Intercultural Design Task 1

5/2/2024-23/2/2024 (Week 1- Week 3) 

Jie Xuan/ 0356515

Intercultural Design / Bachelor of Creative Media/Taylor's University

Task 1- Proposal

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures

2. Module Information

3. Instructions

4. Proposal

5. Presentation Video

6. Feedbacks

7. Reflection

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Lectures

Lecture 1: Culture & Design

Visual are essential:

• Everything that can be seen in wide, all-inclusive including nature
• Produced or created by human for the purpose of visual representatives

Design Significance (Design System): 

• Artifacts and Products

1. Implementation - Use
2. Tools and Technology

• Norms and Value

1. Design language- Aesthetic
2. Look and Feel
3. Design Elements
4. Design Functions

• Basic Assumptions

1. Cultural Functions
2. Value
3. Principles
4. Practices

Design Sensitivity

Cultural Sensitivity Awareness:

• Symbolism and Imagery

1. symbols and images carry different meanings and be mindful of potential cultural interpretations to avoid unintentional misunderstandings or offence

• Color Considerations

1. colors can have cultural significance, and their meanings may vary across different societies

• Typography and Language

1. considering language variations and ensuring accurate translations is crucial for reaching diverse audiences

Addressing Cultural Sensitivity

• Inclusive Design

1. products and experiences that are accessible and inclusive including those with different abilities and needs

• User Research

1. conduct ethnographic studies and user testing across diverse groups, helps designers gain insights into cultural preferences and behaviors

• Localization

1. adapting designs through localization can enhance the relevance and acceptance

• Cultural Awareness Training

1. to develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspective and sensitivities

Lecturer 2: 

Designers have to be more vigilant with artworks and takes more skills, intuition and creativity and most importantly research. As future designers, must embrace the habit of research as part of work process.

Research - unite theory and practices to establish project rationale

• Before writing proposal 

1. secondary findings (Wikipedia, websites, etc)
2. primary findings (Sketches, storyboards and wireframe)

• After producing the proposal

1. primary findings (Interviews and survey)

• During creation of artwork

1. Final design production (Processes & Team Contributors)
2. Data collected through published and existing resource (Safety and Regulations) 

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Module Information

Submission Requirement:

• 200 words of definitions and interpretation theme in relations to chosen cultural elements
• A minimum of 3 preliminary ideas in detailed sketches, each with individual rationale
• Visual references
• Reference list
• Picture credits

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Instructions

- The general theme is “Cultural Sensitivity in Design”

- You are to study a cultural phenomenon, or a particular subculture that is perceived as ‘sensitive’, and “frame” your study within the chosen theme.

- You are to convey this cultural aspect without altering the actual facts but within a presentable interpretation and adaptation that raises awareness from the viewers.

- Produce some preliminary ideas on how to visually express your interpretation using design language. Each idea is to be supported by a short rationale. Conduct visual research to help expand your idea generation.

Proposal

Week 2- Personal Finding

I have do some research on Japan design cultural sensitivity. I found a topic about Designing Packaging for a Japanese Tea Brand. Imagine a company that specializes in selling traditional Japanese teas worldwide. When designing packaging for their products, they want to ensure cultural sensitivity to Japanese traditions and aesthetics. Here's how they might approach it: The packaging design might incorporate elements of traditional Japanese art such as Ukiyo-e woodblock prints or Sumi-e ink paintings. These art forms are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and are appreciated both domestically and internationally. Japanese design is often characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and attention to detail. The packaging could feature clean lines, uncluttered layouts, and subtle use of color to reflect this aesthetic. The design could incorporate symbolic elements from Japanese culture, such as cherry blossoms (sakura), bamboo, or the Japanese kanji characters for "tea" (茶). These symbols not only evoke a sense of Japanese tradition but also convey the essence of the product. The packaging design might pay homage to the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) – a highly ritualized and culturally significant practice. This could involve using imagery or patterns inspired by tea ceremony utensils, like tea bowls (chawan) or bamboo tea whisks (chasen). Japanese culture places great emphasis on craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials. The packaging could be made from premium materials such as washi paper, bamboo, or ceramic, reflecting Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail. The design team may undergo cultural sensitivity training or collaborate with Japanese cultural experts to ensure that the packaging design accurately represents Japanese culture and avoids unintentional cultural appropriation or misrepresentation.

Week 3-Group Discussion

At the beginning of the week, we were grouped into teams comprising design students from various semesters. Our task was to undertake research focusing on "Cultural Sensitivity in Design with a Focus on Japanese Culture." We identified several culturally sensitive topics to explore, including the Kimono, Wedding Customs, Packaging, Ghost and Supernatural Belief, Lantern Motifs, and Kawaii culture.

First Discussion:

Document version Proposal:

After presenting our ideas, we collectively agreed that the themes of packaging and ghost cultures were of mutual interest to all of us. Subsequently, we assigned tasks, completed the proposal, and presented it to our lecturer. Upon review, she advised us to integrate both themes into our project.

Final Proposal:

This proposal outlines our research idea focusing on the ghost culture of Japan, incorporating input from all team members. Additionally, we have developed three potential outcome products, accompanied by 3 sketches which are Yokai bookmarks, fox face mask and One's Popsicles.

Presentation Video

Feedbacks

Lecturer Feedback

After Miss Anis see our proposal this is her feedback:

Reflection

Observation:

Even though each of us had a different point of view on exploring Osaka and Yokai Folklore, we effectively assigned tasks through clear communication and tolerance. Throughout our visit, we noticed how folklore, history, and societal norms intertwine to form Japanese beliefs about the supernatural. This emphasized the diverse influences that shape the intriguing realm of Japanese ghost cultures.

Findings:

Studying Japanese ghost cultures helped us see how tradition, imagination, and shared memories shape cultural identities. It showed us how different influences shape the Japanese way of thinking and why beliefs in ghosts are important for understanding Japanese culture.

Experience: 

At first, we shared many topics and had discussions. For example, Japanese Candlelight, Kawaii Culture, Japanese Wedding, Japanese Packaging, and Japanese Ghosts. After talking with my groupmates, we all agreed to shift our focus to studying Japanese ghost cultures. We were intrigued by the supernatural beliefs and folklore deeply rooted in Japanese society. Transitioning from researching Japanese weddings to exploring Japanese ghost cultures has been exciting, especially because it's a new subject for me. I've been fascinated by the rich and intricate stories in Japanese folklore about ghosts and spirits.

Task 2