you can collect data:

  • Observation study.
  • 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).
  • Online and/or actual physical material* visual research of the selected culture (the people/arts/symbols/architecture/text/calligraphy etc.)
Progress

fig 2.1 Google Slide

After receiving feedback from our assigned lecturer, we continued our work on the Horse-face skirt topic. We used Google Slides to organize our data for this task, as it allows for easier review and direct commenting by our lecturer.

fig 2.2 Methods used for data collection

We decided to collect the data via four different methods which is observations, survey (Google Questionnaire), Interview (Online) and online materials.

Observations

fig 2.3 - 2.4 Observations

Utilizing my past experience on observations methods from the Design Research Methodology module, I handled the observations slide and concluded it within Google Slides.

Survey (Google Questionnaire)


fig 2.5 - 2.7 Survey questions

First, I discussed the questions that can be include in Google form with Liew Xiao Hui in person. The questionnaire covered various topics, including the basic understanding of Horse-face skirts, past experiences wearing them, perspectives on the fusion of modern fashion with cultural elements, and opinions on cultural sensitivity. Subsequently, I listed all the questions and shared them with the WhatsApp group. 

fig 2.8 Google Questionnaire

We then sought assistance from Tan Jie Ying to transfer all the questions into the Google form. Our Google form link:  https://forms.gle/hdVWkSFMTMr4itFfA

fig 2.9 - 2.10 Questions explanation

Following that, I listed down all the questions in the Google form and provided explanations for why each question was necessary and why we needed to include it, all detailed in the Google Slide.

fig 2.11 -2.12 Data collection (Survey)

The other members assisted in collecting the data from the Google Form and added conclusions for each question based on the gathered data.

Interview
fig 2.13 Interview questions

Furthermore, I provided the interview questions and requested my group members to distribute them to individuals who are enthusiasts of Horse-face skirts. By doing so, we aimed to gather perspectives and opinions from these individuals, contrasting them with those of ordinary people who may not have much understanding of Horse-face skirts.

fig 2.14 -2.15 Data collection (Interview)

Fortunately, we received feedback and were not ignored by the individuals we reached out to. Most of them responded carefully to the questions, for which we were grateful.

Online materials

fig 2.16 -1.17 Online materials

Building upon the previous information gathered in Project 1, we concluded and summarized it, then incorporated it into the online materials section of our Google Slide.

Final Field Study

fig 2.18 Final Field Study - PDF

Final Project: Design Outcomes

In this final project, upon the completion of the research, data collection, participation in all class lectures and tutorials, presentation of a complete proposal and research data, students are to produce visual design outcomes related to their interpretation of the given theme. 

Requirement:

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 and approaches can be engaged in, such as experimental design/art with the use of manual/digital or combination of both media.

Progress

fig 3.1 Meeting

In week 5, we conducted a meeting to discuss on our final visual design outcome. After thorough discussion, we collectively agreed that creating a booklet might be too simplistic. Consequently, we opted to design a handmade folding fan instead. This fan would feature a QR code linking to our website, which contains comprehensive information about the Horse-face skirt.

Handmade Folding Fan

fig 3.2 - 3.3 Folding fan progress
We divided into two groups: one responsible for crafting the handmade fan and the other for developing the website. Nicole, Yee Theng, and Heshu took charge of creating the folding fan. They purchased the necessary materials for crafting via Shopee, based on the previous design sketches.

 
fig 3.4 - 3.5 Fabric selection

We also deliberated on the choice of fabric for the Horse-face skirt, considering its suitability for the final outcome. Eventually, we opted for red fabric, as this color represents good luck and auspiciousness.

fig 3.6 Physical outcomes
This is the handmade folding fan crafted by the group in charge of its creation.

Website


fig 3.7 - 3.9 Website style

For the website part, Xiao Hui, Jie Ying, and I will be in charge of it. Initially, we brainstormed our ideas regarding the website's style, layout, color scheme, and font. After thorough discussion, we concluded that we would combine our ideas, drawing inspiration from fashion layouts while incorporating Chinese elements. The color scheme will consist of red, black, and white, and we decided to use the Philosopher font.

fig 3.10 Websites sketches draft 1

fig 3.11 Websites sketches draft 2

Xiao Hui created the layout draft for the website, and we presented it to our assigned lecturer during our physical class.

fig 3.12 Website's content

This is the slide that contain all of the information we would like to place into our website. There are 5 parts which is history, design, symbolism, craftmanship and styling.


fig 3.13 - 3.14 Website on Wix

I completed the entire website design layout using Wix. Additionally, I utilized the blog function to publish all the posts and integrated them into the relevant pages.

fig 3.15 Our website Qr code

We print the Qr code out and incorporate it into the fan for physical submission. 

Final Design Outcomes

Mamianqun Websites

fig 3.16 - 3.17 Final folding fan

fig 3.18 Final folding fan vide0

fig 3.19 Final  project presentation slides - PDF

fig 3.20 Final  project presentation video

Feedback

Week 4
Specific Feedback: The lecturers approved our chosen topic, Horse-face skirt, and informed us that we can now proceed with completing the data collection stage.

Week 5
Specific Feedback: Our group's assigned lecturer, Ms. Noranis, noted that topics related to Horse-face skirts are relatively new in the fashion world. She suggested that we prioritize completing the data collection stage first. Once we have gathered sufficient data, we can then draw conclusions supported by rationale. Following this, we can proceed to design the visual outcomes.

Week 6
Specific Feedback: During the Week 6 physical class, we presented our sketches of the visual design outcome. Ms. Noranis commented that the concept is neat and the website layout design looks good. She expressed that we seem to have a clear direction for the outcome. Additionally, she suggested the idea of finding individuals around us who are enthusiasts of Horse-face skirts and including videos of them wearing it in real life on our website.

Reflections

Experience
In this module, I am satisfied with the outcome we have achieved. First and foremost, I would like to express my appreciation to my group members for their dedicated effort throughout the journey. Each member contributed significantly, and our shared goal helped keep us aligned. While we initially felt uncertain about what we needed to do, we remained committed to conducting research, which gradually provided us with more clarity and direction. Exploring the concept of cultural sensitivity in design was a new experience for me, and I found it challenging yet refreshing. Despite the limited real-life examples available online on this theme, we persevered and embraced the opportunity to delve into something novel.

Observations
From this module, I observed that in our daily lives, we may not always be conscious of cultural sensitivity until it becomes apparent when something deviates from what we consider normal. During such instances, cultural insensitivity can arise, leading to a sense of offense towards our culture. It's crucial to recognize that cultural sensitivity is a serious matter, as it impacts how individuals perceive and interact with various designs. Unfortunately, many designs worldwide lack cultural sensitivity, often due to manufacturers prioritizing commercial interests over cultural considerations. This oversight can result in misunderstandings among audiences or dissatisfaction among users. 

Findings
Through the process of completing this module, I applied discipline-specific knowledge and skills by deepening my understanding of my specific theme, which is the Horse-face skirt. This was essential for presenting accurate and comprehensive outcomes to others. Additionally, my thinking and problem-solving skills improved as I needed to think creatively to address cultural sensitivity issues prevalent today. It was a challenging journey that required hard work, but I believe that perseverance and incremental research efforts will eventually lead to solutions.

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