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WOLL Compulsory: In summary

As the name World of Ideas and Imagination, this module truly feels like a world filled with creativity and imagination. It has helped me develop my ability to think creatively, imagine possibilities, and build strong ideas. Each weekly topic has provided me with valuable insights that not only supported my work in other modules in this semester but also will continue to benefit my design career in the future.

Compared to my previous semester, I can see clear progress in my assignments. There were topics in this module that I found especially inspiring and directly applied to my work. For example, the topic of “phenomenology” taught me how to draw from my own lived experiences to express ideas and breathe life into my designs, allowing the audience to feel and understand the message I want to convey ( see fig. 1). Moreover, according to feedback from lecturers, my design work tends to be quite safe and adheres closely to design principles. Therefore, “postmodernism” was a particularly important topic for me. This has encouraged me to explore beyond my comfort zone, take creative risks, and experiment with bold, unconventional approaches to design.

Overall, through all topics I have learned, I’ve been able to develop my thinking and further enhance my design capabilities.

Fig. 1: "New Ways of Seeing Type" – Poster design for Craft Workshop.

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WOII: Week 11 - Postmodernism

Postmodernism refers to a reaction against modernism. It is less a cohesive movement than an approach and attitude toward art, culture, and society. As Gary Aylesworth once said, “its differences lie within modernity itself, and postmodernism is a continuation of modern thinking in another mode” (2005). Rooted in mid- to late-twentieth-century philosophy, postmodern art emphasized individual experience and personal interpretation, valuing these as more tangible and meaningful than abstract, universal principles.

For a designer, postmodernism holds even greater significance. It offers the freedom to create without being bound by traditional rules or principles (see fig. 1), allowing designers to explore styles they may have never considered before. These experiments can lead to success or failure, but what truly matters is the courage to take risks and step outside the comfort zone. Constant creativity, a willingness to explore the unknown, and the drive to challenge oneself are key to a designer’s growth and success.

Last semester, I had the opportunity to explore postmodernism in a craft workshop, where we chose a prompt and expressed it by cutting and pasting images from newspapers and magazines (see fig. 2). It was something I had never done before, and the experience really helped expand my imagination.

This semester, I continued to challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone, especially during exercises. In Digital Skills, for example, I applied postmodernist principles by rejecting a conventional grid layout and instead structuring the text within a skewed 3D form to resemble an abstracted office tower. Rather than presenting a fixed message, the layout invites viewers to interpret the visual form in relation to the text content (see fig. 3).

Fig. 1: David Carson commissioned work for the Smithsonian institute, Washington DC, June. 2014,

https://www.davidcarsondesign.com/work/

Fig. 2: This is a collage portrait exercise I created for the Studio module, inspired by the prompt "I know what you did last summer".

Fig. 3: As part of a Digital Skills class exercise, I explored different approaches to designing engaging and dynamic layouts.

( 269 Words)

References:

In MLA style–ref the Learning Center website.

Gary Aylesworth. "Postmodernism". Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, First published Sep 30,

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/postmodernism/

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WOII: Week 9 - Cultural Materialism

Cultural materialism is a key anthropological framework for analyzing human societies. ”It also explores the values, beliefs, and worldviews that predominate society” (Ashley Crossman, 2019). When applied as a research method, it enables designers to critically examine the values, beliefs, and worldviews of a particular era through the close study of cultural products. This approach also reveals how these cultural elements relate to broader social structures, emerging trends, and societal issues. To achieve this, designers must consider the historical context in which a product was created, interpret its symbolic meanings, and assess how it functions within the larger social framework.

For example, in the animated film Zootopia ( see fig. 1), set in a city inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a hidden conspiracy. The film is set in a modern society that closely mirrors human life—animals have homes, jobs, and modes of transportation. The development of infrastructure in the film leads to the establishment of a structured society, complete with laws and social organization. Symbols of justice and fairness are also present, and the role of the police is portrayed as a challenging and demanding profession.

