Intercultural Design - Final Compilation


06/02/2024 - 19/03/2024 (Week 01 - Week 07)
Wong Khye Qing / 0361000
Intercultural Design/ Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Final Compilation

 
Instructions


Fig A  Intercultural Design MIB, PDF


Project 1: Proposal

Before we pick up the pace...

Here is the highlight on the progress and items that would needed to be made as well as the choice of data collection methods that could be made to support the ideation and the decision made in the proposal: 
  • Topic research 
  • Proposal preparation and presentation
    • At least 3 ideas with sketches
  • Data collection 
    • Primary Findings
      • Observation Study 
      • Interview 
    • Secondary Findings 
      • Online research material
  • Design output and creation
    • Final design 
  • Project Presentation 

1.0 Research for topics 
 

Fig 1.0  Group Topic Ideation, PDF


Fig 1.1  Dining Culture Ideation, PDF

The above attachments (Fig 1.0 & 1.1) are the group ideation that we have initially based on our research, which featured some ideas with sketches in it. We then discussed on the 3 topics that we would like to propose for our project before going further into preparing the proposal and data collection. 

Wabi Sabi Tea Ceremony, motion graphics

I have thought of having this idea, which is a mixture of Wabi Sabi and the Japanese Tea Ceremony, since the ceremony of it is quite interesting and not much people know of the proper way  of drinking tea in Japan. The linkage of the Wabi Sabi could also be linked as it is a style that acknowledges the imperfection of nature and appreciate it. There were some tea drinking utensils that have traces of Wabi Sabi such as the Kintsugi tea bowl and the usage of natural clay. I was thinking of having this idea to be presented in motion graphics to show people of the proper way and the utensils for the Japanese Tea Ceremony. 


2.0 Proposal Preparation 

Fig 2.0  Proposal Presentation Slide


Fig 2.1  Proposal Presentation Recording, MP4


After a few group discussions, we have compelled the research ideas that we have for our project. We have only chosen three ideas for our Proposal which are, Kimono, Wabi Sabi and Food culture. The research materials of the topics were compiled into a slide for our presentation. We have also recorded a 10 minutes presentation video (Fig 2.1) above to propose our ideas for topic selection. 


Project 2: Field Study

3.0 Data collection 


Fig 3.1  Data Spreadsheet


Fig 3.2  More Ideation after Data collection



Fig 3.3  Group Photo in Osaka and Kyoto, Japan

On week 4, we have started our data collection by going to Osaka and Kyoto, Japan. The primary findings for our data collection we have used were the observation study method and also interview session. Then, online research material have been used for our secondary findings to support our primary findings. 

The places that we have visited were also listed in a spreadsheet (Fig 3.1) with the venue details and captured images. We have the chance to visit and explore Japan to understand their interesting cultures. We have also went to The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living which also enable us to learn more about the housing architecture design for our Wabi Sabi as well as able to look more references on Kimono. 

We have also went to POJ Studio in Kyoto, which is a workshop that makes and houses some Wabi Sabi items that has been a great reference and inspiration for our project. We have taken a few pictures of the interior which featured some plates and pots that have worn off and repaired. Besides that, I have also tried to interviewed a worker there to understand more about her thoughts on Kintsugi and Wabi Sabi. 

Fig 3.4  Data Collection Slides

Upon coming back from Japan, we have compiled the data we have collected into a slide (Fig 3.3 ) to have an overview of what we have accomplish in Japan. The data collected served as a good guideline and inspiration for us to have context on what we are doing and our next step for the project. 


Fig 3.5  Final Idea Slides, proposing ideas

We have also tried to finalize our idea into a slide (Fig 3.4) and present to our mentor, Ms Maria, about creating a digital modern Kimono dress with some embossed Kimono patterns. Ms Maria have provided us with some feedbacks about more possible outcomes and also suggested to create a book cover. 



Project 3: Final Project

4.0 Design output and creation

Fig 4.0  Prototype Progression 1, the process
Fig 4.1 Prototype Progression 2, the process

After discussion with the group, we have decided to create a book cover that features Wabi Sabi elements on dress and the overall cover design, as well some Kintsugi element. In this week, we have tried to create a digital prototype of the book cover and have a consultation session with Ms Maria. 


Fig 4.2  Initial progress of the Flower Pot and Branches Idea, Adobe Photoshop

A shape cutoff was used at first by masking the layer and show the fabric beneath it. At first, we tried using the shape cutoff as the Flower Pot at the book cover, but it didn't seem right at first. Then, we have moved on by using the sketched branches at the cover with a new added background. 


Fig 4.3  Adding Sandpaper matte texture, Adobe Photoshop


Fig 4.4  Drawing of Kintsugi Lines using Brush, Adobe Photoshop

Kintsugi lines were drawn using brush in Photoshop to incorporate a layer before the next page. Sandpaper matte texture (Fig 4.3) was added under the lines to preview on the fabric beneath and also to show the rough blurry silhouette of the dress behind it. Then, the Kintsugi Lines were refined (Fig 4.4) with some additional thinner crack lines to further make the lines more random and real. 


Fig 4.5  Integration of Emboss with Texture, Adobe Photoshop

Finally, we have also tried different ways to showcase the levels of the texture, but after a few attempts we have finally stick to using the Emboss and texture effect, minor hand-drawn shadows were also added to make the texture more believable and real. 




Final Project Presentation

Fig 4.6  Final Project Presentation Slide


Fig 4.7  Final Project Presentation Recording, MP4


Fig 4.8  Wabi no Mujou Book Cover, FlipHTML5


Fig 4.9  Book Cover Mockups

Feedbacks

Week 3
Ms Anis have suggested us to have our research title related to Kimono and Wabi Sabi

Week 5
  • The design can be from Wabi sabi inspired photoshoot
  • Focus on presenting the fabric texture, if you guys are continuing with your current sketches
  • Try explaining the sakura idea visually
  • I would suggest you guys to make a cover page of a book 
  • The idea and concept are predictable, try making it  unique and meaningful
Week 6
  • If the initial idea is to have wabi sabi, it should be simple 
  • If you guys are making the output physically, get the right material for the fabrics. ‌It should be made in a way that it is for a person that received the book, so that they can have an easier understanding about wabi sabi
  • Don't make a direct interpretation of wabi sabi, the sakura flowers can be left as branches, to have a cohesive outcome 
  • A physical book cover can have a direct interpret the texture
  • It doesn't really compulsory that you guys to create a physical outcome, as it is important on how you present during presentation
Week 7
  • Can consider to add in texture for prints that reassemble Japanese pattern sakura
  • Try extracting 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 you guys are doing


Final Reflection

This is an interesting course that allows us to visit Japan for our data collection. I get to experience a different kind of learning method by really going to another country to collect data for the assignment. It also acted as a good ice breaking to get to know the entire group by interacting with each other day by day in Japan. We got to arrange on some of the places we would like to go after visit to some arranged venues by our lecturers. I also observed that the group's teamwork in collecting the data in various places which is quite nice, we then able to get what we wanted from the trip. One of the fun parts of the course is that we were able to create a final output that was done in a group. I get to have a hands on opportunity to edit on photoshop to create the book cover while sharpening my photoshop skills. The output of the book cover was satisfying as it has went through certain amount of amendments and refinements to be completed. Lastly, I would like to thank our mentor, Mr Maria, for her honest feedbacks and suggestions, she is supportive of our ideas and has given us encouragements to explore further and not limit ourselves. I would also like to thank my teammates for working closely with me and being supportive along the way.