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Subsequent to the Development stage, my task revolved around the creation of eight visually immersive animated posters. These posters would then be prominently projected onto a wall, thereby facilitating an otherworldly, immersive experience. The design of these posters was intricately linked to eight established narrative poems, and surrealism served as the primary visual language throughout. A common symmetrical composition was shared among all posters, with each revolving around a central symbolic motif. This composition is reminiscent of what is frequently observed in religious or sacred settings, aimed at intensifying the participants' spiritual connection to the conveyed message.
It is essential to clarify that the design's intention is not an appropriation of specific religious or cultural beliefs but rather an employment of a widely recognised compositional motif to amplify the experience's impact. Individual elements, whether visual or auditory, are orchestrated to elicit various atmospheres and emotions. Collectively, they craft an experience reminiscent of a short guided meditation session, aligning with the objective of enhancing participants' well-being by fostering a sense of belonging.
Technical-wise, crafting these posters proved to be a challenging mission, yet the sense of fulfilment that accompanies witnessing them come together in all their beauty made every moment of difficulty worthwhile. The process was so engaging that I often found myself completely immersed in it, occasionally even losing track of time as I meticulously refined each detail. Admittedly, there were instances when I faced creative blocks and moments of frustration, but my determination prevailed, enabling me to surmount these obstacles and ultimately bring my creative visions to life. In the end, the posters stand as a testament to the gratification that derives from persistently pushing through challenges to achieve a visually stunning and personally rewarding result.
As a part of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Week at Monash, I got the opportunity to participate in a one-day conference organised by Future Forte. This community, driven by and for international students and alumni in Australia, convened the event. The conference served as a platform to celebrate the remarkable journeys of international students in Victoria. It was designed with a specific commitment to address the unique challenges encountered by international students, offering them invaluable insights and empowering sessions to help them realise their aspirations.
In retrospect, the conference provided me with a deepened understanding of the insights, experiences, and obstacles that international students from diverse backgrounds and age groups face. However, it bore a predominantly corporate, career-building tone. Most speakers centred their discussions on strategies for "surviving" or adapting to life in a foreign country, with minimal emphasis on their connection to their home cultures. When questioned about this aspect, the responses often indicated a tendency to assimilate into the new culture, thereby underscoring the problem statement identified in the literature review and research conducted during the Discovery phase.
Despite its promotion as a well-being-focused event, the occasion appeared to inadequately address the mental well-being dimension of individuals. My experience at the event paralleled that of a conventional Orientation day, characterised by promotional stalls representing various brands and companies. While there were indeed a few noteworthy keynote addresses, the overarching focus of the event seemed to gravitate towards superficial facets of well-being. Consequently, the event failed to align with my initial expectations, leaving me with limited actionable insights to apply towards my design project.