In my design training, it is essential to consider cultural materialism, as infrastructure directly influences design. Understanding the material and technological realities of a society helps reveal how culture is shaped within a specific context. By beginning with an analysis of these foundational elements, I can gain deeper insights into a culture’s values, behaviors, and social structures—and ultimately create more informed and contextually relevant designs.

Fig. 1. Zootopia Wallpaper, "Zootropolis Wallpapers". Caveman, 2019,

https://wallpapercave.com/w/wp1812612

( 269 words)

References:

In MLA style–ref the Learning centre website.

Ashley Crossman. "Definition of Cultural Materialism". ThoughtCo. 15 Oct. 2019,

https://www.thoughtco.com/cultural-materialism-3026168

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WOII Compulsory: Week 5 & 6 — Design Analysis and Field Trip

Everything around us, from the simplest to the most intricate designs, holds certain meanings. To fully understand the meaning of a design, we must consider five major components, with special attention to two key aspects: mediums and craftsmanship.

For example, "the famous conical hat, or "Non La" in Vietnamese, is an essential component of Vietnamese handicrafts. Non La is more than a trinket; it's a symbol of Vietnamese heritage" (Ngoc Tu Dinh, 2025). Crafting this hat is a meticulous process. The artisan carefully flattens each leaf, trims it diagonally, and then uses a needle to stitch the leaves together in one go, arranging them evenly around the hat frame (see fig. 1). Traditionally, these hats serve practical purposes like against weather conditions. However, the conical hat is also deeply tied to the spiritual and cultural life of the Vietnamese people, especially women. Across the country, it stands as a symbol of beauty, elegance and the rustic charm of Vietnamese women.

During the field trip, I observed several handmade lamps and chose "Culture" as the theme for my photos ( see fig.2). These lamps are deeply connected to the traditions of each country. For instance, in ancient China, lamps were often crafted using paper and wood, a practice that has endured for centuries.

In Vietnam, the design of the bread-shaped lamp carries special meaning, as Bánh mì (Vietnamese bread) is one of the most iconic dishes in Vietnamese cuisine (see fig. 3). The use of bamboo in creating household items, including lamps, also has deep historical roots, symbolizing the resourcefulness and connection to nature in Vietnamese culture.

Japanese lamps, on the other hand, prominently feature paper, particularly washi paper, which holds a 1400-year-old tradition. "With both handmade and machine made Japanese washi papers, great care and attention to detail is taken in the making of them, they are much sought after" ( Shaun Mavronicolas, 11 May) .

From their origins in ancient China, to their use as symbols of hope and happiness in Japan, to their popularity in modern times, paper lanterns continue to captivate and delight people of all ages. Whether we’re using them for practical or decorative purposes, handicraft lamps are sure to add a touch of warmth and beauty to any space.

Fig. 1: A Vietnamese woman is weaving conical hats. Rainforest cruises, 21 May. 2019,

https://www.rainforestcruises.com/guides/the-asian-conical-hat

Fig. 2: These are the homemade lamps I took pictures of during my field trip.

Fig. 3: Vietnamese bread is one of the most iconic dishes in Vietnamese cuisine. Bakeshop,

https://bakeshop.vn/products/banh-mi-viet-nam-cap-dong

Fig. 4: A work of design that I think it is a meaningful addition to the existing grouping.

( 324 words)

References:

In MLA style–ref the Learning centre website.

Mavronicolas ."Japanese paper (washi) selection and things to consider". Worksbyshaun.com, 11 May, https://www.worksbyshaun.com/blog/japanese-washi-paper-selection-and-things-to-consider

Ngoc Tu Dinh ."Best Vietnam Handicrafts to Bring Home". Izitour.com ,2025,

https://izitour.com/en/blog/vietnam-handicrafts#conical-hat

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WOII: Week - 4 Semiotics

Semiotics, the study of signs and symbols and their interpretation, is crucial in the world of art and design. Semiotic analysis, "which examines the meanings of signs and symbols, helps us understand how these elements express ideas, emotions, and messages through visual art forms" ( Adrian Reynolds 2023).

