Intercultural Design Task 1

2024.02.05-2024.02.26

Rachel Yeo Rong Qing / 0368901

Intercultural Design

Task 1 

CONTENT





LECTURES

Below is the lectures that given by Ms. Noranis :

* Visuals

- Everything that can be seen is wide, all-inclusive including nature 

- Produced or created by human for the purpose of visual representatives 

Design Significance (Design System) :

-  Artifacts and Products : Implementation - Use, Tools and Technology 

-  Norms and Values : Design Language - Aesthetic, Look and Feel, Design Elements, Design Functions 

 Basic Assumptions : Cultural Functions, Value, Principles, Practices

Design Sensitivity :

- Cultural sensitivity awareness. : 

    ~  Symbolism and Imagery : Symbols and images carry different meanings and be mindful of potential cultural interpretations to avoid unintentional misunderstandings or offence.

    ~  Color Considerations : Colors can have cultural significance, and their meanings may vary across different societies.

    ~  Typography and Language : Considering language variations and ensuring accurate translations is crucial for reaching diverse audiences.

- Addressing Cultural Sensitivity : 

    ~  Inclusive Design : Products and experiences that are accessible and inclusive including those with different abilities and needs.

    ~  User Research : Conduct ethnographic studies and user testing across diverse groups, helps designers gain insights into cultural preferences and behaviors.

    ~  Localization : Adapting design through localization can enhance the relevance and acceptance.

    ~  Cultural Awareness Training : Develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and sensitivities.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MZiS3xFdOX9gGlgm7zAQBdrJTlQIjpNr/edit#slide=id.p1

- Designers should be more vigilant with artworks and takes more skills, intuition and creativity and most important research. As future designers, must embrace the habit of research as part of work progress.

Research :

- Unite theory and practices to establish project rationale.

 Before writing proposal : Secondary findings (Wikipedia, website etc.), primary findings (sketches, storyboards and wireframe)

 After writing proposal : Primary findings (interviews and surveys)

 During creation of artwork: Final Design Production ( Processes & Team Contributors ), Data Collected through published and existing resource ( safety and regulations )

        2.     Class Summary

    • Week 1 : Briefing about the modules, system to organized the class, having our first lectures through online meeting
    • Week 2 : Giving feedback of the themes that we choose
    • Week 3 : Decide the focused title for our research.


INSTRUCTIONS

In this task, we have been asked to : 

- 200 word of definitions and interpretation theme in relations to chosen cultural elements

- A minimum of 3 preliminary ideas in detailed sketches, each with individual rationale

- Visual references

- Reference list

- Picture credits

Task 1

First, we have been asked to given a topic of Cultural Sensitivity in Design to conduct our research relatively to Japan because we have join the Osaka field trip.

Due to this is a group assignment so we decide to do research on the aspect that each of us interested then we decide which one to proceed, I have choose Kimono as my topic. 

Below are our research combination, it include Kimono, Wedding Customs, Packaging, Ghost and Supernatural Belief, Lantern Motifs and Kawaii Culture.

After that, we have a group meeting and we decide to choose the themes of packaging and ghost cultures as the themes that we are most interest. Then, we assigned tasks, complete the proposal and present it to Ms. Noranis. Based on the feedback that given by Ms. Noranis, we decide to integrate both themed into our project.


Final Proposal In PPT

This proposal has shown our research idea focusing on the ghost culture of Japan, it incorporating input from all group members. We have developed three potential outcome products based on the themes that we choose which is Yokai bookmarks, Fox face mask and One's Popsicles.



FEEDBACK

Week 2 : 

General Feedback : Good starting point.

Specific feedback : Examine the topic based on the framework (pyramid chart), try to come up with ideas as sketches for our project. Proceed with researching and bring up to presentation.

Week 3 : 

General feedback : Suggested a more focused title.

Specific feedback : "Yokai Delights: Snack Sensations and Packaging Designs Inspired by Japanese Folklore" as suggestion for our project title. No need to make the snacks, just design the packaging only and combine them as 1 box.


REFLECTIONS

*Experience

        During this tasks,  I have learn about the Kimono. The journey of doing research on cultural sensitivity in Kimono are inspire and enrich. When I study about Kimono I have know that the meaning of different types Kimono symbolizes and also the pattern on the Kimono. Based on the discussion with my group members, we have explore a lot of different topic cultural sensitivity in Japan and at the end we decide to choose Japanese ghost culture as our project themes. This has made me have more understand about the supernatural beliefs and folklore that permeate Japanese society. 

*Observation

        Discussions with my groupmates about the Japanese ghost cultures has give me a diverse perspectives and interpretations and we have planned and distribute the tasks evenly to accomplish our task. We have manage our task evenly with a clear communication and tolerance when we explore Osaka and Kyoto in Japan. We have found that there are many interconnectedness between the folklore and societal norms in shaping Japanese beliefs about the supernatural.

*Findings

        We have focus our research on the impact of supernatural beliefs on Japanese society and we discovered the background stories of supernatural serve as a lens through which cultural anxieties, historical traumas and societal values are expressed and processed. Besides that we also found that how much the ghost cultures has influence Japanese life especially from architecture and urban planning to entertainment and tourism. Through this task we have gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness between tradition, imagination and collective memory in shaping cultural identities.





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