INTERCULTURAL DESIGN

For example, a sailor has tattoo all over their body. The symbols tell stories of journeys made along the open water. Another example is Japanese tattoos. Traditionally it means societal status, as spiritual symbols, charm for protection and to symbolize devotion.

Designers need to be aware of cultural nuances, symbolism, and context to create design that resonate with diverse audience.

Design significance

Able to identify the social, cultural & political sphere where the design elements reside. By understanding the cultural studies, philosophy, sociology, and origin history

Design system

There are 3 parts in design system, starting from the bottom :

1. Artifacts and products, implementation, use

2. Norms and values, design language, aesthetics

3. Basic assumptions, cultural functions, purpose

Design sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity goes beyond aesthetics; it also encompasses functionality, usability, and the overall user experience.

1. Symbolism and imagery
Symbols and images may carry different meanings in different cultures. Need to be mindful to avoid unintentional misunderstandings.

2. Color considerations
It has cultural significance, their meanings may vary across different societies. Understanding the cultural associations to help make appropriate choices.

3. Typography and language
Considering language variations and ensuring accurate translations for reaching diverse audiences.

4. Inclusive design
Accessible and inclusive for people from various cultural background, including those with different abilities and needs.

5. User research
Research to gain insights into cultural preferences and behaviors

6. Localization
Adapting designs to specific cultural context through localization to enhance relevance.

7. Cultural awareness training
To develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and sensitivities.

Week 2

Everyday Design

We had a guests that talked in depth about Everyday Design to help us understand more. Where Everyday Design raises the questions:

1. Meaning behind habits

2. Customs

3. Its impact on society

Design influences our daily lifestyle, and he then talked about how design can improve our lifestyle quality. With well researched and good design fundamentals, designers could be more flexible in creating new types of work, and more experimental in building one's identity in fashion.

One of the biggest today's problem is copyright, originality of local design work is hard to find, because designers lack of thinking designs, critical and creative thinking skills.

For example, Ong Chong Wan a local Malaysian designer had designed a famous typeface, Abadi MT in 1987 which is being used worldwide by people for their documents.

"While research and development is part and parcel of the furniture industry, creating a strong narrative that resonates with clients should not be overlooked. " by Tengku Hafiz Tengku Hassan, Kian Furniture.

INSTRUCTIONS

TASK 1

Introduction

On our first week of Intercultural design, we were introduced to the topic of everyday design which will later be part of our project.

1. As the brief explanation on our work has been delivered, we were told to form in groups

2. Discuss what is your everyday design

After we have got together with everyone in your group, we started to discuss on what object or behavior we want to take as our everyday design. At first we went in for banana leaves for a biodegradable food packaging. But after feedbacks from lecturer, we decided to change our topic.

My group (group 20), decided to go with Indonesia's traditional food, Tumpeng as our everyday design. We tried picking up it's meaning on colors, and symbol it holds.

3. As we have found our topic, we then research further

We took Tumpeng as our everyday design, where we researched on it's meaning of colors, side dishes. We also look into where Tumpeng typically served. For example, Tumpeng soaring high symbolize the majesty of God, and the white rice which meant purity.

We made 3 product sketches from this topic and then we present our proposal via zoom.

TASK 2

Week 4 Data Collection

For this part we were required to about the collect information about the culture with relevance to the theme and your research objectives.

Data Collection Methods

1. Observation Study

2. Interview of relevant stakeholders (from the lecture series, you may approach any of the guest speakers for an interview, if you deem their presentation useful for further research).

3. Online and/or actual physical material* visual research of the selected area (the people/arts/symbols/architecture/text/calligraphy etc.)

For this part, we collected information of the deeper meanings behind Nasi Tumpeng and validate our findings. We collected relevant and useful information about Nasi Tumpeng, about its origin, types, philosophical meanings, purposes and people’s perspectives of Nasi Tumpeng.

We performed 3 data collections method:

1. Online research

All my group members performed many online researches to further find out more about the deeper meanings behind Nasi Tumpeng and what it actually symbolises and its cultural role.

2. Interviews

Our group members Jovanna, Felice, Raed and Reemaahshee, interviewed some of Indonesian friends in order to gather information from the younger generation about their perspective of Nasi Tumpeng and to identify whether Nasi Tumpeng is remains relevant and practiced today.

3. Google surveys

We gathered 60 responses through google survey to further validate our findings, to get detailed perspectives on how people perceive Nasi Tumpeng as it has many philosophical meanings, and it symbolises many types of values. For example, it has many side dishes, that represents many values, like determination, resilience through hardships, teamwork, gratitude, social unity, patience and obedience. From the survey we managed to find out that about 88.3% Indonesian people voted for “Gratitude & celebration”, while 43.3% voted for “Determination & Success’’, and 48.3% voted for unity and sharing. We gave an option where the can choose more than 1 value.