In 2023, this advertisement was part of a series promoting the World Rally Championship (WRC) tournament held in Japan. The designer (AgencyDentsu Inc./ Tokyo) effectively utilized semiotics to spread the news that this world's major sports event had come to Japan, and to convey the appeal of rally to a new audience. In this advertisement, the red circle and flame are signifiers, which signified the power, speed and Japanese culture. 

In my design training, semiotics play a crucial role as they serve as a key tool to ensure that intended meanings are clearly and unambiguously understood by the audience. Using signifiers such as icons, indexes, or symbols must be applied thoughtfully in design. These elements not only help convey information without the need for language but also have a strong visual impact on viewers, making the message more impressed and leaving a lasting impression.

For instance, in the Crumpler design competition, I illustrated a Qilin in my design ( see fig. 2). I chose the Qilin because of its deep symbolism and rich cultural meaning. It symbolizes good fortune and prosperity—qualities that many people aspire to have in their lives. By incorporating the Qilin into the bag’s design, I hope to evoke these qualities and imbue the bag with a sense of luck and prosperity for its owner.

Fig. 1. Driving Sun - Rally Japan 2023, The One Club, 2024,

https://www.oneclub.org/awards/theoneshow/-award/51926/driving-sun-rally-japan-2023/

Fig. 2. This is one of the designs I created for the Crumpler Bag Design Contest.

(266 Words) 

References:

In MLA style–ref the Learning Center website.

Adrian Reynold. "Semiotics in Art and Design: Understanding the Power of Symbols and Signs". REN Creative Works, 14 OCt. 2023,

https://adrianreynolds.ie/semiotics-in-art-and-design/?srsltid=AfmBOopsbFahc1prUHrlVBJzpBEBELPbT9afobXKymOQflWrWGMV3Mux

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WOII: Week 1 - Phenomenology

"Phenomenology is the study of the structures of consciousness as experienced from the first-person point of view" (David Woodruff Smith, 2003). This approach emphasizes the importance of perception, intentionality, and the lived experience of individuals in shaping their understanding of the world around them (see fig. 1).

In class activity, we interpreted the concepts of time or shadows through a series of images. I chose to illustrate the growth process of a plant, from seed to fruit, to represent the passage of time. For me, this process captures how nature changes over time, with the plant’s growth symbolizing both time and transformation.

I was particularly impressed by Komal’s photos (my classmate) which featured photos she took during her visit to her hometown in India. Although many years have passed and her hometown has developed significantly, the familiar and intimate images remain. These represent her culture and values, which are deeply tied to her personal growth. Through her imagery, she successfully communicates her deep love for her homeland, allowing viewers to connect with her emotions.

In my design training, applying phenomenology to my work will be essential. My lived experiences shape my understanding of the world, that allow me to express and convey my thoughts and feelings in my designs. Elements like colours, graphics, fonts, and layouts are tools for conveying these experiences into visual communication. For instance, when working for the project of Studio modules in this term, I have researched the creative style of a designer, then analysed and interpreted his style. Using my understanding, I could design publications such as posters, postcards, brochures, and catalogs to promote his exhibition (see fig. 2).

Fig. 1. The painting of Uncle Ho (the first president of Vietnam) at the Viet Bac resistance base, created by artist Duong Bich Lien in 1980. Chaohanoi, 7 Oct. 2019,

https://chaohanoi.com/2019/10/07/vietnam-national-fine-arts-museum-an-artistic-trip-through-time/

Fig. 2. My poster for a project in Studio module.

(279 words)

References:

In MLA style–ref the Learning Center website.

David Woodruff Smith. "Phenomenology". Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2003,

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/phenomenology/

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CTS A - Week 12 - Compulsory question 3

A collaborative project I would like to incorporate is a social media campaign in partnership with the Diploma in Interior Design. It would be innovative office designs integrating vegetable growing spaces, supporting Singapore's "30 by 30" goal to produce 30% of the country's food locally by 2030. Using 3D technology, our campaign would showcase office layouts that integrate sustainable indoor gardening solutions. My role would be to involve create visual representations, such as videos, booklets, and posters, to effectively communicate the campaign’s vision. I hope this project will not only inspire people to enhance workplace aesthetics but also promote indoor vegetable spaces, contributing to a healthier environment and supporting Singapore's food security plan.

