28/02/24 - 29/03/24 / Week 1 - Week 8
Sheren Princessa Davon / 0362134
Intercultural Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Proposal, Data Collection, Visual Design
INSTRUCTIONS
Project 1: Proposal
For this module, we are required to create a study based on the theme "Cultural Sensitivity in Design". We are to study a cultural phenomenon or a particular subculture that is perceived as 'sensitive' and frame our study within the chosen theme.
For the first two weeks, we spent some time researching topics to study. We chose Chinese Culture as our main theme, finding particular subcultures to study.
We decided to propose 3 main ideas:
1. Chinese Calligraphy
2. Red packets
3. Oil-paper Umbrellas
Fig 1.1 Proposal Presentation Slides. Week 3
Project 2: Data Collection
After getting feedback from Mr. Azrial as Oil-paper Umbrellas as our chosen topic, we started to do further research into the topic. We decided to frame our research into 4 different cultural aspects and meanings behind the oil-paper umbrellas; Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, and Indonesian culture.
Online Research
One of our methods of research is online, we looked through websites and journal articles to have a clear understanding behind the cultural and traditional aspects of oil-paper umbrellas, as well as focused on certain elements and colors often used in their designs as well as their symbolism.
Online Interviews
We also conducted online interviews to oil-paper umbrella makers from China and Japan. This was to gain a better understanding on the thought process between oil-paper umbrella making in modern society, especially since it is a traditional art form.
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| Fig 1.2 Interview with Chinese umbrella maker |
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| Fig 1.3 Interview with Japanese umbrella maker |
I also personally conducted an interview with an Indonesian friend who is passionate about arts regarding her knowledge about oil-paper umbrellas. I wanted to find out if this generation of artists has a deep understanding of oil-paper umbrellas.
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| Fig 1.4 Interview with Indonesian |
Fig 1.5 Data Collection Compilation. Week 5
Final Project: Visual Design
We came up with the sketch for the idea of the umbrella-inspired lamp. We used 4 main cultural symbols from each culture:
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| Fig 1.6 Symbols and Meanings |
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| Fig 1.7 Finalized pattern of lamp shade |
Then, we created a 3D mock-up of the shape of the floor lamp, inspired by the bamboo style of the oil-paper umbrellas.
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| Fig 1.8 Mockup of lamp |
Finally, we pasted the design onto the mock-up to have our finalized design inspired by oil-paper umbrellas.
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| Fig 1.9 Visual Design. Week 8 |
Poster Design
I was tasked to create the final poster design to showcase our lamp, I did the poster design on Photoshop.
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| Fig 1.10 Poster Options |
FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATION
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| Fig 1.10 Visual Design - JPG. Week 8 (27/03/24) |
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| Fig 1.11 Final Poster Presentation - JPG. Week 8 (27/03/24) |
FEEDBACK
Week 5
We presented some of our data collection, however Mr. Aszrial said that it was not thorough enough. He suggested on researching specific symbols and elements in each culture, deepening the cultural sensitivity. He also suggested conducting interviews or surveys.
Week 6
At first, our idea was to create simply an oil-paper umbrella design combining elements from the four different cultures into one, however Mr. Aszrial said that idea was too basic and encouraged us to explore more outcomes such as phone case design, shoes, etc. The main idea needs to correlate to the concept of paper umbrellas.
REFLECTION
This project was such an experience. To work as a group for the rest of semester wasn't highly anticipated for me, however it turned out to be such a relief. Collaborating as a group allowed each of us to contribute according to our capabilities. Because of language barriers, at times communication was quite challenging, however with determination, we managed to pull through.
This module has given me the chance to become more aware of my design choices, as well as the importance of research. We must be more mindful when creating a design rooted in traditional culture as to not accidentally offend or cultural-appropriate a certain subculture.
Overall, I am proud to say that we worked as a group to achieve this satisfactory final outcome.
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