iamjustadonut

[iamjustadonut]

World of Ideas and Imagination Course Summary

Week 1: Grace and I visited Sim Lim Square to take photos of signage. After class at 4:15 PM, we selected four pieces of signage that resonated with us and curated images on Pinterest to reflect our shared interests.

Week 4: we analyzed the "Buckle Up, Stay Safe" advertisement from Quebec. Our discussion focused on sign analysis and cultural context, enhancing our appreciation of its powerful messages and audience perception. These semiotic concepts inspired our creative potential across various disciplines.

Weeks 5-6: We shared and analyzed objects of personal significance in a reflective activity focused on "Materiality" and "Structure." Our field trip to Kampong Gelam allowed us to appreciate the vibrant cultural heritage.

Week 10: We embarked on a self-directed photography walk, capturing meaningful text and imagery. This project involved matching texts with our photos facilitating an exchange of ideas. We learned how interpretation can shape a reader's understanding of a message.

Week 11: Our team created an advertisement for baby wipes with the slogan, "Wipes That Will Bring Heaven to You." We used images of clouds, babies, and angels to create feelings of warmth and comfort. These design discussions helped us become more understanding creators, focusing on the emotional impact of our work.

words : 211 words

[iamjustadonut]

WOII week 10

We were assigned to form groups of 2 to 3 people for a self-directed walk to capture photos of text and images that resonated with us. Grace and I teamed up but decided to take photos independently to express our unique perspectives.

As we explored the neighborhood, we observed intricate details, vibrant colors, and thought-provoking messages that influenced our photography. After immersing ourselves in our surroundings, we gathered at a designated meeting spot to share our experiences. We exchanged insights about the photographs we had taken and discussed the stories behind them before diving into our collaborative group work. This interaction enriched our understanding and inspired our creative process as we combined ideas. We matched texts and photos that complemented each other, sharing our thoughts to understand, interpret, and shape our images in relation to the texts we captured.

We applied critical reasoning to explain the connection between the text and the photo during our presentation to our lecturer. We came to the realization that the reader's interpretation is more important than the writer's intended meaning, as the true intention can never be fully known. However, we misunderstood our assignment and didn’t realize we were only supposed to submit one word; instead, we included the entire text. Ultimately, we decided that functionality was more important and focused on discussing its significance in our presentation slide.

works cited and referenced : Bernard E. Harcourt, "An Answer to the Question: 'What Is Poststructuralism?'" (University of Chicago Public Law & Legal Theory Working Paper No. 156, 2007).

[iamjustadonut]

WOII week 11

We teamed up for a creative project and chose the pack of baby wipes Grace brought along. This unique choice inspired us and opened up many marketing possibilities.

During our collaboration, we enjoyed a great synergy, enthusiastically sharing ideas. It was uplifting to explore the various uses of the wipes. After brainstorming, we agreed on a catchy slogan: "Wipes That Will Bring Heaven to You."

In our advertisement, we aspired to create a playful and uplifting image, focusing on a design that is not only warmer and more colorful but also experimental in nature—one that elicits joy and positivity. We chose to represent the wipes as fluffy clouds, accompanied by a cherubic baby in a diaper, a whimsical bird, and a serene angel. This imagery was intended to evoke a heavenly atmosphere that resonates deeply with our audience.

However, we recognize that our approach may not have fully encapsulated the complexities of postmodernism, a movement that embraces contradiction and intricate layers of meaning. We understand that in postmodern design, thetraditional boundaries and established rules are often challenged or even disregarded. Acknowledging this, we appreciate the nuanced difficulty in striking the right balance in modern design, where innovation and tradition must coexist harmoniously.

works cited and referenced :

(“Postmodernism Design.” Spacestor, 28 Dec. 2017, spacestor.com/insights/industry-trends/postmodernism-design/. )

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WOII WEEK 5 AND 6

In this lesson, we took part in a meaningful design analysis experience by sharing three significant objects each. 

Forming small groups, we enthusiastically discussed our choices, focusing on the craftsmanship, significance, and visual appeal of our items, which deepened our connections and appreciation for the materials.

In our journey of analysis, we collaborated to uncover key themes in design, categorizing our items under "Materiality" and "Structure." This thoughtful framework not only strengthened our understanding of how materials and forms interact but also enriched our shared learning experience. We reflected on how our choices impact the overall effectiveness of our designs and considered why we selected specific materials and methods. It was essential for us to think about how our designs would resonate with others, ensuring that our creations genuinely connect with those we aim to serve.

works cited and referenced :

(“Evaluating Design Work - Analysing and Evaluating - National 5 Art and Design Revision - BBC Bitesize.” BBC News, BBC, 3 Mar. 2023, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zsnwj6f/revision/3. )

When it was time to present our slides, I felt excited and nervous, but it went well. My classmates' insights sparked new ideas.

As class ended, we learned about our upcoming formative assessment and our trip to Kampong Gelam. I’m eager to explore the vibrant cultural areas and connect more with our surroundings.

I felt unwell during week 6 but visited Kampong Glam the next week. The vibrant Ramadan celebrations created an uplifting atmosphere, and the bustling bazaar showcased the area’s diversity.

