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WoII: In a nutshell.

WOII is an amalgamation of different topics that discuss design as a whole. In addition to the breadth of these topics, the weeks were of sufficient length. They actively reflect on my work as well (be it consciously or subconsciously), and I find that I am continually referencing the information in my projects. Overall, WOII has provided an environment that has allowed for me to truly explore design and the history behind it. The weekly topics have adequately prepared me to be critical in my thinking, and have gotten me to think thoroughly about the intentions that I want to deliver through my own designs.

The information that has been taught over the past few weeks has proven to be vital in my learning, and the information disseminated through the lessons could be used to my advantage. For example, I got to apply semiotics in my works, which created a sense of depth and meaning to my projects. I also got to learn about postmodernism, a movement that rebels against the strict world of design, and a huge contradiction that design is more than just systems and rules; it can be playful and experimental too!

Ultimately, WOII has broadened my horizons, assisting me in reaching new heights and capabilities. WOII has inspired me to learn more about different movements, and as someone who is experiencing major burnout, I learnt that design extends beyond aesthetics; it serves as a tool for envisioning and shaping a better world (Goodspeed 2025).

(248 Words)

References:

Goodspeed, Elizabeth. Elizabeth Goodspeed on why graphic designers can’t stop joking about hating their jobs, It's Nice That, (2025) https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/elizabeth-goodspeed-optimism-vs-pessimism-graphic-design-270325

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World of Ideas & Imagination - Week 12: Art Ecosystems

Art Ecosystems is something that should be preserved and cherished, especially the art/design scene here in Singapore. I recalled the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, where artists (and creatives adjacent) were ranked #1 in the list of least essential jobs. Calling our artists non-essential just isn’t right. Without them, Singapore would feel empty, like a place without soul or story (Prof. Tommy Koh, 2020)

What they failed to realise is that art is used as a tool to drive awareness on different subjects, such as the environment, especially at a time of crisis like the pandemic. This week, we visited the graduating cohort's exhibition, where they showcased their works, which they had been working on for their final year project.

The works that caught my attention were works that were done by the BA graduating cohort. Personally, I feel that they have a good sense of knowledge on the subject matter that they want to present, which definitely shows through their work individually. The one that really made an impact on me is the work in the middle.

The student discusses the Boyanese culture and how the language/culture is slowly fading due to the modernisation of time. Furthermore, I admire how they portray their works through cohesiveness in their branding and using elements such as shape and colour to achieve a sense of individuality

This has definitely inspired me to do more when it comes to my own work. I would hope to deliver works that are of this standard, but knowing that there are limitations between diploma fyp and BA, this may hinder my work at the end of the day.

(250 Words)

References:

Koh, Tommy, National University of Singapore, Are Art Workers Non-essential, (2020) https://tembusu.nus.edu.sg/news/2020/by-professor-tommy-koh-are-art-workers-non-essential/

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World of Ideas & Imagination - Week 11: Postmodernism

Usually, I stray away from topics that have anything to do with the word 'post' at the start, like Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Post-concert depression (PCD), as most have a negative connotation to them. However, for this week, we explored the topic of Postmodernism (and frankly, I can get into it).

In this essay by Mr Keedy, Postmodernism is described as,

"A hodgepodge of styles, with no unifying ideals or formal vocabularies [...]" (1998)

In this context, we as designers are left to wonder whether we could do "more" and break down a strict system that has been imposed for many centuries. For this week, we were tasked to design a graphic poster based on our interpretation of postmodernism.

I find this activity to be enjoyable, as I felt like I was able to let loose and really add in elements without any boundaries (which is my forte). However, I found it hard to ignore years of discipline and principles that had been conditioned and integrated into my designing processes, almost like undoing a (almost) perfectly seamed line.

A design/media that I deem to perfectly portray postmodernism is Hansol Park's meme-inspired typographic poster art or Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's PONPONPON music video. Something that may be polarizing yet charming for those with eyes to see and an open heart. Not sure if these works display postmodernism at its’ finest, but it does display qualities that seem to match with the idea of postmodernism, i.e. satirical, loud, etc.

Coincidentally, I have unintentionally replicated and referenced postmodernism in my photography project. Initially, I intended to go for a whimsical and fairy-like approach, but I think with the knowledge I have gained this week, I will try to lean into the postmodernism style (if there is a specific style that is to replicate).

