Intercultural Design/ Final Compilation & Reflection

05.02.2024 - 29.03.2024 (Week 01 - Week 07)
LIEW XIAO HUI / 0353121
BACHELOR OF DESIGN (HONOURS) IN CREATIVE MEDIA / INTERCULTURAL DESIGN
Final Compilation & Reflection

JUMPLINK
Instructions
Project 01: Proposal
Project 02: Field Study
Final Project: Visual Design Outcomes
Feedback
Reflections


INSTRUCTIONS


Project 01: Proposal
Initially, we must assemble a group consisting of six individuals and collaborate as a team for the duration of this module. However, it's essential that no more than three members are from the same semester intake. For Project 01, our objective is to formulate a proposal centered around the overarching theme of 'Cultural Sensitivity in Design'. Within this theme, we have the freedom to select a specific topic of focus. Our task involves delving into cultural phenomena and generating preliminary ideas on how to visually convey interpretations using design principles. Each idea should be accompanied by a brief rationale. Additionally, we are expected to conduct visual research to facilitate the expansion of our idea generation process.

Progress
I formed a group consisting of two classmates from my same semester intake, which is semester 3.5. The remaining three members joined us from semester 01.
Group 21 
Group leader:
Nicole Yeow Zhi Ying 0370289
Team members:
Gam Jze Shin 0353154
Liew Xiao Hui 0353121
Tan Jie Ying 0353959
Phang Yee Theng 0372664
Sima Heshu 0368451

After we formed our group during the physical class, we discussed and shared our ideas about potential topics based on the research we had done the previous week. We decided to hold an online meeting to further discuss and allow more time for members to conduct research. During our first online meeting using Google Classroom, we chose the Horse-face skirt as our topic. This decision was influenced by a real-life case of Horse-face skirt which related to cultural sensitivity in design. By focusing on this specific topic, we aimed to provide a more detailed exploration of the general theme and raise awareness among people.
Before delving into completing the proposal, we opted to individually research the Horse-face skirt and compile all the information onto Canva slides for easy viewing by all members. 


Figure 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Research.

Following this, we held another meeting to discuss the desired outcomes for the final stage. Each member proposed various ideas, and we collectively voted to select the top three ideas to pursue further. We agreed upon choosing three ideas with distinct characteristics, including a poster, folding fan, and booklet. This diversity would enable our supervisor to provide feedback and suggest the most suitable idea from the three options.


Figure 1.4, 1.5 Ideas.

Tasks were allocated based on our individual strengths. I took responsibility for the 200-word write-up. Before commencing the writing process, I delved into the culture surrounding the Horse-face skirt and consulted several journals on the topic. Additionally, I researched the concept of cultural sensitivity in design, as well as the real-life case of Dior's cultural appropriation involving the Horse-face skirt. Summarizing all the gathered research, I crafted a 200-word write-up that summarized what I learned about the Horse-face skirt, cultural sensitivity, the Dior case, and the skirt's place in today's fashion.


Figure 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 Write up.

I am also in charge of the layout design and organizing of text on the presentation slides. I opted for a presentation style that reflects Chinese aesthetics, aligning with our chosen topic on Chinese culture.


Figure 1.9, 1.10 Progress screenshot.

Final Project 01: Proposal


Figure 2.1 Final proposal - PDF.


Figure 2.2 Final project 01 video presentation.


Project 02: Field Study
For Task 02, our task is to gather data relevant to the chosen topic in line with the theme. We're tasked with collecting visual, oral, textual, and tactile artifacts that will serve as research materials for the ideation process in Project 1 (proposal).

Progress
After receiving feedback from our assigned supervisor, we proceeded with our task on the Horse-face skirt topic. Following instructions, we utilized Google Slides to compile our data for this task, as it facilitates easier review by the supervisor and direct commenting. I created a Google Slide with a design layout consistent with Project 01 and shared the link with all members for collaborative editing.


Figure 3.1, 3.2 Progress screenshot.