Google survey excel sheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1degm_dUP6IOwyR34IOMQg7yXxYKRTh0dX3WXPLUOwFE/edit?usp=sharing

Google drive video of 3 interviews : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aUklh676pPfbP05WijxHuayBydMhvFX0?usp=drive_link

We had only two research objectives which is to find out how the values and the principles of Nasi Tumpeng relate to people every day, and to help people appreciate and be more aware of Nasi Tumpeng and based on the data we gathered, we managed to understand better about Nasi Tumpeng, especially on how people consume it, and what they think of it.

Research Objective:

1. To find out how the values and the principles of Nasi Tumpeng relate to people everyday

2. To help people appreciate and be more aware of Nasi Tumpeng

Research Questions:

1. How relevant is Nasi Tumpeng to Indonesian’s life?

2. What is the value behind Nasi tumpeng?

3. How the visual elements of Nasi Tumpeng reflect cultural identity?

Week 5 Data Compilation

Our finalised idea we chose based on our research and data collection is to design a fun and interesting Tumpeng Board game, where the players have to gather ingredients through cards to win the game.

Data Collection Slide:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VduupDm0UY5eaWDSoi74VGidtsXbnf_o/view?usp=sharing

Each of our group members contributed to the project, both me and Khansa analysed the interview and survey responses to collect our required data. Felice and Jovanna designed the cards, characters and the box. We, however, realise how much meaning a food holds at every parts of it. Such as the meaning to its colours and the side dishes. Because of this, we planned pass on this message through an exciting game where younger generations and others who are clueless on what Tumpeng really gets a better and more fun understanding to it while still holding to the values of Nasi Tumpeng, which is the Tumpeng Board Game.

TASK 3

Make contents based on the information you have gathered during data collection week, research from your topic. Make up to 5 content with 15-30 seconds each on your TikTok page. Create a presentation that includes rationale from task 1, summary of data collection during task 2, progress, and your final project/output. Include links to e-portfolio and TikTok account.

We decide to meet up to discuss and assign work for the TikTok videos, which is separated into 5 parts :

Introduction (Reema)
Fun Facts (Khansa editing) (Reema, Khansa, Felice, Jovanna, Raed contribute in content making)
Interview (Raed)
Products part 1 (Jovanna & Felice)
Products part 2 (Jovanna & Felice)

After we are done with TikTok content, we decided to make a PPT together online, consisting :

Introduction (Khansa)
Task 1 Rationale (Jovanna)
Summary of Research & Proposal (Reema)
Data Collection Summary (Khansa & Reema)
Final Project : Board Game (Jovanna)
Progress & Development (Felice & Jovanna)
Concept & Meaning (Felice)
Gameplay & Meaning (Jovanna)
Moodboard (Felice & Jovanna)
Final Output
Links of TikTok and E-Portfolio

Afterwards, we present via Zoom and then submit on Mr. Asrizal’s Team post.

FEEDBACK

Week 2: Feedback from Ms. Noranis about our eco-friendly banana leaves topic

She told us to explore more and develop more from the topic we choose at first which is banana leaves. It doesn't have to be specifically about banana leaves. Its more about the meaning and the value behind banana leaves as eco friendly object.

Week 3: Feedback from mr. Asrizal about our eco-friendly banana leaves topic

Mr Asrizal told us that what we did in the last week is kind of lost but its not wrong, but more like we didn't understand what we should do and research about. He mentioned that banana leaves is not biodegradable, so instead we should think of something else like other option besides banana leaves. It's not mainly about the object, more like people's habit. Instead, he suggest ask to study more about people's habit.

Week 5 : Feedback from mr. Asrizal about our nasi tumpeng topic

He want us to explain more about tumpeng's value and meaning behind it and if its possible we could make a product from it.

REFLECTIONS

Experience

Working this project as a group was a mix challenging, fun, and leaning. Sometimes, scheduling meetings was a little tricky and hard, but we manage to go through it with good communication. It also improved my social and communication skill, because in this project there's a lot of discussion to do with groupmate.

Observations

From this project, i noticed that design is everywhere. Sometimes good designs are just unnoticed because it just works. Simple things like kitchen tools and signs are designed to be easy to use, but people only realize their importance when they don't work well. I also saw that cultural and environmental factors influence the design choices. Sometimes accessibility is overlooked.

Findings

Sometimes, good design is just invisible. People don't really care and think about it when it's well designed, they will only notice it when it's hard to use.

The best design are the simple design - Straightforward and functional designs (not complicated)

Accessibility matters. Many designer forgot and don't consider about people with disabilities, but if they could make changes, it could make a huge differences.

Sustainability is growing. Many designers now use and focus on eco-friendly materials.

Search This Blog

Felice Lee (0381272)