Interectural Design / Final Compilation blog

Februray 8, 2024 - March 22, 2024

08.02.2024 –  / Week1 – Week7

Ryoma Kato / 0365874

Intercultural Design / Bachelor of design (Honours) in Creative Media

1. MIB

 

(1. MIB)

2. Project 1 proposal

 

(2. Proposal Presentations Slides)

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.

We decide to propose about 3 ideas.

・Chinese Calligraphy
・Red packets
・Oil-paper Umbrellas

3. Project 2 Data collection

(3. Data collection presentations slide)

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. Here, we conducted two things: online research and online interviews.

Online research

One of our research methods involves online sources, where we explored websites and journal articles to gain insights into the cultural and traditional significance of oil-paper umbrellas. We delved into specific elements, colors commonly found in their designs, and their symbolic meanings to develop a thorough understanding.

Online interview

We additionally conducted online interviews with oil-paper umbrella makers from China and Japan. This was done to deepen our understanding of the thought processes involved in oil-paper umbrella making in contemporary society, particularly given its status as a traditional art form.

Here, I researched Japanese umbrellas in Japan and interviewed companies that produce Japanese umbrellas using Instagram direct messages.

(4. Slides about the searchig)

(5. Slide about the interview)

4. Final Project

      

(6. Final Project presentations slides)

We created a design for the umbrella-inspired lamp as a mock-up of the final assignment. The design incorporates elements of umbrellas from four countries: Japan, China, Malaysia and Indonesia.

(7. The Design that we made)

This is the design produced by our group. The details of this design are written below.

Idea:Indonesian traditional color matching: blue and white, the combination of blue and white is also common in Indonesia's traditional color matching. Blue often represents the sky and ocean, while white symbolizes purity, freshness and peace.

Japanese collective pattern: Seigaiha. Seigaiha is a wave-like pattern that represents the power and infinite extension of the ocean. It is often used in clothing, art and building decoration.

The representative element of China: dragon, which symbolizes auspiciousness, authority and strength in traditional Chinese culture. It is considered the ruler of water and a symbol of bringing rain and good harvests. Therefore, in ancient Chinese farming societies, people often prayed for the dragon's blessing to obtain good harvests and good luck. In addition, the dragon is also regarded as the national symbol of China, representing the unity and strength of China.

The national flower of Malaysia: the orchid. The orchid is a very popular flower in Malaysia and is also the country’s national flower. The national flower of Malaysia is called the "Golden Orchid" (Phalaenopsis amabilis). It is a gorgeous orchid species that was chosen because of its beauty and representativeness.

We 3D modeled this design and created the final finished product.

(8. Our 3D mock up)

Finally, we made a poster too.

(9. The picture of poster)

5. Feed Backs

Week5

During our presentation slides, we shared some of our data collection, but Mr. Aszrial pointed out that it lacked depth. He recommended conducting further research into specific symbols and elements within each culture to enhance cultural sensitivity. Additionally, he suggested conducting interviews or surveys to gather more comprehensive insights.

Week6: 

Initially, we planned to develop a straightforward oil-paper umbrella design incorporating elements from four different cultures. However, Mr. Aszrial deemed this idea too simplistic and urged us to explore alternative possibilities, such as designing phone cases, shoes, and other items. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong connection to the concept of paper umbrellas in our main idea.

6. Reflection

First of all, through this project, I was keenly aware of the difficulty of group work in other languages. While all the members except me could understand Chinese, I only understood English, so I was often not allowed to participate in group work conversations, and I was not allowed to join the group because I did not understand Chinese at the time of group creation in the first place. However, the members who joined me this time spoke in English in the chat, and even if I didn't understand Chinese, they walked up to me, which was helpful. It was difficult at first due to the language barrier, but it was a good experience.

Through this class, I was also able to realize the importance of doing my homework when creating a design. In the past, when I designed something, I didn't really look into the meaning and history of the design, and I often created a design by imitating what I saw, but through this Interectural Design class, I learned that I can create a better design by learning about the historical background of design and knowing more about that design.

Lastly, I was able to grow as a person, such as how to do group work in other languages and the importance of doing preliminary research on design, and I was able to create wonderful products as a group, so it was very good.