Intercultural Design [Project 1: Proposal]

 02.05.2024 - 02.23.2024  / week 1 - week 3

Sheryne Axellia Putri / 0367267 / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Intercultural Design
 Project 1


TABLE OF CONTENTS


          LECTURES          

Week 1  02.05.2024 - Introduction

Culture & Design 

Figure 1.1 Week 1 (02/05/2024).

Visuals → Everything that can be seen → This definition is wide, all-inclusive including nature (nature is not culture), unless there’s meaning and representation attached to it.
             → Everything produced or created by humans that can be seen  proposes that the visual is everything that can be seen and which is produced or created by humans for the purpose of visual representations that have functions, content, and communicative purpose.

Figure 1.2 Week 1 (02/05/2024).


Design significance

By understanding the significance of the graphics in its cultural studies, philosophy, sociology, and origin history.


Figure 1.3 Week 1 (02/05/2024) Design significance.
Designers need to be aware of cultural nuances, symbolism, and context to create designs that are inclusive and resonate with diverse audiences.
Figure 1.4 Week 1 (02/05/2024).

Cultural sensitivity in design goes beyond aesthetics; it also encompasses functionality, usability, and the overall user experience.

Figure 1.5 Week 1 (02/05/2024).

Figure 1.6 Week 1 (02/05/2024).


Design Sensitivity Awareness

Symbolism and Imagery: Certain symbols and images may carry different meanings in different cultures. Designers should be mindful of potential cultural interpretations to avoid unintentional misunderstandings or offenses.

Color Considerations: Colors can have cultural significance, and their meanings may vary across different societies. Understanding the cultural associations of colors can help designers make appropriate choices.

Typography and Language: Choosing fonts and text styles that are culturally appropriate is important. Additionally, considering language variations and ensuring accurate translations is crucial for reaching diverse audiences.


Addressing Cultural Sensitivity

Inclusive Design: Designers should strive to create products and experiences that are accessible and inclusive for people from various cultural backgrounds, including those with different abilities and needs.

User Research: Conducting thorough user research, including ethnographic studies and user testing across diverse groups, helps designers gain insights into cultural preferences and behaviors.

Localization: Adapting designs to specific cultural contexts through localization can enhance the relevance and acceptance of a product or service.

Cultural Awareness Training: Design teams may benefit from cultural awareness training to develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and sensitivities.



Week 2  02.16.2024 - Research

Research → you can gather more data and process them into crucial information needed to kickstart your workflow. This information will then be used later to help visualise the projects, and of course, convey the messages properly. And ensuring your design is perceived in the correct tone.

Research process

1. Before writing the proposal

Secondary findings: Data collected through published and existing resources

  • Wikipedia, websites
  • Youtube documentaries
  • Design sources, inspirations

Primary findings:
Sketches of proposed artworks based on your research from Secondary findings
  • Sketches
  • Storyboards
  • Wireframe

2. After producing the proposal

Primary findings: Data collected by you and the team.

  • On-site observation
  • Interviews / Surveys

3. During the creation of artwork

Final design production of your artwork

  • Processes
  • Team contributions

Data collected through published and existing resources
  • How to instructions
  • Safety & regulations



          INSTRUCTIONS         


Figure 2.1 Week 2 (02/16/2024) Module Information Booklet.


Project 1: Proposal

A proposal to concretize ideas, supported by research, for a final design revolving around a theme reflecting students’ understanding and interpretation of global issues and design aesthetics. 

The general theme is “Cultural Sensitivity in Design” → study a cultural phenomenon or a particular subculture perceived as ‘sensitive’, and “frame” your study within the chosen theme. 
→ 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.

1.1 Progress 

1a.)    Research

When deciding our topic each member of the group was given time to think, because the theme is related to cultural sensitivity, we thought of something that is from the cultural heritage of Malaysia. We were interested in doing "Kebaya" or "Batik" as our main topic. 

Firstly I need to find out more about Kebaya and Batik.

The kebaya is a traditional long-sleeved blouse worn by women in Southeast Asia. The kebaya has a rich cultural history, from the 18th century. In Malaysia, the kebaya has become the symbol of Malay culture and has been worn for weddings, celebrations, and events.

Batik is a traditional Indonesian method of printing fabric with wax printing that has been practiced for years. It originated in the Island of Java and has since then spread to other parts of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. 

The Kebaya and Batik are important symbols of cultural heritage in Malaysia and offer different perspectives. We decided to go with the kebaya, because in exploring the cultural traditions and values of the local Malaysians, the Kebaya may be more appropriate to choose. The Kebaya is also regarded as a symbol of female identity in Malaysia. For Batik, it is a perfect choice if we want to explore the traditional textile and printing techniques of Southeast Asia.

Figure 2.2 Week 2 (02/16/2024) A woman wearing Nyonya Kebaya.

