Intercultural Design

5/2/24 - 18/3/23 // W1-W7
Mercy Chong HuiZiun // 0360929

Intercultural Design // BDCM




Instructions

Fig 1.0 Module Information Booklet


Lectures
Week 2: Culture, Design & Research



Task

Theme: "Cultural Sensitivity in Design"
Culture: Japan

Task To-do
  • Come up with 3 ideas with rationale, detailed sketches, and visual references
  • Collect data for the selected topic and idea
  • Produce an outcome with knowledge gained from data collection
Project 1 | Proposal
For our proposal, our group started by researching some traditions and celebrations in Japanese culture. From there, we voted on which one we each wanted to be our theme. In the end, we chose 'Tenjin Matsuri'.

Afterwards, we researched more about the festival and what people usually do during them. We compiled all the research in a singular Google Doc and then started coming up with ideas and sketches.

In total, we created 3 ideas and designs for our proposal. However, we realized near the end that it would be difficult to gather data based on Tenjin Matsuri during our trip since it only happens in the summer but by then we felt like it was too late to pivot and decided to proceed with what we had.


After our submission, Ms. Anis suggested that we go ahead with the Japanese omamori, since it would be hard to gather data for our initial topic.


Project 2 | Field Study
Our next step is to create a slide for data collection to ensure our research is well-structured and comprehensive. We had the opportunity to gather data during our study trip in Osaka, Japan, from February 25th, 2024, to March 1st, 2024. After collecting all the information and data during our trip, we organized them into a slide to present the complete dataset that we have gathered.

Here are some pictures taken while we're data collecting in Japan.
Fig 2.0 Photo collage of the shrine visits in Japan


Project 3 | Design
Design/Ideation Process
Our sketch draft for our design is inspired the pattern design on the omamori charms. We have decided to design a stationery set and targets towards students because when we visited the shrines during our data collection, there were a lot of prayers and wishes regarding exams and grades.

The main color we have chosen is purple as it signifies academic success and wisdom which applies to students as well.

Fig 2.1 Sketch draft

Mockups progress
1. Flashcard

Using Photoshop to design the mockups while referring back to our sketch draft. The main color we are using is purple while the secondary color here is white and yellow for the borders.
The back part of the flashcard will be having some fun facts/information about omamori.

Fig 2.2 + 2.3 Flashcard design process

Final flashcard mockup
Fig 2.4 Flashcard mockup final

2. Pens

We designed two different patterns for the pens, one featuring sakura and hama yumi, and the other featuring an ichimatsu pattern.

Fig 2.5 + 2.6 Design pattern #1 of the pen

Ichimatsu means checkered pattern, originating from a Japanese kabuki theatre actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu who liked to wear this pattern, now known as a common traditional pattern in Japan.

Fig 2.7 + 2.8 Design pattern #2 of the pen

Final pens mockup
Fig 2.9 Pens mockup final

3. Notebook
The design features the phrase “academic success” in the middle, sakura and four leaf clovers.

Japan and other countries view the four leaf clover as a symbol of luck. Incorporating the symbol into the notebook design wishes students luck and fortune.

Was experimenting the background colors to see which fits with the purple side book border but in the end stuck with a purple shade of gradient.

Fig 2.10 Background colors experimental

Fig 2.11 Adding bevel texture on the phrase 

Final Notebook mockup
Fig 2.12 Notebook mockup design final

4. Envelope
Fig 2.13 Envelope design progress

Fig 2.14 Envelope design

Final envelope mockup

Fig 2.15 Envelope mockup final


5. File

Fig 2.16 File design progress

Fig 2.17 Experimenting different design layouts for the file design

Final File mockup
Fig 2.18 Front file design

Fig 2.19 Back file design

Fig 2.20 File mockup design final



Final mockup compiled
Fig 3.0 Final design mockup for stationery set


Feedback

Week 3
Ms. Noranis suggested us "Exploring Japan's Perspective on Omamori and Charms for Fortune and Protection".

Week 4
Ms. Noranis suggested that we visit various shrines and temples, encouraging us to observe the diverse designs of omamori and understand their unique significance.

Week 6
Mr. Arizal suggested that we take design elements and how it applies to our daily lives.
He also suggested that we take one example and observe and the meanings of the colours and shapes and apply it (for example stationary for students).

Reflections
As this is my first group assignment (aside from MPU modules), I find the overall experience for this group project to be pleasant as the group members worked together well and everyone participated. Aside from this, It was an eye-opening and memorable experience for me to be able to go visit Osaka/Kyoto in Japan during the module. Definitely way better to actually get to sightsee the actual places and explore the area ourselves at a foreign country than just Google searching it online and paste the pictures into our research proposal etc.



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