For my final project, I want to design an app that supports the “Nuoi Em” project. This project addresses the issue of the lack of a nutritious lunch among ethnic minority students in remote areas of Vietnam, which impacts school attendance. As a digital designer, I want to contribute by collaborating with the IT team to develop an app that keeps donors informed with the latest updates, visit schedules, and public voting options for project-related decisions. This app would provide an intuitive user interface, enabling donors to communicate easily with organisers, replacing the current reliance on private messaging.

An organiztion I would love to get involved with is "Homie Badminton," a community of Vietnamese badminton enthusiasts in Singapore. I want to help with the preparations for annual tournament by designing backdrops, hashtags, standee banners, and posters. Through these efforts, I hope to attract more participants, foster connections to our homeland, and promote a healthy, vibrant community.

I aspire to become a UI/UX designer or a graphic designer in publishing. I aim to create designs that effectively communicate through apps or publications while providing an optimal user experience. Through CTS A, I believe I would be equipped with critical thinking, a growth mindset, and collaborative skills that are essential for my career success.

( 335 words)

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CTS A - Week 11 - Compulsory Question 2

Many of the topics I learned from CTS A have proven valuable in my studio work. For instance, the in-class activities often involve collaborative skills. When all members actively participate, share their opinions, and respect each other’s ideas, we achieve the best results. Effective teamwork also involves managing emotions, especially when we encounter differing perspectives. By applying relationship management skills, we can resolve conflicts and come to a consensus that respects everyone’s contributions. Lastly, the use of facts, reliable sources is essential for my work. I often need to gather substantial information and reference materials. While the internet is a convenient resource, I also borrow books in the school library. This ensures that the information I rely on is both accurate and dependable.

Through a growth mindset and incorporating reliable sources, my craft workshop exercises gradually improved. I regularly seek inspiration and references from popular websites like Pinterest and Behance and try different ideas when I do crafts. Additionally, applying critical thinking to my work helps me understand the principles more deeply to apply them effectively to my exercises.

In photography,  critical thinking helps me to improve my photography skills. To answer the question of how to achieve ideal lighting and create a contrasting effect, I took photos at different times of the day to find out the perfect time. With a growth mindset, I took photos from various angles to find the best composition; instead of only shooting at designated locations during field trips, I looked for more places to capture a wider range of moments and perspectives.

Critical thinking is essential in digital skills because there are multiple ways to achieve the same result, so I often experiment with different approaches to identify the most efficient and effective methods. Having  documentation for art practice is also essential because it creates a rich resource for future reference and transforms the design process into a more thoughtful, transparent, and effective practice.

( 332 words)

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CTS A - Week 10 - Compulsory Question 1

Through my Critical Thinking Skills (CTS) module, I've come to understand that this module helps students develop essential thinking abilities that support not only other modules but also our daily lives. To represent our journey in CTS, our team used the image of a plant in a pot as a visual metaphor.

We started with a flower pot, which served as a foundation. From here all the elements began to branch out. Over the weeks, we are gradually learning new knowledge like the leaves gradually absorbing nutrients to grow. Over time, these leaves became stronger and more numerous, symbolizing our growth as students. Each day of learning, practicing and applying new knowledge adds to our development, just as leaves make a plant more robust.

Among the topics, my favourite was growth mindset. We used our metaphor of a tree to express this idea further. The bark of a tree, although it provides protection and support, is not static. A tree’s bark must stretch to accommodate its growth. If the bark was too rigid, the tree wouldn’t be able to grow (Stephen Ellker). This idea resonated with me as a reminder that we must continually broaden our horizons, seek out new ideas, and cultivate creativity to succeed as professional designers.