  • Preliminary Idea
Now that we have decided on our topic, we need to emphasize the "purpose" of why we choose this topic. There are several reasons why kebaya may no longer be commonly worn in Malaysia today. One of the reasons is that fashion and cultural trends changed over time, and the new generations may be more interested in fashion trends that are influenced by Western styles. 

I contributed to the idea that new generations could see the Kebaya as more than a fashion sense culturally. A way to appreciate the Kebaya as art is by appreciating the details of embroidery, observing the patterns and details of the blouse, and other elements of the Kebaya.


Mixed Media on Canvas

Figure 2.3 Week 3 (02/23/2024) Mimosa Echard's work #1.

What is "Mixed media?" 
→ it is a technique that combines different mediums, materials, and elements to create an artwork. It involves combining materials such as paint, pencil, ink, charcoal, paper, fabric, acrylics, and photos.

Figure 2.4 Week 3 (02/23/2024) Mimosa Echard's work #2.

Heavily inspired by Mimosa Echard's work, she is an artist from France. Her technique mostly involves creating a print on fabric by applying a layer of dye to a cloth. 

Figure 2.5 Week 3 (02/23/2024) Mimosa Echard's work from up-close.

Figure 2.6 Week 3 (02/23/2024) More information regarding the work.

Overall, Mimods Echard's work is an example of how mixed media can be used in contemporary art to create thought-provoking and interesting pieces that make a strong visual impact.


Other mixed media artists:


1b.)    Rationale

We want the idea that new generations could see the Kebaya as more than a fashion sense culturally. A way to appreciate the Kebaya as art is by appreciating the details of embroidery, observing the patterns and details of the blouse, and other elements of the Kebaya. What is "Mixed media?" it is a technique that combines different mediums, materials, and elements to create an artwork. It involves combining
materials such as paint, pencil, ink, charcoal, paper, fabric, acrylics, and photos.

Inspired by Mimosa Echard's work, she is a well-known French artist who made a great impression on the art world with her unique style and approach to various materials, which produce a sense of energy and something that is both aesthetically beautiful and visually striking. Her technique mostly involves creating a print on fabric by applying a layer of dye to a cloth.

We will mostly use Nyonya Kebaya fabric and combine it with different mediums. We want to be able to make artwork that is both visually appealing and entertaining, as well as culturally significant. Overall, Mimods Echard's work is an example of how mixed media can be used in contemporary art to create thought-provoking and interesting pieces that make a strong visual impact. The finished result will represent diversity in culture and art.

1c.)    Moodboard

Figure 2.7 Week 3 (02/23/2024) Moodboard.

1d.)    Sketches
Figure 2.8 Week 3 (02/23/2024) Sketches #1.
  • The size of the canvas will be either A4 or A3.
  • Could also add buttons/pieces from the embroidery of the kebaya on the painted part.
  • There are two compositions of how the finished product will look like.
*note: the color of the fabric doesn’t have to be like this, this is just how I visualized it.


Figure 2.9 Week 3 (02/23/2024) Embroided kebaya.

The embroidery part of kebaya is what we want to emphasize in the artwork, it has beautiful and delicate details with different themes and colors, and every embroidery has its own characteristics.

Figure 2.10 Week 3 (02/23/2024) Sketches #2.

*The second idea came to me when I realized that getting a fabric of kebaya could cost a lot, so if we don’t have enough fabrics, we could use and apply the fabric we could afford for this figure painting of a woman wearing a kebaya.

1.2 Proposal Presentation 


Figure 2.11 Week 3 (02/23/2024) Group 33 Presentation proposal.



1.3 Proposal Presentation Video 


Figure 2.12 Week 3 (02/23/2024) Group 33 presentation video,
 edited by Alya (Thank uuu!!)



          FEEDBACK         

Week 2
General feedback, there is no correct answer when determining whether the topic is correct or not, because we do not seek validation from the lecturer. 
Research is an ongoing progress, especially in design because it comes in many ways.

Week 3
Specific feedback,  Add info about the primary data we are going to collect and list down what are the info we plan to gather, also try to reach out to dedicated artisans for kebaya and interview them so we won't just visit the site blindly from an article. 



          REFLECTION         


Experience
At first, I was confused about what makes a topic culturally sensitive, after asking the lecturer, a topic can be culturally sensitive if it involves cultural traditions and beliefs that are specific to a particular group of people in a specific community or culture. 

Observations
Cultural sensitivity requires understanding and respect for the cultural background o history of the people involved. Cultural sensitivity also requires an awareness of what might be considered inappropriate or offensive. This is why it's important for each member to fully understand and be considerate of the cultural history before making the final product.

Findings
There are many sources on the internet we can gather about a certain topic, but each source from the internet could be wrong and it's difficult for me to combine the information to the presentation sheet with different views. I found it easier to conclude and summarize the correct information through articles that have been studied by researchers, and articles that directly asked the expert regarding the topic.


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