Intercultural Design / Weekly Note

Week 01 (07/02/25) - Visual Culture

Definition

Visual culture refers to visual objects that go beyond textual meaning, emphasizing how visuals interact with the viewer.

Key Idea

  • Enables instant understanding and meaning recognition without the need for text.
  • When users see a visual representation, they immediately interpret its meaning.

Examples

  • Traffic lights
  • Washroom signs
  • Cultural symbols (e.g., tattoos)

**Note: Nature is not culture.


Cultural Representation in Design

Sailor Tattoos

  • Symbolize sailors' journeys and experiences.
  • Each tattoo tells a unique story of travel and adventure.

Japanese Tattoos

  • Historically represented societal status and spiritual beliefs.
  • Used for protection, devotion, and personal expression.

Example: Ladybug Symbolism

  • Western Culture: Number of dots represents lucky months.
  • Japanese Culture: Number of dots symbolizes bad luck.

** Key Takeaway: Designers must be aware of cultural nuances, symbolism, and context to create inclusive and meaningful designs.

Design Significance

Understanding the social, cultural, and political spheres where design elements originate enhances design effectiveness.

Design System Breakdown

  • Artifacts & Products – Tangible elements of culture.
  • Norms & Values – Shared beliefs influencing design choices.
  • Basic Assumptions – Underlying principles shaping cultural representations.

Cultural Sensitivity in Design

Symbolism & Imagery

  • Symbols carry different meanings across cultures.
  • Misuse can lead to misunderstanding or offense.

Color Considerations

  • China: Red symbolizes luck.
  • Western cultures: Red symbolizes danger.

Typography & Language

  • Text styles should be culturally appropriate.
  • Accurate translations are crucial for global audiences.

Addressing Cultural Sensitivity

  1. Inclusive Design – Ensure accessibility and inclusivity for diverse cultural groups.
  2. User Research – Conduct studies to understand user preferences and cultural behaviors.
  3. Localization – Adapt designs for specific cultural contexts to increase relevance.
  4. Cultural Awareness Training – Educate design teams to enhance sensitivity and global understanding.



Week 02 (14/02/25) 

Class Note 

  • About Everyday Design and the CMYK*L event introduction  

< BACK TO JUMP LINK


Week 03 (21/02/25) 

Class Note 

  • In today lecture is basically have some QnA section on our assignment and after that we have some consultation and group meeting 

Week 04 (28/02/25) 

NO CLASS


Week 05 (07/03/25) 

Class Note

  • This week we have a short lecture on process creation and ideation process 
  • ***Week 6 and 7 Will not have any lecture ***

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