(289 Words)

References:

Quote | Mr. Keeny, Graphic Design in the Postmodern Era, Emigre #47, Relocating Design (1998).

Murphy, Zoe Loring. TYPE01 - Hansol.park on Meme-Inspired Typography and Creating Hangul Fonts (2020), https://type-01.com/hansol-park-on-meme-inspired-typography-and-creating-hangul-fonts/

Media | PONPONPON (2012), Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, https://youtu.be/yzC4hFK5P3g?si=e8YMCZ2Vu-hKbS0t

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World of Ideas & Imagination - Week 5 & 6: Design Analysis and Field Trip

In Week 5, we focused on learning how to analyze a work of design using five key components:

Process & Purpose

Subject Matter & Meanings

Choice & Uses of Medium

Aspects of Form

Contexts of Piece

These categories help us examine the practicality and significance of a design—whether it’s a response to an ongoing issue, a reinvention of something existing, or a meaningful expression.

For our activity, we were asked to bring in three items that are either well-crafted, materially interesting, or personally memorable. I brought a MUJI cardholder and a handmade necklace from a local vendor at a flea market in Aperia Mall. I chose these items because of their craftsmanship and personal value. In class, we categorized all brought items based on themes, and mine were placed under 'memory' and 'materiality'. The MUJI cardholder holds small memorabilia I've collected over time—tokens that remind me of people and experiences. Similarly, the necklace serves as a charm for protection and luck.

In Week 6, we applied our analytical framework during a field trip to Haji Lane, observing and identifying other designs in the environment that echoed our previously chosen themes. Objects like the Eye of Nazar amulets, the Sultan Mosque, a jade teapot set, and chunky gemstone rings stood out as examples reflecting memory, culture, and material significance.

These two weeks have helped me realize the value of deep analysis in my own design process. It's no longer just about visual appeal—understanding context, meaning, and function can elevate a design’s impact. I now approach my projects with a more critical eye, considering aspects like color, usability, and whether the message is being effectively communicated.

As designer Irma Boom puts it, “I don’t build villas, I build social housing.” That quote reinforces the idea that design can serve a broader purpose. It pushes me to think beyond just aesthetics and focus on creating work that is thoughtful, functional, and meaningful to others.

(317 words)

References:

Miltenburg, Anne. Eye Magazine - Reputations: Irma Boom, Issue 88, (2014), https://www.eyemagazine.com/feature/article/reputations-irma-boom

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World of Ideas & Imagination - Week 4: Semiotics

This week, we discussed the topic of Semiotics. The session was engaging as we talked about how vital symbols and signs are to designers, as they can be used to our advantage in delivering a piece of information.

Even if we are twisting that information in our favor, it is our job to find a way to present that idea to the masses in a way that can be accepted. For example, my group and I chose a McDonald's advertisement, and we tried to decipher the meaning and intention behind it.

Despite the obvious overarching purpose of the advert (McDonald's fries), it uses humor as its main form of delivery. The advertisement keeps the message clear by eliminating any other elements that could distract the audience from the main focus. They further reinforce this by upscaling the fries and placing them in the center on a white background.

I can apply semiotics to the craft module, in particular, the New Ways of Seeing Typeface workshop. In that workshop, I was tasked to create a typeface based on a feeling or a memorable experience and then translate that into an eight (8) to eleven (11) letter word. During the workshop, I realised that a typeface has to have a form of "system" implemented to make it cohesive and unified. I based mine on a 4-sided star shape, which I personally think captured the feeling that I am trying to signify. Through many experiments and explorations, I settled on a typeface that embodies the feeling of being overwrought, through symbols, and relating it to a deeper meaning.

(265 words)

References:

Pictures | 12 of the most controversial fast food adverts of all time by Lucy Rahim (2017), The Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/features/11-controversial-fast-food-adverts-time/ ,

Video game ads in the 90s were utterly unbelievable by Daniel John (2024), Yahoo!Tech https://www.yahoo.com/tech/video-game-ads-90s-were-060006429.html?guccounter=1

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World of Ideas & Imagination - Week 2: Aesthetics

For week 2 of World of Ideas & Imagination (WOII), we explored the topic of aesthetics and how it is important in our everyday lives, both from a creative and a non-creative standpoint.

