Intercultural Design - Cultural Sensitivity in Design
Intercultural Design GCD 61304
WEEK 01 - WEEK 07 (06.02.2024 - 19.03.2024)
NAME: Chai Wei Yi
I.D: 0369561
COURSE: Intercultural Design / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media
GROUP: Class 01 Sec 01
Intercultural Design - Cultural Sensitivity in Design
Introduction
Project 01：Proposal
A proposal to concreatise ideas, supported by research, for a final design
revolving a given theme that reflects students understanding and
interpretation of global issues and design aesthetics.
Requirement:
Feedback:
- The general theme is "Cultural Sensitivity in Design"
- Study a cultural phenomenon, or a particular subculture that is perceived as "sensitive", and "frame" your study within the chosen theme.
- Convey this cultural aspect without altering the actual facts.
- The interpretation and adaptation should raise awareness among the viewers.
- Produce prelimimnary ideas on how to visually express your interpretation using design language. (Each idea is t be supported by a short rationale).
Submission:
- A 200 word write-up - Defining and interpreting the theme in relation to the chosen cultural elements.
- A minimum of 3 preliminary ideas - with detailed sketches and individual rationale.
- Citations, visual references, references list, picture credits are needed.
Progress:
When week 1 began, all the students taking this module were
assigned to groups consisting of 5 to 6 people each. Another
requirement was that students visiting Japan for data collection
could not mix with those who were not going. Therefore, I had to
find my team on Microsoft Teams. Finally, we gathered six of us. We
had a quick meetup the next day and prepared well before we met up. During the meeting, we presented what we had prepared and started
brainstorming to come up with the best idea to represent
intercultural design, focusing on sensitivity as the topic. We
decided to explore the realm of tattoos. We planned to emphasize
tattoos from three countries: Hong Kong, Japan, and the Maori
tattoos from New Zealand. I was assigned to gather information about
Maori tattoos, along with two others. Additionally, three people
were tasked with sketching. Overall, we reached a consensus and decided to delve into the realm
of tattoos. We intend to highlight tattoo practices from three
countries: Hong Kong, Japan, and the Maori culture of New Zealand. I
was assigned to gather information about Maori tattoos, along with
two others, while three people will be responsible for
sketching
Feedback:
There was not a lot of feedback for this assignment due to the topic
being up for interpretation. We asked about the presenting and some
few questions about the presentation (on teams).
Final outcome of sketch：
Student will conduct a data gathering collection process about the
culture with relevance to the theme and your research
objectives.
Requirement:
Student 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 berecorded, 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:
- Observation study
- Interview of relavant stakeholder
-
Online and/or actual physical material* visual research of the
selected culture
(the people/arts/symbols/architecture/text/calligraphy etc.)
Submission:
- In relevant ways that protect and preserve the collected artefacts and materials
- Accompanying descriptions that properly and clearly informs about important information of each artefact and materials.
Progress:
Task 2 primarily involves data research. My partner Maiya, Tokobe, and I are responsible for the survey portion. Before that, we conducted extensive research on the cultural differences behind tattoos in each country. Our research primarily focused on the most apparent biases in society towards tattoos from each country. Regarding the research I conducted on Maori tattoos, society holds significant biases, perceiving them as too rugged and uncultured. However, for the Maori people, these tattoos represent their beliefs and ancestors. This is just one simple example. Therefore, we summarized our research on tattoos from these three countries to conduct a survey. The survey questionnaire aims to inquire about the perspectives of contemporary students on tattoos and whether they have any questions or concerns about them
Feedback:
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.
Requirements:
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.
Submission:
This depends on the proposed medium.
Final outcome
Progress:
We chose a hands-on approach, using thermal transfer paper and body
paint to bring our artistic vision to life on real skin. Starting with
individual sketches, we combined various elements and images to create
a cohesive design specifically for the back and arms. Visiting a
tattoo studio, we transferred our creation onto one of our team
members. However, unexpected challenges arose during the painting
process, leading to smudges and imperfections. Adapting quickly, we
turned to digital manipulation using Photoshop to refine our design
due to time constraints. After crafting a presentation and recording
it, we presented our journey from concept to execution
After our first attempt to paint the tattoo on the body, we received
valuable feedback from Dr. Charles. He expressed concerns about the
practicality of executing the design in this manner. Understanding the
difficulties we faced and considering the time constraints, Dr. Charles
wisely recommended exploring an alternative approach using Photoshop
editing
Reflection
In this reflection, I aim to provide a concise conclusion regarding my
experience working on Task 1, Task 2, and Task 3 (final project) of
the Intercultural Design module. This module has been quite enjoyable
for me, primarily because it is designed to bring ideas to fruition,
with a strong emphasis on research to support our concepts. The final
design centers on a specific theme that mirrors students'
comprehension and interpretation of global issues and design
aesthetics. The final design centers on a specific theme that mirrors
students' comprehension and interpretation of global issues and design
aesthetics.
Before starting Task 1 and Task 2, our team briefly met face-to-face.
Prior to this meeting, each of us had prepared individually to ensure
that discussions wouldn't be delayed due to lack of preparation.
Throughout the discussion, I learned data analysis techniques, which
involve searching for information with a clear direction rather than
aimlessly. We all also mastered research skills and thinking outside
the box. These skills greatly aided us in analyzing information,
evaluating evidence, and drawing conclusions during the research
process. In fact, Task 1 and Task 2 primarily tested our critical
thinking abilities, as well as our skills in presenting our own ideas
to teammates and in conducting research (where we needed more evidence
to support our choices). Since these tasks were research-oriented,
gathering information from textbooks, articles, or online resources
became essential to completing the assignment. Consequently, our group
and I had to put in extra effort to gather accurate information
From Task 1 to Task 3 (the final task), the most important skill for
me has been communication skills. It has been crucial throughout all
three tasks, whether it's presenting ideas clearly to teammates,
actively listening to what they have to say, or communicating in a way
that doesn't harm teammates' feelings when disagreeing with their
ideas. Additionally, respecting others and expressing opinions in a
respectful manner have been important aspects. Throughout the entire
process, I've also realized the importance of teamwork. However,
effective teamwork relies heavily on good communication and
understanding each other's opinions. That's why I believe
communication is the most important skill. Teamwork allows us to
accomplish more in less time by leveraging each other's strengths,
providing support, and collaborating for the best results. I've also
learned the significance of compromise and being open to different
perspectives within the team. Even though this semester was short,
lasting only eight weeks, it has taught me a lot. I see it as a new
beginning in my academic journey
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