A striking mural on a shophouse wall depicted the rich history of Kampong Glam. It showed a cross-section of a Bussorah Street home with children playing, alongside images of the old Masjid Sultan and Beach Road's 1800s seashore houses, all reflecting a strong sense of community and heritage.

works cited and referenced :

(Tay, Shintaro. “Mural Artist Gives Kampong Glam A Glam Up.” The Straits Times, 15 Nov. 2024, www.straitstimes.com/singapore/mural-artist-gives-kampong-glam-a-glam-up. )

WORDS 307

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WOII Week 4: Semiotics

Our group, made up of myself, Dillon, Ningze, and Andrew, analyzed the "Buckle Up, Stay Safe" advertisement from Quebec. The ad features a person in a blue shirt wearing a seat belt, with their birth year visible and their death year obscured. This striking image serves as a reminder of seat belt safety and warns drivers about the risks of behaviors likedrinking or using phones while driving. It emphasizes our shared responsibility for road safety.

After our discussion, we engaged the class in a dialogue about interpreting posters and advertisements, highlighting the role of semiotics in art and media.

Key Approaches in Semiotics:

1. Sign Analysis: How visual, verbal, and audio elements convey meaning.

2. Code Identification:The structure of communication.

3. Cultural Context:Understanding signs through their historical backgrounds.

Applications of Semiotics:

- Visual Arts: How images evoke emotions.

- Film and Television:Narrative structures in storytelling.

- Advertising: The connection between products and culture.

- Digital Media: Meaning conveyed through online platforms.

works cited and referenced :

(Author links open overlay panelK.B. Jensen, and Semiotics is an field that studies ‘the life of signs within society’. This article describes the classical origins of the field.“Semiotics.” International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, Pergamon, 2 Nov. 2002, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B0080430767043783. )

Conclusion:

Our discussions illustrated the impact of media and the arts on cultural understanding. I valued the diverse interpretations from my classmates, which enriched our experience and enhanced our connection to the material.

WORDS 233

[iamjustadonut]

week 2 of D-CM102: World of Ideas and Imagination (WOII).

This week, I reflected on the second session of D-CM102: World of Ideas and Imagination (WOII), where we discussed aesthetics and viewed the video "How Helvetica Became the Biggest Font in Fashion & Beyond | Behind the HYPE." The insights on Helvetica were enlightening.

**What is Helvetica?**  

Helvetica is a Swiss sans-serif font created in 1957. It is known for its neutral design and versatility and is often called the"Kleenex of sans-serif fonts."

**Key Design Elements:**  

- **Sans-serif:** Lacks serifs for a modern look.  

- **Minimalism:** Simple and legible design.  

- **Versatility:** Adapts well to different contexts.

**Why Brands Choose Helvetica:**  

- **Neutrality:** Connects audiences without added personality.  

- **Cohesion:** Creates a unified design.  

- **Modernization:** Used by brands like Burberry and Saint Laurent to signal new directions.

**Widespread Usage:**  

Available for free on Mac and PC and supports multiple languages, major brands like NASA and American Airlines regularly use Helvetica.

### Social Media Default Font  

Helvetica is the default font on Facebook and Instagram, providing a familiar experience.

### Evolution:  

- **Helvetica Now (2019):** Designed for better screen readability.  

- In 2015 Apple replaced Helvetica with "San Francisco" for enhanced accessibility.

works cited and referenced :

( HYPEBEAST. “How HELVETICA Became the Biggest Font in Fashion & Beyond | Behind the HYPE.” YouTube, youtu.be/LQ9SwJZiBf0?si=9vGiPDhLAWNt98zy. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025. )

Grace and I visited Sim Lim Square, enjoying the exploration and reconnecting after time apart. We returned to class around 4:15 PM, inspired, and gathered with our groups to select four pieces of signage that resonated with everyone. We then used Pinterest to find images that complemented our choices, allowing us to express our shared interests and creativity.

WORD 273

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CTS A WEEK 12 ( CONNECT CTS A TO YOUR LEARNING AND PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY )

Q1 what kinds of collaborative projects would you like to do ? Q2 what kind of final project would you like to do? Q3 consider "community engagement and professional skills ". Q4 how might CTSA help you professionally?

After exploring the LaSalle website, I discovered three collaborative projects that resonated with me: the Singapore International Festival of Music, the Illustration Art Festival, and Youth by Youth by Mediacorp. ( lasalle)

I believe I could contribute by designing posters, creating social media content, and enhancing their website. Additionally, I would like to showcase my own illustrations at the Illustration Art Festival.

For my final project, I plan to focus on the healthcare sector by designing medical devices that assist physiotherapists and occupational therapists. I am passionate about improving the lives of their patients and helping others.

I feel a strong responsibility to raise awareness for individuals with disabilities, who often face discrimination. It is essential to highlight their strengths and capabilities.

Through my illustrations, I aim to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that people with disabilities can achieve as much as anyone else. I intend to submit my work to the Illustration Art Festival to promote more inclusive representation.

I am eager to volunteer and support breast cancer patients at KKH, having already signed up to begin this meaningful work next year. I recognize that this journey can be both physically and mentally challenging for them.

