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Intercultural Design / Compilation

2024.02.05 - 2024.03.29 Week 1 - Week 7

Teh Ming En/0364908

Intercultural Design -Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media--Taylors University

Compilation


Instructions


Project 1: Proposal

Each group needs to select a topic about cultural sensitivity in design. We need to come out with 3 topics and 200 words rationale for each topic.

After discussion, we write down our ideas then show them to the lecturer for suggestions and feedback.

Fig 1.1 Idea Summary (19/02/2024)

Fig 1.2 Idea Summary (19/02/2024)

After receiving feedback from the lecturer, we decided to continue with the topic 'Dragon Symbolism in the East and West'. We divide the research process into six parts, and each person selects a task. I chose the first part, which is the introduction and timeline of the dragon.

1) Introduction and History (Timeline) - Cathy (Me)
2) Eastern culture - Janice 
- Their beliefs 
- Types of dragons 
3) Western culture - Joey
- Their beliefs
- Types of dragons 
4) Similarities and differences - Huey Yee
5) Influences of dragon symbol on society - Joanna
- Research on the dragon symbol in the design
6) Preliminary Sketches -Vanessa 
7) Citations (APA 7th Edition)

Fig 1.3 Our Group Proposal (22/02/2024)

Moving on, we started preparing for the presentation recording and slides. The recording was required with a maximum time limit of 10 minutes. This was my first time recording a presentation in my uni life, I was quite nervous.

Final Video Presentation & Slides

Fig 1.4 Final Video Presentation (25/02/2024)

Fig 1.5 Final Presentation Slides

Project 2: Data Collection

In data collection week, we need to do research and collect information about our topic 'Dragon Symbolism in the East and West'. We also separate the process into several parts.

1. Working title
2. research questions & objectives - Janice
3. Data collection methods:
- Further online research - Huey Yee
- Visual research

1. Temple visits for eastern dragons - Joanna, Cathy (Me)
2. online visual research for Western dragons - Joey
3. visual research on artefacts we are making (like earrings, look at how modern earrings are made or sum) - Vanessa
4. Interview (Google form online survey) - Janice

I was choosing the visual research part that is temple visit for the Eastern dragons with Joanna. I visited the nearest temple for me that is  Sunway Guan-Di Temple, which was very quiet inside. The dragons stood quietly at the top of the buildings, looking dignified and serious.
Fig 2.1 Visual Research in the Temple

We were also tasked with preparing questions for visiting temple staff or devotees, but unfortunately, we didn't get the chance. Instead, we created a form and posted it online so that interested people could fill it out, allowing us to gather the necessary data. The from was created by Janice.


Fig 2.2 Interview Questions (29/02/2024)

Final Data Collection Slides
Fig 2.3 Final Data Collection Slides (11/03/2024)

Project 3: Final Project

For our final project, we have a clear proposal. Our theme was to create a fashion magazine using the dragon-themed crop tops that we designed. Each team member is tasked with designing a crop top that will center around the dragon theme. 

Following this, we have divided into two teams: one dedicated to magazine design, focusing on layout and deciding the aesthetic of the zine. The other members focus on photography and editing. Our ultimate aim is to present an attractive fashion zine showcasing our unique crop-top designs.

1) Zine design team (Cathy, Joanna, Joey, Huey Yee)
- come up with the layout of the zine
- decide the aesthetic of the zine
- put together the zine

2) Photo team (Janice, Vanessa)
- decide the location of photo taking based on the aesthetic of the design team
- take pictures 
- edit pictures

Fig 3.1 My Crop Top Design (12/03/2024)

Design The Magazine
Fig 3.2 References for Magazine Design and Layout

Fig 3.3 Voting For Magazine's Name

After that, my teams began designing the magazine. We decided to use Canva for its convenience and versatility. To start the process, we searched for magazine designs and layouts as references. Subsequently, we collectively agreed on a retro/vintage style for our magazine's aesthetic. Following this decision, we held a vote to determine the magazine's name.


Fig 3.4 Layouts Before Adding Contents (16/03/2024)

Fig 3.5 Layouts After Adding Contents (20/03/2024)

After screening various layout options, we found none that were satisfactory. Finally, we have designed a layout with red and black themes, complemented by dragon elements, to echo retro style and emphasize our title.

Presentation

We were required to record a presentation for our final project. It was limited with a maximum time of 10 minutes and the video size was limited to 100mb. We created the slides in Canva for our final presentation.

Final Video Presentation & Slides
Fig 3.6 Final Video Presentation (27/03/2024)
Fig 3.7 Final Presentation Slides

Final Outcome
Fig 3.8 Final Outcome - Magazine (PDF) (22/03/2024)



Feedback

Week 3 (20/02/2024):

Come up with 3 sketches for your project output. The 3 sketches combo can be for example: 1 rationale + 3 sketches or 3 rationale + 1 sketch each, and vice versa. The context must be based on the project brief and theme.

Week 4 (28/02/2024):

You can proceed with data collection for 3 topics first, then we will narrow it down for final output to just 1.

Week 5 (04/03/2024):

Good find. it would be great too if you could add depiction of dragons in other parts of Eastern culture (you can extract this from online info such as https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/mythic-creatures/dragons/asian-dragons).

Based on your current compilation, it seems that you can sort of start thinking what are the design for the merchandise that you want to create. I suppose, you can base this on your target viewers as well, as younger people may have different expectations compared to older ones. perhaps concentrate more on streetwear that depicts dragons and portrays design sensitivity from that aspect? casual wear, but still present the proud, powerful nature of dragons? 

(08/03/2024):

Since your group already decided to create the shirt design with dragon motifs, you can now sketch out the look + motifs to go with the shirt as well. perhaps you can also target a specific fashion trend (i.e. crop top feels like the 90s right? while the onesies feel more like the cutesy type) for the output. but I leave that to you to decide, as long you provide the rationale for your decision. good job!

(13/03/2024):

You can take some pictures of yourself wearing a blank t-shirt and then photoshop the design on top of it. Give that one a try.

Reflection

Most of us are familiar with the concept of dragons, encountering dragon-related elements to some extent in our daily lives. However, it became apparent through a survey conducted for this course that many people lack knowledge about dragons. Some people were even unaware of the existence of Western dragons. My group delved into the topic of Eastern and Western dragons, allowing us to deepen our understanding of these mythical creatures.

I also learned about the influence that different elements and cultures wield in various countries, each imbued with unique meanings. As a designer, I recognize the importance of acknowledging and respecting the cultural sensitivities of every country in our designs to ensure acceptance among the public.

Initially, group assignments in this course made me nervous. However, I was fortunate to be part of a team where my fellow group members demonstrated patience and cooperation. Teaming up with three senior students—Janice, Joey, and Vanessa—proved invaluable. Their guidance and support helped me navigate through my tasks, and we got along harmoniously. We assigned different tasks to ensure progress, and they were willing to help me solve problems greatly. These contributions enriched my learning experience. I am grateful for their leadership and assistance throughout the project.


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