Intercultural Design (GCD61304)

on

3/2/2025 - 23/2/2025 / ( Week 1 - Week 3)

Aricia Man Yi Xuan / 0375026

Intercultural Design / GCD61304 / Group 1

Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

Final Compilation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures

2. Instructions

3. Task

4. Feedback

5. Reflection

LECTURES

- WEEK 1 (7/2/2025) -

Today is our first lecture of this module. Ms. Noranis has a lecture on the topic "Culture & Design". She explained about the inseparable relationship between cultural context and design. She mentioned that visuals serve as a powerful tool for communication, shaping our understanding of the world, yet we often overlook how they are presented.

Visuals are everything that can be seen; everything produced or created by humans that can be seen.

Fig.1.1.1 Design System

Ms. Noranis introduced the Design System framework, breaking down design elements into: 
  • Artifacts and Products / Implementations / Use / (tools, technology)
  • Norms and Values / Design language / Aesthetics / (look & feel, design elements, design functions)
  • Basic Assumptions / Cultural functions / Purpose / (values, principles, practices).
Additionally, cultural sensitivity in design encompasses functionality, usability, and user experience. 

Designers must be mindful and aware of:
1. Symbolism and Imagery
2. Colour Considerations
3. Typography and Language

How to address cultural sensitivity?
1. Inclusive Design - create products for people from various cultural backgrounds
2. User Research - ethnographic studies and user testing across diverse groups
3. Localization - enhance acceptance of a product
4. Cultural Awareness Training - develop a deeper understanding

INSTRUCTIONS

Fig.2.1 Module Information Booklet

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PROJECT 1: PROPOSAL

- WEEK 1 (7/2/2025) -

Forming 
To-do list:
  • We form a group of 6 people from different semesters.
  • Assigned a proposal with a general theme "Everyday Design".
My group members (Group 1):
  • Kiew Ting Yi (Nicole) - group leader
  • Angel Hung Shi Jie
  • Aricia Man Yi Xuan (Me)
  • Alicia Low Ker Chia
  • Siew Yu Hong
  • Koh Xin Yee
After forming our group, we created a WhatsApp group and decided on Kiew Ting Yi as the group leader. We also scheduled a short discussion next Friday after class to go over our proposal.

- WEEK 2 (14/2/2025) -

Discussion Process

After our lecture finished, we gathered at the front of the hall and had a discussion about our "everyday design" proposal. Our initial idea was to think of one item from each person; the list included a comb, toothbrush, mug, food container, slipper, and bag — similar to a "survival kit list." However, after discussing it with our lecturer, we realized the idea was not strong enough. Based on the feedback, we decided to change our focus to "straws" as our chosen item. Moving forward, we will collect different types of designed straw information and pictures for our study.

- WEEK 3 (21/2/2025) -

Presentation Preparation & Process

During our lecture class, we had a discussion with our lecturer about the final project requirements. Mr. Charles provided some feedback, specifically regarding the "create conversation" part. He emphasized that we should focus on 'what is missing' in the conversation about straw and explore different forms of conversation to generate interest. For example, he suggested a drinkable straw shirt, where people from different countries could drink from it to symbolize reunification. He also requested two more ideas, preferably presented in a visual format.

Based on this feedback, we revised our PPT slides by adding new visuals and sketches to better represent our ideas. We also scheduled a Zoom meeting to record our presentation.
The slides distribution part was as follows:

  • Introduction Pt 1 - Alicia
  • Introduction Pt 2 - Aricia
  • History - Xin Yee
  • On Malaysia - Kiew Ting Yi
  • Rise of Straw - Siew Yu Hong
  • Conclusion - Angel

Final Slides and Presentation
Intercultural Design Project 1 (Proposal)

Final Presentation - PDF

Fig.3.1.1 Final Presentation - PDF / (Week 3, 23/2/2025)

Final Video Presentation

Fig.3.1.2 Final Video Presentation / (Week 3, 23/2/2025)

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PROJECT 2: FIELD STUDY

To-do list:

  • Collect visual, oral, textual and tactile artefacts for the ideation in Project 1.
  • Data Collection Methods:
    - Observation study
    - Interview
    - Online/actual physical material

- WEEK 4 (26/2/2025) -

Online Discussion & Planning

We have an online discussion conducted through a WhatsApp call, where Alicia and I shared our ideas about how we are going to collect the data with the group. Additionally, we plan on going to Sunway Pyramid on 7th March to collect different types of straws and take relevant pictures or videos for Task 3.