The aspect that left the strongest impression on me was a slide that compared the growth mindset to a fixed mindset. It illustrated scenarios that helped me understand the value of a growth mindset and its practical application. For my InDesign assignment, my initial layout was simple and safe. After receiving feedback from my lecturer, I decided to adopt a growth mindset, actively seeking out additional references and tutorials to broaden my perspective. With an open mind, I explored a more creative and visually engaging layout. As a result, I am deeply satisfied with the final design.

( 317 words)

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Emotional Intelligence

Through the years, I recognize that I am quite good at self-awareness. Every day, I often think about the significant activities of the day, then summarise what I did well and what I could improve. This way, I gain a better understanding of myself and can clearly identify my strengths and weaknesses. This has helped me in my studio work, as I know I am good at generating ideas, so it is especially helpful to have a strong start when assignments and tasks are given. 

As for my weaknesses, I would say relationship management is an area I need to work on. As an introvert, I find it difficult to express my thoughts or ideas during group exercises. However, I always manage my emotions and remain open to others during group activities to ensure the best results.

In this week’s activity, the lecturer gave us a list of questions to ask a classmate and paired us randomly to let us interview each other. It was a great opportunity to share personal thoughts and emotions. I not only had the chance to reflect and better understand myself when answering the questions, but I also got to know my group partner better.

By reflecting on both my strengths and areas for growth, I’m becoming more aware of how i can contribute to group settings while improving my relationship management skills. This experience has motivated me to continue developing these abilities, knowing that they will not only enhance my personal development but also contribute to better teamwork and collaboration in the future.

(260 words)

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Collaborative skills

My strengths include being open minded and active listening. However, I recognize that I need to improve my public speaking and presentation skills. During today’s activities, I worked with my classmates to select a monument and design it. Although my initial idea wasn’t chosen, I actively contributed to the discussion. Ultimately, we decided on the topic of "fast fashion" suggested by our team leader. I recommended Orchard Road as the location for our monument due to its many shopping malls. We selected Ngee Ann City to place the monument in front of the main entrance next to the fountain. I helped search for images to convey our message, and while my suggestions weren’t used, I was happy to contribute and be part of the team effort.

 If I had more time and a limited budget, I would design the monument by creating a pile of discarded clothes and then placing it on the pallet to keep the clothes from getting damp. To prevent rain from damaging them, I would design and install a temporary roof. Moreover, I would install an information board next to it, where visitors can read about fast fashion’s impact and take action by reducing their shopping or fashion waste. To promote my monument, I would ​​use social media by collaborating with key opinion leaders (KOL) to post photos of the monument and raise awareness of the harmful effects of fast fashion on the environment. By emphasising powerful visuals and thoughtful placement, my monument could highlight the issue of fast fashion and inspire people to rethink their consumption habits.

(267 words)

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Critical thinking and mindfulness

Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment (Alison Doyle, 2024) . For me, critical thinking is all about asking the right questions. When faced with a problem, a piece of information, we should step back from the situation to view it from multiple angles. This approach allows me to carefully analyze the situation, uncover hidden issues and make the best possible decision.

Mindfulness, on the other hand, is the practice of bringing my awareness to the present moment and fully engaging with it. As a student, I often face pressure from parents and peers, which can lead to stress and anxiety about the past or future.

When I struggle with maintaining focus during lectures and assignments practicing mindfulness can be beneficial. It helps me concentrate on the present, maintain a positive attitude, and reduce harmful behaviours. It also aids in managing emotions and boosting self-esteem, contributing to a more positive classroom environment.

In the first lesson of our critical thinking module, the teacher asked each student to briefly introduce themselves to the class. We gathered closely, starting with a girl sitting in front of the teacher. As the first person to speak, I remember her words most clearly. She made a strong impression on me because just like me, she was aware of her weakness in English. Despite this, she spoke slowly and clearly. Her performance inspired me to overcome my shyness and actively engage with my classmates. After everyone introduced themselves, we began to feel more comfortable and friendly with each other.

(273 words)