Our first lecture was conducted by Ms. Noranis, who introduced the relationship between culture and design. She emphasized how visuals serve as powerful communication tools that shape our understanding of the world. However, the way visuals are presented often goes unnoticed.

Design System framework:

• Artifacts and Products (tools, technology, design elements)

• Norms and Values (design language, aesthetics, usability)

• Basic Assumptions (cultural functions, values, and practices)

Cultural sensitivity in design, which includes considerations of:

1. Symbolism and Imagery

2. Colour Psychology

3. Typography and Language

Approaches to Culturally Sensitive Design:

• Inclusive Design: Ensuring accessibility for diverse cultures

• User Research: Conducting ethnographic studies

• Localization: Adapting design for cultural acceptance

• Cultural Awareness Training: Developing deeper understanding

To Do:

1. Form a group of 6

2. Propose ideas for a general theme "Everyday Design"

Our group members (Group 1):

• Kiew Ting Yi (Nicole) - group leader

• Angel Hung Shi Jie

• Aricia Man Yi Xuan

• Alicia Low Ker Chia

• Koh Xin Yee 

• Siew Yu Hong

We created a WhatsApp group to facilitate discussions and scheduled our first meeting after class.

We started our group discussion right after the lecture class. 

Initially, we brainstormed everyday items such as a comb, toothbrush, mug, food container, slippers, and a bag. Nicole had this idea of a "survival kit", where we research of everyday items where people need to use them everyday, or what would we bring along with us when we have to survive on an island? After that, this idea evolved into creating a airlines amenity kit, then we can maybe research on what are essential items in the kit, and how are their designs, or how can we add in design elements of Malaysia.

However, after discussing with our lecturer, we realized the idea lacked depth. And we also thought that, maybe airlines amenity kits are not that an everyday item, as they are usually for business or first class passengers. 

Based on feedback, we refocused on straws as our chosen item.

We researched different types of straws and their cultural significance, collecting images and data for our proposal.

Project 1 Video Presentation

We conducted an online meeting through Whatsapp call, where the 2 person in charge, Alicia and Aricia shared on how they are planning to collect the data for this project. 

We identified three data collection methods:

• Survey (Google Forms) - Target: 60 responses

• Interviews - 10 responses

• Physical Collection - Documenting different straw types

Later onwards, a Google Form was created, and we started collecting responses by sending the link through social media. 

Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/ATU8Qxcwv6Kro9EJ6 

Our Google Form received 64 responses, reaching our target.

While Alicia and Aricia conducted the interviews to collect renponses during the weekdays, our group met at Sunway Pyramid at Friday for our physical straws collection. 

We collected various type of straws during that trip, including:

• Boba shops - Paper and plastic straws

• Food merchants - Flavored straws

• Mr. DIY - Spoon and silicone straws

While we were collecting the straws, we also recorded TikTok videos demonstrating different straw types in creative ways, and some special insights we found out along the way. 

Project 2 Data Collection Google Drive

We planned our TikTok video content to highlight straw-related cultural interactions through engaging short videos, and decided to film the videos on campus during Friday. The 2 PICs, Angel and Yu Hong proposed the content script and storyboard, regarding content of six videos:

• An introduction to straws

• A vlog documenting straw collection in Sunway Pyramid

• Interactive game - Guess the straws

• Interactive game - Straw Race

• An interview compilation

• Crafting ketupat straw vlog.

Thanks to Angel who created the TikTok content script, to ease our filiming process! 

During the final week, Yuhong and Angel focused on creating the tiktok contents and posting them, while me and the other group members help out on creating the final presentation slides. 

Later, we started with our final presentation recording, and wrapped up the journey for this module.

Final Project Video Presentation