For that week, we were tasked with taking a picture of the storefront of any existing food and beverage service and creating a character/visual mood board depicting its overall vibe and aesthetic. I chose a cafe called (working title) LASALLE and created a mood board centered around its minimalistic and chic branding.

I have successfully depicted the cafe as its own character by incorporating and considering different elements, such as the typewriter font used for the signboard and the overall decor and food sold at the cafe.

According to Hungerford, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" (Hungerford 142).

Aesthetics plays a vital role in design because it helps to easily identify certain key elements, which serve as a form of visual aid. Being able to identify these elements and break them down is crucial (especially for designers) as it sets a certain vision and end goal for any type of project. A designer needs to use aesthetics as a stepping stone to complement the usability of their designs and enhance functionality through various factors, such as colors, shapes, and balance.

For example, I applied aesthetics to my studio module by collecting relevant resources for the designer I am working on, German designer Otl Aicher. I aim to achieve this by encapsulating his more notable works, such as his work for the 1972 Summer Olympics. The designer intentionally chose a bright and colourful palette for the event, as Germany had just come out of WWII. Thus, I applied those same colour schemes to my works as to amplify my work as well as pay homage to the designer, killing two birds with one stone.

(296 words)

References:

Quote | Hungerford, Margaret Wolfe. Molly Bawn. London, Hurst and Blackett, 1878. https://www.google.com.sg/books/edition/Molly_Bawn/dgM1AAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1

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Critical Thinking Module, Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 3:

I enjoyed this session of the Critical Thinking module as it explores the different career paths and future possibilities that we will encounter as future designers and how we can apply Critical Thinking skills to my design journey and other future projects. 

For this week, our group were presented with the following questions. 

"What kinds of collaborative projects would you like to do?", "What kind of final project would you like to do?" and "Consider Community engagements and Professional skills".

On the topic of collaborative projects, I would like to work with students from Music Production to design deliverables such as album art covers, promotional posters/leaflets, and other marketing collaterals. Collaborating with students from other Faculties would give me an excellent opportunity to work with other individuals from different walks of life with different perspectives. This will help me hone my teamwork and communication skills.

As for the final-year project, I am interested in projects that involve real-life societal issues. These would challenge me to expand my design thinking skills and apply them to tackle taboo issues and yet deliver it in a way that would be socially accepted.

Personally, I would like to work on a project that pays particular attention to safe sex. It would be centred on educating and demystifying social stereotypes of HIV/AIDS patients. I would like to use my design skills to create awareness and educate people about these topics. We should not shame people for something they have and provide assistance to something that could be avoided. Working with organizations such as  Durex Singapore or  Actions For AIDS Singapore (AFA) whose mission is to “draws upon a network of healthcare professionals, advocates, educators and volunteers, to implement educational, testing, treatment and welfare programmes." Will help to amplify the message and values that I strongly stand for.

I am a person who thrives in a group setting, and my ability to articulate my thoughts and opinions clearly is vital when it comes to group projects. When disagreement occurs, I would be able to work through those conflicts and still remain professional at the end of the day.

(352 words)

References:

Action For Aids Singapore, https://afa.org.sg/

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Critical Thinking Module, Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 2:

As the weeks leading up to the summative submission come closer and closer, the pressure can get to the best of us. However, with the critical thinking skills that have been learned and taught throughout the past few weeks, I am assured that I can find a way to manage these overwhelming emotions and overcome them to the best of my abilities.

Each week has taught me a viable lesson that could be applied through the various modules that I am currently taking for Year 1. For example, for the Craft module, I am constantly adapting to new challenges as assignments are rolled out weekly. I have to constantly churn out new ideas and be able to execute them well. Apart from that, this module is the one that takes up a lot of effort and time. Thus, I have to find and manage my time well so that I do not rush the process and submit work that I am not satisfied with. Similarly, the same could be said about the rest of my other modules.

A lot of my other modules (i.e., Digital Skills, Photography, etc.) consist of having to be open to criticism and change, especially when I am provided with constructive criticism from both the perspectives of my lecturers and peers. Hence, when provided with criticism and feedback, I would have to use my problem-solving skills to solve those issues and start thinking objectively to fully maximize my capabilities as a student and a learning-to-be-industry-ready designer.

