INTERCULTURAL DESIGN - TASK 1:PROPOSAL

2/2/26 - 20/2/26 (Week 1 - Week 3)

Lim Jia Xuan  0371026

GCD61304 Intercultural Design

Task 1:Proposal

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Lectures

2.0 Instructions

3.0 Process Work

4.0 Presentation Video

5.0 Reflections

6.0 Feedback

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1.0 LECTURES

Lecture 1: Culture and Design

< Visuals >

-Everything that can been seen.

-Everything produced or created by humans that can bee seen

< Design Significants >

Design significance involves understanding a design through its identity, including its social, cultural, and political spheres, while conducting research in cultural studies, philosophy, sociology, and history.

< Design System >

1. Basic Assumptions 

• Values
• Principles
• Practices
• Core beliefs that guide decision-making
• Shape how designers think and approach problems
• Often invisible but strongly influence all design outcomes

2. Norms and Values 

• Look and feel
• Design elements (colour, typography, layout, form)
• Design functions (how it works and behaves)
• Translate core assumptions into practical and visual standards
• Create consistency across designs

3. Artefacts and Products 

• Tools and technology
• Final products (websites, apps, physical objects, prototypes)
• Tangible outcomes of the design system
• Reflect the norms and values, which are shaped by the basic assumptions

< Design Sensitivity>

- Cultural Sensitivity Awareness

1. Symbolism and Imagery

• Certain symbols and images may carry different meanings in different cultures. Designers should be    mindful of potentials cultural interpretations to avoid unintentional misunderstanding or offences. 

2. Colour Considerations

• Colours can have cultural significance, and their meaning can be vary across different societies, Understanding the cultural associations of colours can help designers make appropriate ideas.

3. Typography and Language

• Choosing font 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 

1. Inclusive Design

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

2. User Research

• Conducting thorough user research, including ethnographic studies and user testing across diverse groups, help designers gain insights into cultural preference and behaviours. 

3. Localisation

• Adapting designs to specific culture contexts through localisation can enhance the relevance and acceptance of a product or services.

4. Cultural Awareness Training

• Design teams may be benefit from cultural awareness training to develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and sensitivities.

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2.0 INSTRUCTIONS

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3.0 PROCESS WORK

After the six of us formed a group, we started discussing what topic we could use for this assignment. By drawing inspiration from the news and our own experiences, there were a total of six outcomes from our discussion.

< Topic listed in Google Docs >

< Topic listed in Canva >

After Mr Fitri chose three topics for our group to proceed with for the proposal, the six of us were split into three groups and assigned different topics. Nicole and Xi Tien took on redesigning the MRT wayfinding system for users with visual impairments. Xin Yean and Cheyenne worked on an alert system application, but later changed it to virtual transportation cards. Meanwhile, Yee Leng and I took part in designing a shaded resting area in Titiwangsa Park.

After receiving our topic, Yee Leng and I started working on the justification section by reviewing related news and articles. Then, we conducted research on the terms, purposes, and evolution of sunshades to ensure that we had some basic knowledge before proceeding to the creation stage. To fulfil the design features we had mentioned earlier, we also researched the theories of air ventilation (air gaps), sustainability, smart adjustable technology, and the effects of plant transpiration.

< Draft on Google Docs >

< Final Topic Proposal >

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4.0 PRESENTATION VIDEO

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5.0 REFLECTIONS

After reviewing the project brief, I realised that effective design involves careful consideration of many factors. Even a small element in a public space goes through multiple stages before it is finalised. This experience highlighted that understanding users’ needs is one of the most important responsibilities of a designer.

As this is a group assignment, clear communication was essential throughout the process. I am grateful that my group members were open-minded and actively engaged in discussions. Through ongoing feedback and collaboration, we were able to refine our ideas continuously and work together to achieve a successful final outcome.

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6.0 FEEDBACK

Week 4:
The proposal deck did not present any major issues. Mr Fitri recommended that we proceed with a field study, focusing on either Proposal 1 or Proposal 3.

Week 3:
For the interpreting theme section, we needed to adjust our focus from “urban mobility” to “designing urban futures.”

Week 2:
Mr Fitri selected the final three ideas and approved them for further development in the proposal stage.