Intercultural Design - Process Portfolio

5/2/2024 - 29/3/2024 / Week 1 - Week 7
Cindy Clarissa Leslie / 0367677
Intercultural Design / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Intercultural Design Process Portfolio


LECTURES
Week 1 & 2:

During the first two lectures, we were introduced to our theme which was: "Cultural Sensitivity in Design". Before creating our own topic in relation to Japan, we had pointers to guide us on how to create a good topic that goes along with culture.

Research both culture and designs of chosen country
  • to ensure that there is connection between culture and the design chosen
  • understand how culture is being represented in these designs
  • avoid elements that could be considered as offensive in their culture
Utilizing different approaches in researching for design
  • Primary findings
    • sketches, storyboards etc derived from researches
    • data obtained first-hand such as interviews
  • Secondary findings
    • data collection from existing resources
First-hand observations for data-collection
  • help final design production and the execution of the project
  • serves as an important process in the creation overall


INSTRUCTIONS


This module provides students with the opportunity to understand the role of design and the designer in a wider cultural, political and social context. It aims to introduce students to local and/or global design and design issues through engagement with outside agencies, groups or cultures, which may present opportunities for collaboration.


Research

Working as a group of 6, since we were all joining the Japan trip our topic would be revolving around Japan. Before starting our data collection, we researched on 3 ideas that we could use as the topic and chose the best one out of the choices with the help of our supervisors. 

The 3 ideas we came up for cultural sensitive designs were: Noh Masks, Geisha Kimonos and Tako Kites.


Noh masks






Geisha Kimonos




Tako Kites





Final Proposal Pdf




Final Proposal Video


After discussing with the supervisors, the idea that we went with as our topic was Noh Masks. After this proposal we went on to our Japan trip for the data collection process.


Data Collection

Through our trip to Japan, we have collected data throughout many locations in Osaka and Kyoto, Including: observational data, qualitative data (interview), and surveys. We further enriched our knowledge by experiencing Japanese culture first-hand. We got to physically see how Noh masks are abundantly found throughout Japan in traditionally-rich areas, such as Gion district in Kyoto, and we managed to perform an interview with a collector of antique artifacts.

Through our survey, we aim to spread knowledge about Noh theatre and Noh masks, and preserve the traditional culture in the contemporary world. We conducted this survey to gauge people’s knowledge about Noh theater and Noh masks, which are important parts of Japanese culture. We want to understand why they're meaningful today. The results will help us appreciate Japanese culture better and make sure these traditions are kept alive for future generations.




Final Project Deck - Instagram Filter

After collecting our data, we proceed with making the final product based on our topic, which we decided on making a public AR filter than anyone can use. We proceeded to make 6 digital masks, which consisted of Kishin, Okina, Otoko, Jo, Onryo and Onna.




Final Project Rationale

Noh masks are culturally sensitive artifacts that embody Japan's rich artistic traditions, and spiritual beliefs. The Japanese went through hardships to maintain their heritage and traditions in modern times, but their spirit persisted, thus lasting till today. This project is to raise awareness about Japan’s rich cultural aspects in what seems like today’s globalized world and to help preserve it. 

In our project, we created an AR face filter of Noh masks that can be used on Instagram. Using the filter, we can raise awareness about our topic in modern society, where it can also be incorporated and assimilated into the contemporary world. We transformed the traditional wooden mask into a digital AR mask filter that can be accessed freely, globally, and entertainingly!


REFLECTION

For this module, there are many different things that I have learned ranging from skills such as research to collaboration. There are several things that I have enjoyed throughout the process, not only from the trip itself where I have made friends, my groupmates had also been very cooperative which contributed greatly to the completion of this project. We were able to share ideas and provide opinions which helped improve and make sure that the end product of our product is in high quality. I have also learned about the importance of doing extensive research before starting a design, during the process I found how these designs are able to withhold important values in these cultures and how traditions should be preserved in the modern world.

However, there are also some unenjoyable parts, I feel that during the trip, we didn't make much preparations that should have been done which led to us wasting a day we could've used for data gathering. There are also times where our opinions would clash with each other, which eventually held back the process for a bit, however these experiences have served us valuable lessons, where we learned to communicate with each other better and improved our problem solving skills.

I have definitely learned important skills that I can continue using in the future, especially for collaboration which played a big part in this module. I can see myself working in groups for projects like this and this groupwork had given me an experience to be in one before getting into bigger projects. I have learned to communicate and adapt myself with collaborating with unfamiliar people which can help me especially in a workplace. I will also start doing extensive research before starting any projects not only to improve my designs, but to also refrain from attracting negative impressions for my final product (in this case, what I learned from the lecture, to be informed of a certain culture to prevent from offending the people that are involved in it).

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