Personally, I do feel a tad bit overwhelmed with the workload and the pressure of having to do the best that I can. As I am both a student and working part-time to support my daily essentials, I feel that I have not had the time to fully take in and appreciate my alone time as I am constantly bombarded with either school or work, which in return makes me feel lethargy. I have not had the time to appreciate the small things that should be celebrated in life. Therefore, I am looking to grow in that aspect. I will find the time to take it slow and reflect on how I could better manage myself emotionally and physically.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"don't mean to reproach you by saying this

I know that scares you

All of the big occasions you might have missed

No, I accept you

And I don't even need to know your reasons

It's okay, it's okay, it's okay" - SOPHIE

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(369 words)

References:

Lyrics | It's Okay To Cry (2017), SOPHIE, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_S0qCeA-pc

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Critical Thinking Module, Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 1:

Personally, my understanding of the Critical Thinking module from week 1 till the current week (week 10) has vastly changed. Initially, I thought the Critical Thinking module was nothing more than just thinking more in-depth about our work and revising to improve and achieve a higher grade. However, the past few weeks have proven me wrong, as it is more than just thinking academically; it is also about having a better understanding of oneself and how we can manage emotionally and physically when problems arise.

For example, for this week, I had grouped up with a few of my classmates, and we were tasked to do a visual metaphor and come up with a mindmap of some sort to describe the past week's topics that we had covered during the Critical Thinking module. We had come together to brainstorm some of the more important aspects of the topics that were given for the past few weeks and illustrate our emotions towards them.

My groupmates and I illustrated our depiction of hell as we felt that the Critical Thinking module can be quite hell-ish sometimes as it requires a lot of brain power. Our original plan was to draw out the seven deadly sins and assign them to each week, but we had to forgo that as we lacked time. Even though I was adamant about doing that idea, I was able to compromise and manage through those emotions as I understood that presenting and completing the task at hand was more vital.

As said well in a blog post on The Knowledge Academy by Sienna Roberts on The Importance of Critical Thinking: A Complete Overview:

"At its core, Critical Thinking encourages individuals to approach Problem-Solving in a systematic manner, considering multiple perspectives and potential solutions."

I found the activity to be quite engaging and invigorating as it shows progression through the lens of not only myself but also my peers. The activity further amplifies important aspects of each topic which could assist students who lack an understanding of critical thinking be it through education or their own daily life. Furthermore, the activity encourages teamwork which is important as it helps develop individuals to be more proactive which would be a staple when they enter the working industry.

(357 Words)

References:

The Importance of Critical Thinking: A Complete Overview by Sienna Roberts (2023), The Knowledge Academy, https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/blog/importance-of-critical-thinking/

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Critical Thinking Week #3: Emotional Intelligence

01. We talked about "Self-management"," Self-awareness", "Empathy" and "Relationship management". Which aspect do you think you are strongest at, and which is something you should try to improve? Discuss with reference to today's activities, and even your Studio collaborations.

⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you. There are five key elements to EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. ("From What is Emotional Intelligence...")

I had an epiphany. For the past few weeks of constant group discussions and assignments back to back, I realised that I possess skills that I had never thought I would acquire. These skills would truly assist me in key areas of my life that I never thought would be needed. The 4 major skills or aspects that I find helpful were skills like self-management, self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management. These skills have aided me in managing a well-balanced lifestyle not only personally but also socially. 

Through self-management, I can keep track of my schedule and constantly be on the ball when new assignments are thrown my way. I try to finish my assignments as much as I possibly can so that my assignments do not stack up and affect me in the long run. As I am working part-time as well, I identify days that I can go to work and days that are dedicated to school only so that it does not clash and leave me feeling overwhelmed when it comes to lack of time. 

Being self-aware and practicing empathy when it comes to working with my peers is crucial especially when it comes to group work. Everyone individually has their own ideas and opinions, thus, being able to be self-aware and not overstep people's boundaries is key when it comes to group discussions. Being empathetic and understanding each other standpoints is very important so as to not leave people feeling uncomfortable and reserved to themselves. Managing relationships and having good communication among each other helps build bonds and to not cause any misunderstandings and conflicts in the team. 

