Intercultural design

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05/02/2024 - 22/03/2024 / Week 1 - Week 7

Amelia Intan Cahyani/ 0355211

Intercultural Design/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

Project 1 - Project 3 / Proposal, Data Collection and Final Outcome

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Lectures

01 | Culture & Design

Designers must exercise heightened diligence in their artistic endeavors. Research serves as the foundational process:

• It encompasses gathering extensive data and identifying crucial information.
• Research aids in translating sketches into tangible projects and effectively communicating the intended message.
• It facilitates the recognition of the social, cultural, and political contexts in which design elements operate.
• Understanding the significance of graphics extends to cultural studies, philosophy, sociology, and the historical origins of design.  

For instance, consider Sailor tattoos:

• These tattoos are distinguished by their interpretation and artistic style.
• They serve multiple purposes, including as protective talismans within sailors' superstitions, records of significant experiences, markers of identity, and modes of self-expression.
• Elements like anchors and ropes are utilized to convey specific messages.

Similarly, Japanese tattoos:

• These tattoos signify societal status and spiritual symbols.
• They function as charms for protection and symbols of devotion, reflecting deeply ingrained cultural beliefs.

Design Sensitivity

• Symbolism and Imagery: Various symbols and images can hold divergent meanings within distinct cultures. Designers need to be attentive to potential cultural interpretations to prevent misinterpretations.
• Color Considerations: Colors possess cultural significance, with meanings that can fluctuate across various societies. Familiarity with the cultural connotations of colors empowers designers to make judicious selections.
• Typography and Language: The selection of fonts and text styles should align with cultural norms. Moreover, considering language variations and ensuring accurate translations is essential for effectively reaching diverse audiences.
• Inclusive Design: Designers should aim to develop products and experiences that are accessible and inclusive, catering to individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
• User Research: Engaging in comprehensive user research, which encompasses ethnographic studies and user testing across a spectrum of cultural groups, enables designers to glean insights into cultural preferences and behaviors.
• Localization: Adapting designs to specific cultural contexts through localization efforts can heighten the relevance and acceptance of a product or service within different cultural settings.
• Cultural Awareness Training: Design teams can benefit from cultural awareness training, which fosters a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and sensitivities, thereby enriching the design process.

02 | Culture, Design & Research

Research Process:

1. Preparing the Proposal

• Secondary Research: Compilation of data obtained from published websites and existing resources such as Wikipedia, YouTube documentaries, design sources, and sources of inspiration.
• Primary Research: Generation of sketches depicting proposed artworks derived from research findings, including sketches, storyboards, and wireframes.

2. Post-Proposal Production

• Primary Research: Acquisition of data conducted by you and your team through on-site observations, interviews, and surveys.

3. Artwork Creation Phase

• Final design production of artwork, outlining the processes involved and team contributions.
• Data collection from published and existing resources, encompassing instructions, safety guidelines, and regulations pertinent to the project.

Instructions

TASK

Theme: "Cultural Sensitivity in Design"

Culture: Japan

1. Come up with 3 ideas with rationale, detailed sketches, and visual references
2. Collect data for selected topic and idea
3. Produce 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'.

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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.

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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 easier to gather data for our initial topic. We agreed and proceeded with our data collection. 

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. 

The research method we used was through in-person visits of shrines as well as online research to make up for what data we were lacking from physical observations. We also decided to purchase a couple of actual omamoris from the shrines we visited.

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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.

Project 3 - Design

Design Process

Final Project

1. Sketches

Our sketch draft for our design is inspired the pattern design of the omamori charms. We have decided to design a stationery set and targets for 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.

We started by gathering inspiration from various sources, including traditional omamori designs, Japanese art, and stationary trends.

Brainstorming: Next, we brainstormed ideas for our design mockups. We discussed the concepts, themes, and motifs that we want to incorporate into the stationery, such as cherry blossoms, lucky charms, and Japanese calligraphy. Not only that, we also consider the functionality and practicality of the stationery items, ensuring they are both aesthetically pleasing and useful.

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Sketching: Then, we begin sketching rough concepts for the design mockups. We explore 
different layouts, compositions, and color schemes, experimenting with various
combinations to find the most visually appealing and cohesive designs.

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Mockup Progression: Two of our group members designed the mockups through Adobe Illustrator as well as Adobe Photoshop. During this stage, it was difficult to find free and aesthetically pleasing mockup files for the pencil, eraser and notepad so we had to remove or create substitutes for them.

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Finalized mockups 

fig 11 Stationaries Mockup Design

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 us to 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).

Reflection

Given that the semester was short, I would say that this module was quite challenging for the little time it took to complete, but my group succeeded to do so. Japan highlighted to be a beneficial and enjoyable trip, providing us with directly cultural experiences . All in all, this module has been enjoyable for me.