Intercultural Design

 March 20, 2024

5/2/2024 -  22/3/2024( Week 1- Week7 ) 

Qian Guoyi / 0369462

Intercultural Design/ Bachelor's of Design Honors In Creative Media

Final Compilation 

INSTRUCTIONS

Project 01 - Proposal：

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

Project 02 - Data Collection：

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

Final Project and Portfolio：

Upon the 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.

Week1

In the first week, we need to find culturally sensitive topics according to the teacher's requirements.

Week2

In the second week, we organized the team members, determined the tasks of each team member in this project, and determined the theme. There are 6 people in our group, divided into PPT group, painting group and manual group. The cultural theme we identified was Chinese paper-cutting.

Week3

This week, I was assigned to the PPT group, so we needed to find relevant information about cultural sensitivity and Chinese paper-cutting. And we need to integrate these data. This week we started writing the PPT for Project 1. At the same time, I also participated in the recording and explanation of the PPT.

Week4

At the beginning of this week, we need to conduct some research. We made a questionnaire about Chinese paper-cutting and found some volunteers to conduct the questionnaire survey. Finally, we will study the information obtained.

Week5

In the fifth week, we continued to conduct some test research on questionnaires and made the final research results into PPT, which provided a lot of help for our subsequent tasks.

Week6

This time we continued to improve the previous PPT, and the members of the manual team also started the final design.

Week7

In the last week, we reviewed the task and produced the final PPT.

Project 01: Proposal

Project1-PPT：

1.Idea Proposed and Preliminary Research

The project this time requires us to choose a culture and research it. We have chosen Chinese paper cutting, which is a traditional Chinese art form and has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage in China. 

2.Topic selection and research

For this project, we also need to explore the cultural sensitivities within the culture we have chosen. Therefore, our topic is the cultural sensitivities within the art of Chinese paper cutting. Through preliminary research, we have discovered that Chinese paper cutting contains many elements of traditional Chinese culture. Moreover, Chinese paper cutting is highly integrative; it serves as a medium for artistic expression, portraying various aspects such as festival customs, well wishes, and the Chinese zodiac. Furthermore, paper cutting art can also function as accessories or decorations.

Project 02: Data Collection

Project2-PPT：

1.OVERVIEW：

Theme: Cultural sensitivity

Culture: PAPER CUTTING

Research question:

How the acceptance or understanding of cultural sensitivities in design paper cutting elements varies from one ethnic group or culture to another?

Research objective:

The aim is to challenge the stereotype that paper-cutting can only be limited to window decorations, and instead explore its potential in design, such as creating red envelopes, paper-cut lamps, and incorporating paper-cut elements into clothing.

2.Data collection methods：

（1）ONLINE RESEARCH：

In our online research, we wanted to search for the meaning and origin of the different symbols of paper cuttings, and we also wanted to study how paper cuttings can be used in design.

（2）ONLINE SURVEY：

Our online survey was conducted through Google Forms, and we went through both English and Chinese, two languages that allow us to collect more data from different masses so that we can better analyze it in the design language.

3.DATA COLLECTION：https://forms.gle/pcqPoRDeGStBS2CBA

Final Project

Final Presentation：

Final Poster Design：

Feedback

Reflection

Experience:

Participating in the Cross-Cultural Design course focusing on Chinese paper-cutting culture has been a rich and immersive experience. As part of the PowerPoint presentation (PPT) group, I collaborated closely with my peers to delve into the intricacies of Chinese paper-cutting, exploring its historical roots, cultural significance, and contemporary relevance. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and research, I gained valuable insights into the cultural sensitivity required in cross-cultural design.

Observation:

Throughout the course, I observed how Chinese paper-cutting embodies a profound cultural heritage and sensitivity. From the meticulous craftsmanship to the symbolic motifs, every aspect of paper-cutting reflects Chinese values, beliefs, and traditions. Through interactions with experts and practitioners, as well as engaging in group discussions, I observed the importance of approaching cross-cultural design projects with humility, empathy, and openness to diverse perspectives.

Findings:

One of the key findings of our group's research and discussions is the need for sensitivity and respect when engaging with Chinese paper-cutting culture in design projects. We discovered that cultural authenticity and accuracy are paramount in effectively conveying the essence of paper-cutting while avoiding cultural appropriation or misrepresentation. Additionally, our questionnaire survey revealed the diverse perceptions and understandings of Chinese paper-cutting among different demographic groups, highlighting the importance of considering varied perspectives in cross-cultural design.

Reflection:

Reflecting on this course, I realize the significance of cultural empathy and understanding in cross-cultural design. As a member of the PPT group, I have learned the importance of effectively communicating cultural insights and findings through visual presentations. Moving forward, I intend to apply the lessons learned from this course to my future design practice, advocating for cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in all my projects.