Drawing from my previous experience in research from the Design Research Methodology module, I had a clear direction for this data collection stage. Initially, I incorporated all the information and data I gathered online into the Google Slides.


Figure 3.3, 3.4 Progress screenshot.

Next, we decided to collect data through observation, surveys, interviews, and online materials. Surveys were conducted to gauge the current perception of Horse-face skirts among the younger generation. We opted for Google Forms for the surveys due to its efficiency in obtaining audience responses and summarizing the data. The questionnaire covered topics such as basic knowledge about Horse-face skirts, previous experiences wearing them, perspectives on the fusion of modern fashion and cultural elements, and opinions on cultural sensitivity.

Gam Jze Shin and I were responsible for compiling all the survey and interview questions, while Tan Jie Ying was tasked with transferring these questions into the Google Form. I had a face-to-face discussion with Gam Jze Shin, and she recorded all the survey questions.


Figure 3.5, 3.6 Progress screenshot.

I also assisted Tan Jie Ying in reviewing and addressing issues after she finished transferring the questions into the Google Form.

Figure 3.7 Progress screenshot.

Besides, interviews were conducted online by privately messaging Hanfu enthusiasts and influencers, as physical interviews with them were challenging due to the cultural context of Horse-face skirts being rooted in China.


Figure 3.8, 3.9 Progress screenshot.

Additionally, I planned to seek physical materials after encountering an article on XiaoHongShu a few months ago, where a shopping mall was purportedly selling skirts under the banner of Horse Face skirts when Chinese New Year was around the corner. However, upon visiting the Pavilion Bukit Jalil as mentioned in the article, I couldn't locate the described pop-up store. It's likely that the article was dated and the pop-up store had closed after Chinese New Year. Consequently, I included the article in the observation method section and provided explanations and findings accordingly.


Figure 3.10, 3.11 Progress screenshot.

Final Project 02: Field Study


Figure 4.1 Final field study.

Final Project: Visual Design Outcomes
In this project, after finishing the research and data collection phase, we are expected to create visual design outcomes relevant to the selected topic and the overarching theme.

Progress
After receiving feedback from the supervisor, we discussed the type of outcome we wanted to produce. We collectively agreed that creating a booklet might be a bit mundane. Therefore, we opted to create a handmade folding fan with a QR code linking to our website containing information about the Horse-face skirt.


Figure 5.1, 5.2 Ideas combination.

To execute this idea, we split into two groups. Gam Jze Shin, Tan Jie Ying, and I were responsible for developing the website, while the remaining members focused on crafting the folding fan. For the fan, we decided to procure the same fabric used in making the Horse-face skirt to maintain authenticity in both design and material.
As for the website, we chose to use Wix for its user-friendly interface, given that none of us were proficient in coding. This decision aimed to avoid unnecessary complications. Each group conducted research to generate ideas for their respective tasks. The folding fan group deliberated on fabric colors and materials, reaching a final decision collectively. Simultaneously, the website team brainstormed layout ideas.



Figure 5.3 - 5.7 Progress screenshot.

Ultimately, we settled on using red fabric for the folding fan, as it is visually striking and historically significant in the Horse-face skirts. 

Figure 5.8 Sketch - Folding fan.

For the website, we opted for an online magazine-style layout, offering an engaging browsing experience where users can easily navigate through articles of interest. With a clear direction established, I took charge of sketching the website layout. Using Procreate, I drew initial sketches, which I then translated into a low-fidelity prototype using Adobe XD.


Figure 5.9 Sketches.


Figure 5.10 Low-fidelity prototype.

After presenting our progress to the supervisor and receiving feedback, we continued working on completing the project. In the website group, we divided tasks accordingly. I was responsible for writing all the necessary content for the website, Gam Jze Shin designed the overall layout of the website using WIX, and Tan Jie Ying was in charge of transferring all the content I wrote into the website created by Gam Jze Shin.
I organized the information into different sections and divided them into several posts within each section. For instance, the history of the Horse-face skirt would comprise five posts. One describing its origin and four detailing its evolution across different dynasties. Similarly, other sections followed this pattern of content organization. The content of all the posts is a synthesis of information gathered from the internet, categorized into relevant sections. I included source links to allow viewers to verify the original data, ensuring its accuracy, and enabling further reading.
In addition to writing the content, I also sourced images relevant to the content I wrote, as I was more familiar with the subject matter. This helped reduce the likelihood of errors that could lead to user misunderstandings.


