INTERCULTURAL DESIGN | PROPOSAL, DATA COLLECTION AND FINAL PROJECT

08/03/24-29/03/24 (Week 1 - Week 7)

Chai HongHong/0354211/Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

INTERCULTURAL DESIGN // PROPOSAL / DATA COLLECTION / FINAL PROJECT




INSTRUCTIONS


Proposal

For this module, we are required to create a study based on the theme "Cultural Sensitivity in Design". We are to study a cultural phenomenon or a particular subculture that is perceived as 'sensitive' and frame our study within the chosen theme.

For the first two weeks, we spent some time researching topics to study. We chose Chinese Culture as our main theme, finding particular subcultures to study. 

We selected the following 3 ideas for research

Idea 1: Chinese calligraphy

We think we can design a set of English fonts in Chinese calligraphy style. Combine the strokes of Chinese calligraphy and English letters, and then export the designed fonts with FontLab. Finally, download the finished fonts and make them into posters to promote Chinese-style fonts.

Anyone who gets the link to this font can download this font and use it in any design related to Chinese culture.

Fig 1.1. Chinese calligraphy (Chai HongHong)


Idea 2: Red Packet

Giving friends and family a gorgeous red envelope is a custom during Lunar New Year's festivities. These money-filled envelopes represent luck and well wishes for the upcoming year. In East Asian traditions, including Chinese culture, the colour red is associated with prosperity and good fortune. 

Fig 1.2. Red Packet (Tee Jia Ern)


Idea 3: Oil-paper umbrella

Oil-paper umbrella is one of the ancient traditional products of the Han nationality. The history of oil-paper umbrellas can be traced back to ancient China. According to historical records, the earliest oil-paper umbrellas in China are said to have appeared in the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 to 220). They have also spread to various parts of Asia, such as North Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and other places, and developed local characteristics in various places.

Fig 1.3. Oil-paper umbrella (SongYang)




Presentation Video：

Pdf 1.1 Proposal Presentation Slides.


Project 2: Data Collection

After getting feedback from Mr. Azrial as Oil-paper Umbrellas as our chosen topic, we started to do further research into the topic. We decided to frame our research into 4 different cultural aspects and meanings behind the oil-paper umbrellas; Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, and Indonesian culture.


Online Research
One of our methods of research is online, we looked through websites and journal articles to have a clear understanding behind the cultural and traditional aspects of oil-paper umbrellas, as well as focused on certain elements and colors often used in their designs as well as their symbolism.

My task involved consulting a vast array of online resources and literature related to the culture and background of oil-paper umbrellas. After encountering various versions of the cultural and historical background of oil-paper umbrellas, I repeatedly researched and compared them to discover the true historical origins and cultural background of oil-paper umbrellas in China.


Fig 1.4. Research about oil-paper umbrella


PDF.1.2. Data Collection Compilation.

Final Project

In our initial discussions, everyone had some thoughts. Some people want to make mobile phone cases, iPad protective cases, lamps, pillows, tableware, etc. But I think we should be more consistent with the elemental theme of the oil-paper umbrella. When I was exploring further, I saw a design of a flower umbrella chair. I thought we might be able to refer to this design and make an oil-paper umbrella style floor lamp, so I shared this idea with my group. They thought it was a good idea. So we started discussing and dividing the work to complete this idea together.

Fig 1.5. Reference


PDF.1.3. Final Project 


Introduction

We compared oil-paper umbrellas from four countries and discussed the data we collected. In the end, we decided to integrate oil-paper umbrella elements into modern furniture and create an oil-paper umbrella-style floor lamp.

Reason: The floor lamp is a very modern piece of furniture that can diffuse light and has a strong decorative effect. It is highly practical and has a lot of design space. If traditional culture can be integrated into modern furniture, it can not only increase the sense of art and uniqueness, but also display and inherit traditional culture.


Appearance and Material: We will use the umbrella frame of the oil paper umbrella as the appearance of the floor lamp. After research, we found that the frames of oil-paper umbrellas in every country are made of bamboo, so we chose to use bamboo as the main material for the appearance of the floor lamp,  which can also play an environmental role.

Patterns and Elements: We will use elements and patterns that can reflect the national characteristics of China, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia, and can show everyone the unique charm of the collision of different cultures.

We will integrate the opening and closing functions of the oil-paper umbrella into the floor lamp. With the opening and closing functions of the floor lamp, the light range can be controlled and space can be saved.


Visual References


Fig 1.6. Pixiu

Fig 1.7. Orchid

Fig 1.8. Seigaiha

Fig 1.9. Color


Sketches

We designed it as a curved section, using bamboo as the umbrella frame. The exposed part will be pasted with a layer of oil paper and painted with some traditional elements to decorate it.

We decided to make a mockup first and then put the images of our design into the mockup.


Fig 1.10. Closing


Fig 1.11. Opening


The pattern design was led by Song Yang, who combined elements from four countries to design the final pattern.

Fig 1.12. Final Pattern


The mockup is in charge of Ouyang, the following are his production steps.

Fig 1.13. Mockup of lamp


Finally, we pasted the design onto the mock-up to have our finalized design inspired by oil-paper umbrellas. 

Fig 1.14. Final design


Poster Design

Sheren is responsible for the final poster design. The following are her design steps.

Fig 1.15. Poster Options


SUBMISSION

Fig 1.16. final design


PDF.1.4. Final design


Fig 1.17 Final Poster Presentation 


PDF. 1.5.Final poster


FEEDBACK
Week 5
We presented some of our data collection, however Mr. Aszrial said that it was not thorough enough. He suggested on researching specific symbols and elements in each culture, deepening the cultural sensitivity. He also suggested conducting interviews or surveys.

Week 6
At first, our idea was to create simply an oil-paper umbrella design combining elements from the four different cultures into one, however Mr. Aszrial said that idea was too basic and encouraged us to explore more outcomes such as phone case design, shoes, etc. The main idea needs to correlate to the concept of paper umbrellas.

REFLECTION

Throughout this module, our team embarked on a fascinating journey into the realm of "Cultural Sensitivity in Design," focusing specifically on Chinese culture. We delved into various subcultures within Chinese tradition, aiming to understand and integrate their essence into modern design practices.

Our initial research phase involved exploring three distinct ideas: Chinese calligraphy, red packets, and oil-paper umbrellas. Each concept carried profound cultural significance, offering unique opportunities for creative exploration. The idea of designing English fonts in Chinese calligraphy style was particularly intriguing, as it allowed us to bridge two distinct linguistic and artistic traditions. The symbolism behind red packets and the historical depth of oil-paper umbrellas provided rich material for exploration.

Upon selecting oil-paper umbrellas as our focal point, we embarked on a deeper investigation into their cultural significance across Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, and Indonesian cultures. Online research provided us with a foundation, but it was through continuous comparison and analysis that we uncovered the true historical origins and cultural nuances of these umbrellas.

Looking ahead, the lessons learned from this project will undoubtedly influence our future design endeavors. The importance of cultural sensitivity, thorough research, and creative innovation will remain at the forefront of our practice, guiding us as we continue to explore the intersection of tradition and modernity in design.




                          









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