Intercultural Design - Final Compilation & Reflection
Ting Wen Yi / 0361799
Intercultural Design/Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Final Compilation & Reflection
INSTRUCTIONS
PROJECT 1 : PROPOSAL
In this project, we are focusing on creating a design with the theme of "Cultural Sensitivity in Design." It includes studying a cultural phenomenon or subculture perceived as sensitive and framing the study within the chosen theme. Mr. Mohamad Asrizal mentioned that whoever is going to Japan should choose Japan as the cultural topic.
Week 1 - Doing Own Research on Topics
During the first week, I conducted research on three different topics on my own:
- Wabi-Sabi in Japan
- Kimono Patterns and Symbols
- Furoshiki (Art of Wrapping)
Our group is formed similarly to the TeamLab members.
| Figure 1.1 Researching on Topics - Week 1 (10/2/2024) |
Week 2 - Group Discussion + Topic Selections
During Week 2, I proposed my idea to my groupmates, and they decided to conduct more research on different topics. However, they chose to include my research on wabi-sabi and kimono in the slides.
| Figure 1.2.1 Researching on Topics - Week 2 (19/2/2024) |
They added dining culture in Japan to fulfill our brief of having three different topics.
| Figure 1.2.2 Dining culture in Japan - Week 2 (19/2/2024) |
Week 3 - Finalize our Proposal and Presentation
| Figure 1.3 Final Proposal - Week 3 (22/2/2024) |
After consulting with Miss Anis, she advised that we could combine both wabi-sabi and kimono to produce our final outcome. Therefore, we planned to conduct data collection in Osaka to study and research both kimono and wabi-sabi.
PROJECT 2 : DATA COLLECTION
Week 4 - Data Collection in Japan
In this week, our group traveled to Japan, Osaka and Kyoto to conduct our data collection. Our group leader had planned visits to several places:
- Kyoto Kintsugi Hakkindo
- POJ Studio
- The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
1. Kyoto Kintsugi Hakkindo
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| Figure 2.1.1 Kyoto Kintsugi Hakkindo - Week 4 (27/2/2024) |
We visited Kyoto Kintsugi Hakkindo, which is a repair workshop specializing in repairing vessels that have been broken or cracked. Unfortunately, the owner was busy on that day and could not accommodate our visit on short notice.
2. POJ Studio
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| Figure 2.1.2 POJ Studio Exterior - Week 4 (27/2/2024) |
During our visit to POJ Studio, we observed that the exterior and surroundings of the store had a very minimal and wabi-sabi-like design.
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| Figure 2.1.3 POJ Studio - Week 4 (27/2/2024) |
Upon entering the space, we noticed that the brick walls were imperfect, showing signs of wear and tear with various colors. Linen and cotton fabrics were hung or exhibited alongside the walkway. The furniture and space were decorated in earth-tone colors. We also observed numerous ceramic plates and dinnerware that had been repaired with kintsugi placed the shelves. There were many broken pieces of ceramics kept in a cabinet awaiting repair. We took the opportunity to ask the people in charge some interview questions.
3. The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
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| Figure 2.1.4 The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living - Week 4 (28/2/2024) |
This itinerary was planned by the school, but we found that there were several kimonos and kintsugi elements at the locations we visited. We took advantage of the chance to closely examine the intricate designs, patterns, and craftsmanship of these traditional garments. We paid close attention to the kintsugi elements in different artifacts and vessels at the museum. We noticed how they were carefully repaired and restored, showing the philosophy of embracing imperfections. Our museum visit gave us valuable ideas and inspiration for our project. We took detailed photos and notes to document our findings.
Week 5 - Compiling Data Collection + Final Sketch
| Figure 2.2.1 Observation Study - Week 5 (5/3/2024) |
| Figure 2.2.2 Findings - Week 5 (5/3/2024) |
After studying in Japan, we recalled the findings we gathered during data collection. We compiled them into an Excel document before placing them into our slides.
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The team leader asked me to draw sakura petals with some branches (symbolizing kinsugi) so that they could be placed on fabric to represent wabi-sabi and kimono together. I tried to draw some
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| Figure 2.2.4 Sakura with Kinsugi 2 - Week 5 (7/3/2024) |
I also tried placing the sakura drawing on fabric to see whether the color scheme is visible on earth-tone fabric.
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| Figure 2.2.5 Sakura with Kinsugi 3 - Week 5 (7/3/2024) |
However, my group leader suggested that I could reduce the number of sakura flowers to make the imperfections more obvious.
Figure 2.2.6 Timelapse of Drawing Sakura & Kinsugi - Week 5 (7/3/2024)
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| Figure 2.2.7 Clothing Sketches - Week 5 (9/3/2024) |
Isabel had drawn several clothing designs to represent imperfections, such as faded colors and frayed edges. The planned materials to use were cotton, wool, linen, etc. These clothing items are handmade with hand-dyed fabrics and hand stitches.
| Figure 2.3 Final Data Collection - Week 5 (8/3/2024) |
PROJECT 3 : FINAL PROTOTYPE
Week 6 - Prototype Development
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| Figure 3.1.1 Clothing Sketches - Week 6 (13/3/2024) |
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| Figure 3.1.2 Book Sketches - Week 6 (13/3/2024) |
We had meetings regarding our final prototype, during which we discussed creating a book with holes so that the book cover resembles a vase. On the second page, we planned to feature the cloth design. This way, the vase design would be represented by the fabric of the clothes, with the cover page masked out to reveal the vase shape.
