Intercultural Design

completed module design

Intercultural Design

Week 1

During the first week of our module, we had an online lecture. The individual lecturers introduced themselves and gave us the course outline. The introduction lecture also gave us a brief synopsis of the assignments that we'll be required to submit throughout the course.

Miss Noranis then taught us what the definition of intercultural design was and a few examples that showcases intercultural design.

Intercultural design definition:

In its simplest form, intercultural design is the process of understanding cultural differences, dimensions, and allow both to influence design. It considers, embraces, then translates every aspect of the user's cultural identity into a design they can interact with intuitively and seamlessly.

Intercultural design goes beyond translating designs into other languages. Its about acknowledging and adapting to cultural undertones that exist in text, color, images, symbols, and more. The first touchpoint in the intercultural design method is socially conscious research. To create a richer experience for everyone in the digital landscape, we have to take the time to fully understand their cultural backgrounds, values and customs.

Reference: Intercultural design definition

Module information booklet:

Week 2

With the start of week 2, we needed to begin our task 1. We were, again, given a breakdown of the task and what was required for submission. We were then broken into groups consisting of 6 people. This was when I met my groupmates for the rest of the tasks in the module. We had a brief meeting and introduction outside the lecture theater to discuss our topic of choice. Our appointed group leader then took our numbers and made a Whatsapp group for us all to communicate in.

figure 1.1 whatsapp group created

figure 1.2 our groupmates

Task 1 description: 

Proposal -

A proposal to concretize ideas, supported by research, for a final design revolving a given theme that reflects students' understanding and interpretation of global issues and design aesthetics.

We then voted on Whatsapp for the topics we discussed outside the lecture theater. We had two main topics to vote from, the modern kebaya and native American cultural appropriation.

figure 1.3 whatsapp voting of topic

After voting on our topic, we proceeded to compile all relevant information onto a google document. This made things easier for us to put information in our slides that was required for submission. 

Reflection:

The kebaya, deeply rooted in South East Asian cultural traditions, holds significant meaning for woman across diverse ethnic groups. Worn during cultural ceremonies, weddings, and formal occasions, this attire symbolizes femininity and grace with its form-fitting design and intricate embroidery. As a versatile garment, the kebaya has gracefully adapted to modern times, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary elements. Its influence extends just one sole country, making it a statement piece on international runways, where its timeless appeal and cultural significance shines through.

Reference: Kebaya history

Week 3

As a group, we discussed ideas for our presentation and the direction we were heading towards. We agreed on a vintage styled Malaysian poster for our theme.

figure 1.4 group discussion on theme

figure 1.5 theme of our output design

For the presentation, Thirishna and I worked on the inspiration pictures as well as the case study of the Kebaya. As a group, we then recorded our individual parts, narrating the slides. I then compiled everything and stitched it together on Adobe Premier Pro. We then uploaded the final video on google drive and submitted it!

figure 1.6 compilation of our individual recordings

Our final video submission

Week 5

Task 2 description:

Field Study-

Students will conduct a data gathering collection process about the culture with relevance to the theme and your research objectives. 

For our field study, we decided to go to the 'National Textiles Museum' in Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it for our trip to the museum but three of our members managed to go. They documented their process and took notes of important pieces of information that's relevant to our assignment 

figure 2.1 National Textiles Museum

The museum traces the flow and development of textiles that have characterized and shaped the lifestyles of Malaysians from prehistoric times to the present. Visitors can explore four galleries showcasing renowned textile collections, accessories, and clothing. Multimedia presentations also highlight textile production techniques in Malaysia.

Here are some of the pictures our group members took at the museum

figure 2.2 pictures from the museum

figure 2.3 pictures from the museum

figure 2.4 pictures from the museum

We were also required to do an interview of relevant stakeholders, so we approached our very own fashion lecturer, Mr. Jasmi Rejab. We wanted to know his stance on the cropped kebaya that debut during KL fashion week some years ago. As well as his take on how we should approach modernizing traditional clothing.

figure 2.5 cropped kebaya from KL fashion week

Here are some pictures from the interview as well as behind the scenes.

figure 2.6 behind the scenes of the interview

figure 2.7 group picture with Mr. JR

After the interview, we each were delegated tasks for the rest of Task 2. Our group leader made a google survey on the Kebaya for people to fill. The rest made slides on Canva. My job was to piece together, transcribe and add subtitles to the interview.

Here is the interview

Week 6

Task 3 description:

Final Assessment-

Upon completion of the research, data collection, participation in all class lectures and tutorials, presentation of a complete proposal and research data, students are to produce visual design outcomes related to their interpretation of the given theme.

After consultation with the lecturer that was assigned to us, Miss Maria, we started brainstorming on the final sketch which was required in Task 3. We agreed to stick to our original plan of making a vintage styled poster.

figure 3.1 rough sketch of our final design

Week 7

Carmen and I were assigned to work on the color scheme of the design. With the help of another one of our group mates, Mutiara, she drew the base of the design while Carmen and I overlayed some fitting batik designs onto the model drawn.

figure 3.2 drawn by Mutiara

Carmen and I then discussed further on the tyle of batik we were trying to go for as well as the colors of the dress pieces. With some inputs from our group mates, we decided to go with something like this.

figure 3.3 progress of the final design

figure 3.4 completed final design

After I finished the designing the kebaya dress, Carmen and Mutiara completed the background as well as the coloring of the border. Arman then added the Jawi text before posting it on Instagram

figure 3.5 screenshot of posted picture on Instagram

Final reflection:

At the beginning of this module, I've never actually heard of intercultural design and had no idea what it could've meant. As we progressed through the weeks and learnt more about our chosen topic, I began to appreciate all the nuances that came with design and how cultural sensitivity should always be considered when creating a design. 

Ive learnt that design sensitivity and intercultural design are integral parts of creating and inclusive and effective design in our globalized world. Through our research, it showed me that it involves recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds, perspectives and values of the audience. Through different interactions and conversations ive had, ive learnt that cultural sensitivity isnt just about avoiding stereotypes or cultural appropriation but also about actively engaging with diverse communities to understand their needs and preferences. 

Ive also observed that successful intercultural design requires empathy, open mindedness and a willingness to learn from different cultural contexts. Its about creating designs that reflect the richness of human diversities while forming an understanding across different cultural boundaries. 

By the end of the module, ive created a greater sense of appreciation for different cultures and their rich individual histories. As an aspiring artist, I will try to foster this curiosity and embrace cultural diversities by incorporating sensitivity into my design process.