Labels

Intercultural Design (E-portfolio)

05.02.2024 - 22.03.2024 | Week 01 - Week 07
Koh Sher Wei | 0353816
Intercultural Design | Bachelor of Design (Honours) In Creative Media
List of Content:
INSTRUCTIONS (MIB):
Task 01 - Project Proposal
THEME: "Cultural Sensitivity in Design"
SUMMARY: To study and research on topics that discuss the given theme. With the information gathered from our chosen topic, students should produce a presentation slide which includes the following; a 200 word rationale (with citation), 3 sketches detailing preliminary ideas, any sources, references and credits used should be included as well.
PROCESS: In our first group meeting, each of us came up with a brief introduction on the topics of our choosing. Through this discussion, a few factors were considered before making our final decision. 

  • Topic should relate to the theme given.
  • Information should be convenient and within our reach.
  • Data can be collected physically.
  • Research is broad and not limited.

With these factors in mind, we decided on the topic “Mother of Pearl Inlay” otherwise known as “Najeonchilgi”. We were intrigued by the beauty of such tradition, the process of creation as well as the element used to sustain this design practice. Then, once the topic was decided on, tasks were distributed amongst the group equally and accordingly.



RESEARCH AND IDEAS: All initial research was obtained from articles that can be found online. Focusing on the Korean aspect of this culture, most of our research was based on the Korean fundamentals and traditions of "Mother of Pearl Inlay". The idea was to understand,
  • why this was a dying culture,
  • how people were trying to modernise the culture 
  • whether it is starting to become a forgotten part of South Korea's design traditions. 
With this goal in mind, we decided to incorporate the story we want to tell through different designs that expresses the beauty of "Najeonchilgi". Along with incorporating the dying culture with modern colours and trending designs that are more well perceived by the new generation.


Task 02 - Field Study and Data collection 
SUMMARY : In this stage of the project, students are tasked with gathering a diverse range of materials that are relevant to the cultural theme and research objectives. This includes visual, oral, textual, and tactile artefacts that provide insights into the chosen culture. It's essential to document each artefact thoroughly, recording details such as its type, purpose, symbolism, and cultural or historical background.
To gather data effectively, there are various methods students can employ:

1. Observation Study :

  • This involves observing cultural practices, artefacts, and environments firsthand. It could include visiting cultural sites, attending events, or simply observing daily life activities related to the chosen culture.

2. Online and/or Physical Visual Research:

  • Students can conduct visual research both online and by visiting physical locations relevant to the culture. This may involve studying artworks, symbols, architecture, text, calligraphy, and other visual elements that are indicative of the culture's identity and values.

3. Interviews with Relevant Individuals:

  • Students can conduct interviews with individuals who have knowledge or experience related to the culture being studied. This could include experts, practitioners, or community members who can provide valuable insights and perspectives.

By employing these methods, students can gather a diverse range of data that will inform their understanding of the cultural context and inspire their design proposals. Each method offers unique opportunities to explore different aspects of the culture, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded research process.
PROCESS : In our research process, we implemented various methods to collect valuable data for our project on Najeonchilgi:


1. Brainstorming & Justification: (click to view)

  • We began by brainstorming strategies to effectively utilise each research method. We justified our approach by highlighting how each method would contribute to our understanding of Najeonchilgi and its cultural significance. Additionally, we identified potenttial forgotten areas of Najeonchilgi that we aimed to shed light on through our research.

2. Observation Study: (click to view)
  • We identified a website that offered virtual tours of the Seoul Museum Of Craft Art. This allowed us to conduct an observation study remotely, exploring exhibits related to Najeonchilgi and documenting our observation digitally. Through this virtual tour, we gained insights into the historical and artistic aspects of Najeonchilgi.
3. Online Material Collection: (click to view)
  • We collected online materials such as images, articles and videos that provided additional context and information about Najeonchilgi. These resources helped us broaden our understanding of the craft, uncovering hidden stories, techniques and cultural nuances that enriched our research findings.
  • We were fortunate to secure an interview with a Docent commentator at the Seoul Craft Museum. This interview provided us with firsthand insights and expert perspectives on Najeonchilgi, offering valuable interpretations and historical context. By engaging with a knowledgeable authority on the subject, we gained deeper insights into the cultural significance and artistic techniques associated with Najeonchilgi.
Through these research methods, we were able to collect a diverse range of data that informed our understanding of Najeonchilgi and its cultural heritage. By combining virtual observations, online research, and expert interviews, we gained a comprehensive perspective on the craft, allowing us to explore forgotten areas and contribute to the preservation and appreciation of Najeonchilgi within contemporary contexts.