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| Figure 3.1.3 Attempt 2 - Week 6 (13/3/2024) |
Afterward, we decided to add one more translucent page featuring the kintsugi lines. Miss Maria suggested that we keep the design simple.
Figure 3.1.4 Prototype Progression - Week 6 (13/3/2024)
Figure 3.1.5 Prototype Progression 2 - Week 6 (15/3/2024)
Week 7 - Prototype Finalizing
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| Figure 3.2.1 Branches Drawing - Week 7 (18/3/2024) |
To complete our final prototype, the team leader assigned me to draw out the branches of the vase. I used Procreate and utilized my drawing abilities to make it more realistic. I employed different brush textures to give the branches depth and dimension.
Figure 3.2.2 Timelapse of Branches Drawing - Week 7 (18/3/2024)
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| Figure 3.2.3 Prototype Progress - Week 7 (22/3/2024) |
After consulting with Miss Maria, she mentioned that the dress looked flat. She suggested that we could add patterns of kimono to enhance it. Therefore, the leader asked me to draw sakura petals to add into the design. He said that he will try to add in creases and shadows first. If it still appears flat, then he will add in the sakura petals.
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| Figure 3.2.4 Sakura Drawing - Week 7 (22/3/2024) |
I drew a sakura flower using illustration because my plan was to make it look like embroidery so that it blends into the dress seamlessly. I used the pen tool for a simple drawing, then applied Effect>Stylize>Scribble to achieve an embroidery effect.
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| Figure 3.2.4 Sakura Drawing Exported - Week 7 (22/3/2024) |
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| Figure 3.2.5 Adding Shadows & Glow - Week 7 (22/3/2024) |
After that, I added some shadow effects in Photoshop to blend well with the fabric.
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| Figure 3.2.6 Emboss Effect - Week 7 (23/3/2024) |
After showing the sakura to my group leader, he requested that I remove the gradient from the petals, as it would be difficult to emboss them. Although I didn't fully understand his reasoning, as I had already added shadows and some glow to create an embossing effect.
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| Figure 3.2.7 Sakura Version 2 - Week 7 (23/3/2024) |
I repeated the steps from my first attempt to create a version of the sakura flower without gradients.
Week 8 - Amendments & Wrapping Up
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| Figure 3.3.1 Initial Fabric Texture - Week 8 (25/3/2024) |
My other teammates asked me to create creases and shadow effects on the fabric to give it a more realistic look.
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| Figure 3.3.2 Added Creases - Week 8 (25/3/2024) |
I attempted to add the creases with glow and shadows in Photoshop, but it didn't produce the ideal outcome he wanted. So I moved on to do the final project presentation slides.
Final Outcome > Click Here!
Submission Link > Click Here!
Figure 3.4.1 Final Book Design - Week 8 (30/3/2024)
Figure 3.4.2 Final Presentation Slides - Week 8 (30/3/2024)
FEEDBACK
Week 3
I suggest you combine kimono with wabi-sabi.
Week 5
- Wabisabi inspired photoshoot
- Focus on texture (if continue with our sketches)
- explain sakura idea into visual
- maybe can make a cover page of a book
- our idea now too predictable, make it unique and meaningful
Week 6
- the initial idea is to have wabi sabi, it should be simple
- if doing physical, get the right material, for the person that received the book, to have an understanding about the wabi sabi
- don't direct interpretation of wabi sabi, sakura can be leave as branches, have a cohesive outcome
- physical can directly interpret the texture
- important is the way to present, doesn't mean need to have a physical outcome
Week 7
- Can consider to add in texture from prints that reassemble Japanese pattern sakura
- Can extract patterns from kimono, and apply to illustration
- Remember that the presentation is to focus on the final outcome and how we present, also remember to relate culture sensitivity to what we are doing
REFLECTION
Experience
Throughout this semester, I have appreciated this module, especially as it allowed me to participate in the study trip to Japan. I valued the opportunity to study cultural sensitivity in Japan, going beyond kimono and wabi-sabi. I thoroughly enjoyed the food in Japan and made sure to follow their table manners after conducting prior research. Combining wabi-sabi and kimono was a new experience for me, and being part of a group project meant navigating through different opinions. As a team member, I honestly didn't feel like I gave my full potential because my teammates had different ideas. I ended up following what my leader asked me to do. Although I don't think our final outcome was the best it could be, I appreciate that I was able to contribute to part of the project.
Observation
I observed that Japanese people are very particular about their culture, paying close attention to traditions, customs, and etiquette. They take great pride in preserving their cultural heritage and ensuring that it is respected and upheld in various aspects of daily life. This attention to detail and reverence for tradition is evident in everything from the way they dress and interact to their food, art, and architecture. Aside from the places we visited for data collection, I noticed that kintsugi and kimono were present in many other places as well. Especially kintsugi, I could see that it has been adapted into their everyday life. It's inspiring to see how deeply rooted these cultural elements are in Japanese society and how they are integrated into modern-day living.
Findings
Throughout this project, I discovered that explaining the concept and rationale behind our work was often more convincing than the artwork itself. While the audience might not fully understand our intentions based solely on the outcome, providing a clear explanation and rationale helped to bridge that gap. I also found that many foreigners, like myself, didn't know much about Japan's cultural sensitivity. For example, tourists often wear kimonos for photo opportunities without understanding the meanings behind the kimono patterns or the occasions when Japanese people typically wear them. I found that this project taught me about Japanese culture and aesthetics. While many perfectionists are focused on achieving flawlessness, wabi-sabi teaches us to appreciate imperfection and value every piece that has been made. It taught me to practice the concept of wabi-sabi and to appreciate the imperfections in our surroundings.
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