Table of Contents
1. Instructions
2. Lectures
6. Feedbacks
7. Reflections
2. Lectures
6. Feedbacks
Intercultural Design "Everyday design" project
Instructions
Module Information Booklet
Intercultural Design module (GCD61304) is a core module in the Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media at Taylor’s University. It explores design within cultural, political, and social contexts. Over seven weeks, students engage with global design issues through research, collaboration, and field studies. The assessments include a proposal (30%) focusing on Everyday Design, a field study (30%) involving data collection, and a final project (40%) where students document insights through a TikTok cultural journal.
Lectures
Culture & Design
40% of people respond to visuals more than text, emphasising the importance of visual communication.
1. Objective Visuals – Naturally occurring visuals in the
environment.
2. Human-Created Visuals – Designed or produced for representation,
communication, or function.
Design Significance & Design System
Figure 2.1 Lecture Notes # Slide 12.
1. Basic Assumptions – The purpose behind a design, including
its values, principles, and practices (e.g. the ladybird as a
symbol of luck).
Figure 2.2 Lecture Notes # Slide 13.
2. Norms & Values – The aesthetic and functional aspects of
design:
-
Look & Feel – Visual style and appeal.
-
Design Elements & Functions – How design components
interact.
-
Design Language – Example: A ladybird’s number of spots
signifies lucky months in Western cultures but represents
bad luck in Japanese culture.
3. Artefacts & Products – The physical implementation of
design, including:
-
Tools & Technology – Methods used to create the
design.
-
Implementations – Example: Ladybird-themed lucky
charms.
1. Basic Assumptions – The purpose behind a design, including its values, principles, and practices (e.g. the ladybird as a symbol of luck).
2. Norms & Values – The aesthetic and functional aspects of design:
- Look & Feel – Visual style and appeal.
- Design Elements & Functions – How design components interact.
- Design Language – Example: A ladybird’s number of spots signifies lucky months in Western cultures but represents bad luck in Japanese culture.
- Tools & Technology – Methods used to create the design.
- Implementations – Example: Ladybird-themed lucky charms.
Additional Notes
Do not let people question you further – Ensure designs are
well-researched and effectively communicated.
For more insights, visit the TikTok page: seed.cmyk, created
by Creative Media students to share content and guides on
design and culture.
Proposal
Team Member and Our Research
Members
Yong Wenyi (Leader) - 0372679
Anggia Tsani Rachmadiyanti - 0368487
Emily Ong Su Yu - 0365304
Erin Samantha Fenner - 0381696
Wong Li Wei - 0364538
Feng Zhiyu - 0376171
Project Overview
We formed a group of 6 people, and then we had to come up
with a proposal and 3 sketches of 'Everyday Design' based on a
chosen country/culture.
We decided to focus on making an "everyday design" product that
is based on Yukata technology which has Japanese design styles
and culture implemented on it. Our goal is to make a product
that people can wear everyday and is multi-functional and easy
to carry around. We first did a deep research on everyday design
in Japanese culture.
Research Before Starting the Proposal
Figure 3.1 Research # Task 1.
Our Work for Task 1
Slides
Figure 3.2 Slides # Task 1.
Presentation Recording
Field Study
Data Collection and Observations
Field Study
We went to Muji, Kuma Yukata, Summer, WA Store Tokyo Street Pavilion located in Pavilion Bukit Bintang and Kinokunya, Nitori, Uniqlo and Isetan in Suria KLCC. We took pictures and documented several items, patterns and designs of the Japanese items so that we could later analyse their design and improve our Everyday Item sketch.
Google Form Survey
Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf01A9li6-oT7bNzK8ypWO3czSVlBPakThUDS-JpCX6X64eLA/viewform?usp=dialog
We share the google forum survey link on our Instagram Stories and analyse it to improve our sketches in task 1 and know what the target audience need.
Analysis of Research
Our Work for Task 2
Slides
Task 2 Canva Slides Link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGf-1Ccx2o/53JDJaeWhGNpGqjKwxRWjg/view?utm_content=DAGf-1Ccx2o&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h94f0f267d9
Final Project
Our Work for Task 3
Slides
Task 3 Canva Slides Link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGhZpH1upg/Hyyrr-Z7eiNOyD0STcn4dg/edit?utm_content=DAGhZpH1upg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Presentation Recording
TikTok Page
TikTok Page Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@lileevqu?_t=ZS-8utrXP5olnE&_r=1
Feedbacks
Specific Feedbacks
Cool complications of findings, highlights the important words, mention value in the conclusion referring the Design System Pyramid given in previous lecture. The theme is Everyday Design, make the item more to everyday wear.