Final Project 

SUMMARY: After completing our research and attending lectures, we're tasked with creating visual designs reflecting our interpretation of the theme "Framing." We'll use the data collected to strike a balance between cultural aspects, aesthetics, and our design expertise. We have the freedom to explore different approaches, from experimental to digital, aiming for visually captivating designs that stay true to our research insights.


PROCESS: After a group discussion, several ideas were proposed for consultation with the lecturer.


Idea 1: Design Campaign and Digital Clothing Release (click to view)

  • A design campaign aimed at raising awareness about Najeonchilgi's cultural significance.

  • Launching a digital clothing line featuring Najeonchilgi-inspired designs on modern apparel.


Idea 2: Cultural Interpretation Design and Digital Innovation Design (click to view)

  • Exploring the history and cultural meanings of lacquerware, interpreting them in various cultural contexts.

  • Applying lacquerware to digital media and reinterpreting it through modern design formats such as digital art, web design, or motion graphics.


Idea 3: Balanced Composition and Loss of Traditional Culture Representation (click to view)

  • Creating a design with a balanced composition, featuring prominent cranes surrounded by intricate mother of pearl inlay.

  • Designing artwork that highlights the loss of traditional Najeonchilgi culture by contrasting modern reality with the decline of tradition.


Idea 4: Visual Illustration for Product Applications (click to view)

  • Developing illustrations for product applications like phone cases, live wallpapers, and bookmarks.


Each idea offers a unique approach to interpreting and showcasing Najeonchilgi, reflecting different aspects of its cultural significance and artistic expression. 


After consulting with the lecturer, the group has decided to move forward with Idea 3. This idea stood out as the most interesting and engaging option among the proposals discussed. We believe that this approach will allow us to create visually compelling artwork that effectively communicates the cultural significance of Najeonchilgi while addressing important themes of heritage preservation and cultural change.






Feedback:

Task 01: no feedback


Task 02: “Group 44, well done on your data collection (I can't access the online materials). As you are focusing on Korean culture and have picked Najeonchilgi, perhaps you may look into the area of forgotten culture/one that can be significantly improved. with this, you will be able to increase cultural awareness.”


Task 03: We were told that showing the artwork contrast is a nice way of grabbing the audience’s attention, and that the booklet would be good for including information. Lecturer was content with the variety of ideas that we provided and told us to figure out a way to combine our ideas in a way that best showcases our chosen topic.

Reflections
Experience: I found that it was very enjoyable to research and understand the importance of carrying traditions forward. There was a satisfaction in being able to go through all the articles about different cultures and how they came by; their history, meanings and cultural significance. It was also very fun to collaborate with different people to come up with ideas and proceed with our project, as it really broadened my understanding and perspective of our topic. 
Observation: One of the most remarkable insights I gained from the course was the extensive variety of arts found within different cultures globally. Whether it's traditional practices or modern designs, every culture possesses their own distinct characteristics. With that, I've also come to realise that cultural factors really hold a big impact on various modern design aspects. Furthermore, it is interesting that despite the loss of volume in cultural significance from traditional sources, there are still practices being carried out around the world to keep certain cultures alive. Definitely helps with getting the general public to emphasise with the beauty of these crafts. 
Findings: I think that throughout my learning process, I learned that art really has no limits. Especially when it stems back to olden times when there were no basics tools or materials to create. It makes me understand just how valuable traditional art it, due to the intensive and detailed skill sets that were utilised. Traditional art is so much more than just a form of art, I believe they are one of the most expressive and important part of the modern creative design process. Cultural significance is important and should always be preserved. 
Labels:

Popular Posts