Being able to explain about these key aspects is easy however putting it to use during real-life situations is drastically different than I thought. Things that I think I could improve on is to be more proactive with my peers. Practising empathy takes a lot of time and I felt that I was not able to reach out as much as I wanted to. During the group discussion, everyone had very similar standpoints thus I felt those who did have a different perspective were not able to tell us about it. Due to not having a very engaging discussion, the discussion would abruptly halt to a stop and die down very quickly.

(383 words)

References:

What is emotional intelligence and how does it apply to the workplace?, Mental Health America, https://mhanational.org/what-emotional-intelligence-and-how-does-it-apply-workplace#:~:text=Emotional%20Intelligence%20(EI)%20is%20the,%2C%20empathy%2C%20and%20social%20skills.

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Critical Thinking Week #2: Collaborative Skills

Q1. Describe your strengths and weaknesses as a collaborator. What did you do well, and what are some areas to improve? Discuss with reference to today's activities.

Q2. If you had more time and an unlimited budget, how would you design the monument differently? Include pictures of the group work, and your personal re-design.

⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦

As a collaborator, I believe that my core strength is being able to give ideas and take leadership to initiate conversations and discussions to get the ball rolling. I think it’s a key skill to take that first step and take the responsibility to get a clear understanding of what we aim to achieve and accomplish through the project with the time allocated. I understand that working in a group setting can be tough for some individuals thus I try to be engaging by listening to everyone’s ideas and ensuring that everyone has a key role to play and not be left out of the conversation. Apart from that, encouraging open communication within the group helps by making sure that everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.

However, even being a leader has its weaknesses as well. I think I can be more confident when it comes to ensuring everyone’s roles and responsibilities;  putting my trust in my team and being confident that they know what they’re doing. I have the tendency to check in and I feel like it could be annoying at times. I can sometimes be a perfectionist which can at times hinder in the way that I work with people but I am trying my best to improve on that.

If I had the opportunity to to design the monument differently, I would make the monument more of an abstract shape and had a more minimalistic look to it. Maybe something similar to works by Singaporean sculptor, Ng Eng Teng, and take on issues like racism and discrimination in a more respectful and serious tone rather than doing something vibrant and celebrating people’s culture.  

(279 words)

References:

Picture | NG ENG TENG, 38, LOCAL SCULPTOR WHOSE LATEST SCULPTURES...(1974), National Archives of Singapore, https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/afbf4e33-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad

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Critical Thinking Week #1: What is Critical Thinking?

Q1. Describe your understanding of critical thinking that you had before the class, and reflect on what you may have learned.

02. What have you learned about Mindfulness? How might you integrate this into your learning environment?

Q3. Describe an eventful moment you have experienced in this class.

⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦⛦༺𓆩♱𓆪༻⛦

"The latter (critical thinking) represents a fundamental positive skill that allows individuals to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information objectively and rationally… to move the ball forward, change the world, and fuel innovation...(you get the picture)." - (David Sable, 2024)

When I think about what critical thinking means and my understanding of the concept of critical thinking, I think about how I should place myself in the shoes of someone who is not me and essentially “judge” and analyze a body of work to expand better and further push myself to make well-reasoned decisions and opinions for the betterment of myself and the works that I put out. I believed it was primarily a cognitive skill used to solve problems or understand complex situations by breaking them down into simpler parts but I use it as a means to critique my own works. This of course is from the standpoint of a designer. 

However, I have now realised that there is more to it than just to improve oneself. Elements such as mindfulness and being aware of other people's opinions play a part as well. Practicing being mindful and being reflective can cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and acceptance which can lead to a better mentality and overall well-being of oneself. Apart from that, having awareness can help get a deeper understanding of where people stand and not be fazed by the majority opinion.  

An eventful moment that happened in class was when the class was asked to discuss and find a solution on how to improve the design studio. It was intriguing to see how everyone thinks and to also listen to people voicing their opinions and get into detail about how they would improve the facility. For example, many agreed that the studio should put up past students works as a form of creative inspiration but also to the encourage students to achieve for better. We also discussed about how the seating arrangement could be changed so that it maximises and better relay knowledge to students.

(299 words)

References:

What Does Critical Thinking Really Mean by David Sable (2024), LinkedIn.com, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-critical-thinking-really-mean-david-sable-fxove