Figure 6.1 - 6.6 Progress screenshot.

In order to generate the QR code, I used Wix's QR Code generator and embedded the website link into it. Then, I send the QR code to the group responsible for creating the folding fan so that they can print it out and incorporate it into the fan for physical submission. 


Figure 6.7, 6.8 Progress screenshot.

After completing my tasks, I proceeded to work on the final project presentation slides.
The final project presentation slides will be completed by four members: myself, Tan Jie Ying, Sima Heshu, and Phang Yee Theng. Nicole and Gam Jze Shin will be responsible for the final recorded presentation.
Firstly, I created a new Google Slide specifically for compiling the final project. In this slide, I wrote two paragraphs explaining the decisions made during the Ideation stage. Then, I included the progress of creating the website from brainstorming to content creation. I briefly explained the progress that I was in charge of, leaving the remaining parts to be completed by the other group members, as they can provide more accurate explanations of their respective areas of responsibility.


Figure 6.9 - 6.14 Progress screenshot.

Additionally, I wrote the rationale for our final visual design outcome. This included an explanation of the structure of our visual design outcome and the justification for the designs we produced.

Figure 6.15 Progress screenshot.

Final Project: Visual Design Outcomes
Website

Figure 7.1, 7.2 Final visual design outcome - folding fan.

 Figure 7.3 Final project presentation slides - PDF.

Figure 7.4 Final project video presentation.


FEEDBACK
Week 04
The lecturers reviewed Project 01 - Proposal we submitted and approved the selected topic of Horse-face skirt for further development. We can now move forward with completing the data collection stage.
Week 05
Our group's assigned supervisor is Ms. Noranis. She mentioned that the topics of Horse-face skirt, Mamianqun are relatively new in the fashion world. She suggested that we complete the data collection first and then, based on the findings, draw conclusions supported by rationale. After that, we can proceed to design the visual outcomes.
Week 06
Ms. Noranis reviewed our rough sketches of the visual design outcome. She commented that the concept is neat and the website layout design looks good. Our group seems to have a clear direction for the outcome. She encouraged us to proceed with creating the visual design, expressing her anticipation for the final result.


REFLECTIONS
Experience
This module has reached its final stage, and I feel satisfied with the assessments we've completed. The projects in this module are all group-based and involve continuous assessment. At the beginning, I felt stressed and exhausted. This was because our group was formed based on the semester intake, and I had never worked with students from other semester intakes before. Three of our group members were from semester 01, and they had less knowledge about the procedures and processes involved in completing the project. However, after completing Project 01, I felt better because they were active in group discussions and stayed on track with the rest of us.
Additionally, I encountered challenges in this module. It was my first time hearing about cultural sensitivity in design, and there were fewer real-life examples on the internet related to this theme. I spent a lot of time researching and understanding this theme to avoid coming up with wrong ideas for the project.

Observation
During this module, I noticed that many designs in the world lack cultural sensitivity. Most sellers or manufacturers prioritize their commercial interests and overlook the importance of cultural sensitivity. This leads to the creation of products that are insensitive to culture. Even small details can significantly impact the final outcome. When cultural sensitivity is lacking, it can lead to misunderstandings among the audience or dissatisfaction among users.

Findings
Throughout the process of completing this module, I've come to understand the significance of cultural sensitivity in design. Design permeates everything around us, and any insensitivity to culture can have a huge impact on audiences, particularly those less familiar with the culture in question. Cultural sensitivity is also a form of respect for diverse cultures. It's essential to learn and study the culture before starting on product design or developing any outcomes. There's a need to raise awareness about cultural sensitivity among people to prevent inadvertently causing offense.

Comments