As a result, our data collection methods consisted of 3 options:
  • Survey (Google Forms): Reach at least 60 responses
  • Interview: 10 responses
  • Physical Straw Collection: Different types of straw

Created Google Form

Fig.3.2.1 Google Form draft / (26/2/2025)

Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/ATU8Qxcwv6Kro9EJ6

A total of 64 responses were collected from the Google forms, which hits our target.

- WEEK 5 (4/3/2025) -

Interviews

Alicia and I meet at 11.30a.m. at Taylors University, and we start our interview. At first, we attempted to interview strangers, but we faced multiple rejections. Eventually, we encountered a few friends and decided to interview them instead. Later, I visited a cafe outside of campus during the employees' off hours and successfully conducted interviews with the staff there.

- WEEK 5 (7/3/2025) -

Physical Straw Collection

We gathered at Sunway Pyramid at 10a.m. and visited different stores to collect straw samples and document their materials. Our stops included:
  • Boba and beverage stops - collected paper and plastic straws.
  • Food merchants - collected flavored straws as part of our preparation for Task 3.
  • Mr. DIY - collected spoon straws and silicone straws.
During the physical collection process, we also took videos for our Task 3 TikTok videos, capturing different straw types and their uses in a creative and engaging format.

Final Field Study Data
Data Collection Group 1

Final Field Study Data - PDF

Fig.3.2.2 Final Field Study Data - PDF / (Week 5, 9/3/2025)

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PROJECT 3: FINAL PROJECT

- WEEK 6 (10/3/2025) -

Planning Discussion

We discussed our TikTok video shoot at WhatsApp and we decided to film the videos on Friday at 10a.m. at Taylor's University. To ensure everything was prepared:
  • Angel prepared the game materials.
  • Alicia prepared the ketupat leaves.
  • Aricia (Me) prepared the straws.

- WEEK 6 (12/3/2025) -

Script & Storyboard Preparation

Angel wrote the TikTok content script and storyboard, ensuring that the flow of the videos was engaging and easy to follow.

Fig.3.3.1 Script & Storyboard - PDF / (Week 6, 12/3/2025)

- WEEK 6 (14/3/2025) -

TikTok Video Filming
We gathered at Old Town White Coffee to film our TikTok videos. We recorded multiple clips, capturing interactive moments, challenges with different straw types, and fun games reaction from participants. The footage collected will be edited and refined for posting.

TikTok

TikTok Username: @we.love.straws (Link)

Fig.3.3.2 TikTok Username / (Week 7, 23/3/2025)

Final Project

Final Project Video Presentation

Fig.3.3.3 Final Video Presentation / (Week 7, 23/3/2025)

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FEEDBACK

Week 2

  • Your idea of a "survival kit list" includes a variety of everyday items, I suggested selecting a single item that allows for deeper exploration of its design variations, materials, and cultural significance.
  • Straws are a great choice because people use them everyday, you guys may use this idea for your proposal.

Week 3

  • The "create conversation" concept should highlight what is missing in the discussion about straws.
  • The conversation can take various forms but should aim to generate interest.
  • The ketupat straw visual is fine, but the other two visuals need to be changed as they are not functional straws.
  • Additional two ideas should be developed and presented in a visual format.

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REFLECTION

Experiences

This project was a meaningful and unforgettable experience for me. I met my team members; all of them are also Malaysian, and they were responsible and dedicated to our project. Every step of the project, from initial brainstorming to final video production, helped me grow as a team player. This project had pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially during the interviews. Initially, I was nervous and hesitant to approach strangers, fearing rejection. However, overcoming these challenges helped me become more confident in my communication skills and more resilient when faced with obstacles. In this journey, we supported each other during challenges, and I felt motivated knowing that we shared the same dedication to making the project successful. I'm very appreciated.

Observation

Throughout this project, I observed the various designs, materials, and cultural significance of straws. I noticed that eco-friendly straws, like metal and silicone, are becoming popular due to increasing environmental awareness. Additionally, visiting different stores, I realized how product design influences consumer choices — people often select straws based on convenience, aesthetics, and sustainability. 

Findings

Through our research, I discovered that straws are not just simple, functional tools but reflect cultural values, environment awareness, and evolving societal norms. The shift toward sustainable straws highlights growing concerns about environmental issues, while traditional plastic straws remain popular due to their convenience. This contrast revealed the complexities of consumer behavior and the influence of design on everyday decisions. Overall, this project taught me the value of research, observation, and the cultural significance of seemingly ordinary things like straws.




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