Reflections
Individual Reflection
What I have learnt in this module?
In this project, I learnt how to implement Japanese culture and design into 'Everyday Design', which refers to the items we use or see every day. After conducting research, observing, and analysing data and information collected both online and physically, I have greater understanding of 'Everyday Design' and Japanese design. Japanese design incorporates natural elements into daily living through designs that represent the surrounding nature. It is commonly used in Japanese clothes, such as the Yukata, and other designs. The designs show how the Japanese regard nature. Thus, bringing meaning and value into their daily life.
What did I enjoy the most?
What I enjoyed the most was seeing amazing Japanese design, which combined fashion and functionality. Yukatas, for example, include an inner hidden pocket ("tamoto") in the sleeve. It is a little pouch positioned within the open area of the sleeve, with the cloth left unsewn to allow for movement and access to the pocket. Therefore, people may use it to store little personal objects such as handkerchiefs or small amounts of money without being seen by others.
What have I learnt about myself through this module?
Throughout the past seven weeks, I've learnt a lot about myself. I've learnt that humans give meaning to nature, as seen in Japanese design patterns that feature elements like sea waves, cherry blossoms, clouds, and fish. They interpret meaning, symbolism, and use it on their clothing on a regular basis.
What has changed and what has not in my learning journey?
What changed for me was that I learnt more about 'Everyday Design'. I've learnt to pay attention to details designed in our daily lives. Each design gives meaning and usefulness to us.
What are my aspirations?
Intercultural Design was a fun module. I plan to apply what I gained in this module in future classes and my life.
Group Reflection
What we have learned?
At the start of this project, our knowledge of Japanese design was mostly surface-level, but as we went on most of us discovered new things we didn't know before such as what Japanese patterns symbolize and discovering that a Yukata has an inner hidden pocket in its sleeves. Through our research and analysis, we discovered the profound meaning behind these designs. We learned how each Japanese pattern has a meaning to it. Understanding these cultural narratives allowed us to see design as a form of storytelling rather than just decoration. We learnt many values in Japanese culture. Moreover, this project also challenged us to think critically about the intersection of culture and contemporary everyday design. It has allowed us to explore how cultural aesthetics can seamlessly blend into everyday functional design while maintaining authenticity and meaning.
Through primary & secondary researches, we delved into the history and significance of Japanese patterns, understanding their symbolism, traditional uses, and evolution. We also had a fun trip visiting Japanese shops and observing real-life applications of these patterns. By analysing textures, materials, and the way patterns were integrated into products, we gained a deeper understanding. These visits helped us bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical design application, shaping our final concept in a more informed and culturally respectful way. Japanese patterns are not just decorative elements, they carry historical and emotional significance. By integrating them into an adaptable fashion item, we aimed to honour their cultural roots while making them accessible for everyday use.
Group Experience & Challenges
Collaboration played a crucial role throughout this project. Each of us contributed unique perspectives through research, design execution, sketches or analysis. We had many group meetings to discuss our research, plans, & ideas. Throughout this entire project we were given creative freedom. We did everything together which was really helpful in making the progress faster. We realise that combining our different and new ideas together as a group help create a better outcome. We had fun during our site visits, meetings and filming the videos.
We navigated challenges since Japanese patterns hold deep historical and symbolic meanings, we had to carefully research their meanings & significance to avoid misrepresentation. Another challenge was balancing tradition with modern functionality. We wanted to preserve the essence of Japanese design while making it adaptable for everyday use. Additionally, conducting primary research required effort and coordination. Filtering through all our research, data collections and observations was a complex process. We also had to merge our different ideas and perspectives into a cohesive concept. However, these obstacles strengthened our teamwork and problem-solving skills. This project was a journey of personal and collective growth. We learned to be more observant, to ask critical questions, and to analyse design beyond aesthetics, considering its historical, cultural, and functional aspects. Other than that we had fun making the video and learnt some new editing tools to make our TikTok videos.
Conclusion
To conclude, this project was a transformative experience that went beyond simply designing a product. It taught us the importance of cultural research, observations, ethical design, and teamwork. The challenges we faced pushed us to think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop a more thoughtful and respectful approach to intercultural design. By combining Japanese cultural aesthetics with practical & multifunctional everyday design, we aimed to create a product that not only looks stylish and multifunctional, but also carries meaning. This project has broadened our perspectives on global design influences and reinforced the idea that design is a bridge between tradition and innovation. Moving forward, we will take these lessons with us, applying them to future projects with a deeper awareness of cultural significance and design impact.
Google Drive Link Compilation of All Works
Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LCHOM96OgvsazQU80F-vYSTEcsANXed5?usp=sharing
Comments
Post a Comment