With this in mind, I plan to use my art skills to organize craft workshops and art therapy sessions, creating a safe and comforting space where they can express themselves and find joy. Working with these communities is something I am genuinely passionate about, and I want to make a positive impact in their lives.

I believe this experience will support my aspirations of becoming a physiotherapist and eventually starting my own biomedical device business. I will continue to persevere and view failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.

Additionally, I will refrain from comparing myself to others, as I learned during the growth mindset session. I will also reinforce some of the collaborative skills I acquired while operating a business in the future.

word count : 320 words

work citied and referenced :

Lasalle, www.lasalle.edu.sg. 

[iamjustadonut]

CTS A WEEK 11 (connect CTS a to all other module and components )

the challenge here is to address the full range of modules and components . include the image of todays mind map in your response. organize the outcome in writing succinctly -elaborate connections under each module /component , and not go through week by week .

In my craft workshop, studio, and digital skills sessions, we participate in assignments that promote critical thinking and encourage fresh perspectives. I found the first session particularly beneficial, as it prompted me to explore my work more deeply and uncover new ideas.

In our third session, we talked about emotional intelligence, focusing on self-awareness, self-management, empathy, and relationship management. Many of us connected with this topic because managing schoolwork can feel overwhelming. Spending hours on a project can be frustrating, and you might still feel behind. I've learned that trying to be perfect isn't necessary. It's better to stay consistent and not worry too much about failure, especially since we are still young. Our lecturer highlighted this point during our discussion on the growth mindset.(mindset )

In the studio, we often work together in groups. For our research project, we formed four teams and chose the quote: "We never look at just one thing; we are always looking at the relationship between things and ourselves." While in the library, we collected pictures and information, shared ideas, and wrote everything down on a large sheet of paper. This taught us the importance of communication and teamwork.

One of the sessions focused on facts, reliable sources, and how to fill them. It included a video tutorial on using Excel for citations, supporting my photography module. I have found that collecting reference photos inspires me and helps me create unique images with my personal touch.(Audrey Wong ) In our digital media document for the art practice session, I found the lessons on mood boards and image research very helpful. They helped me create a research framework for my studio work. I needed to design a mood board style for my ten sources, and the skills I learned made this process easier and more enjoyable. Each session has improved my understanding of the different areas of each module. I appreciate the growth I've experienced along the way.

word count : 320 words

work citied and referenced :

Audrey Wong Facts, Reliable Sources and Filing Them , https://youtu.be/uMHAoz79HQU?si=ABLYrR49p3r65AGe.  ..Dweck , Dr Carol.s. Mindset. 

[iamjustadonut]

CTS WEEK 10 ( discuss the seven weekly topics as a whole )

Q1 how do you understand the critical thinking skills module ? explain your choice of visual metaphor . do you personally have alternate visual metaphor ?include images in your response. Q2 which was your favorite activities or session?why?which aspect of it were memorable for you ? Q3 what is the value of working in a group ? Q4 what do you wish you did more of or better

Over the past 12 weeks, we have focused on critical thinking, collaborative skills, emotional intelligence, a growth mindset, assertion and conflict management, and digital media documentation for art practice. I gained valuable insights during this module and enjoyed collaborating with my classmates. My favourite session was week 12, where we learned about the growth mindset. Our lecturer in South Korea could not teach this lesson during week 5, so we covered the material then. I found this lesson very informative and important.

The lecturer discussed how to create growth momentum, the issues with comparing ourselves to others, and building a healthy relationship with failure. This was particularly helpful, providing a good overview and aiding my reflection. He also spoke about assertion and conflict management, teaching us how to handle conflict, apologize, take responsibility, and reconcile.

I found this experience beneficial, especially since I have struggled with conflict in the past. For example, a classmate and I had a disagreement due to some miscommunication regarding schoolwork. She yelled at me multiple times, but I tried to remain calm and not react. I still hold some grudges against her and have been unable to reconcile.

To manage conflicts better, I started using the point system that our lecturer introduced, which helped me avoid becoming too angry when conflicts arise. This session was memorable, especially since it was our last lesson with him. After learning all this, I realize the importance of collaboration as a designer. We need to work together to generate new ideas, as each designer brings unique perspectives. By combining our ideas, we can create truly incredible designs. However, I wish we had covered more on emotional intelligence, particularly topics like self-management and self-assessment, in greater depth.

word count : 287 words

work citied and referenced :

the picture above

https://pin.it/7zb6ztqCF.

What Is Critical Thinking?, https://youtu.be/HnJ1bqXUnIM?si=6eWYJ_84Os5OsGSR. 

[iamjustadonut]

week 5 growth mindset

Q1 describe an eventful moment you have experienced in this class , bearing in mind the key ideas of the day. Q2 include selected images of your personal sketches , and explain them . in particular , which sketches did you like most ? which least and why ?

The lecturer introduced the concept of a growth mindset and shared some videos with us. Another instructor led the class since our main lecturer was in South Korea for an event.

For our task, we had to create logos using our left hands. I found drawing hard with my non-dominant hand, especially since we needed to make 15 logos quickly. In the end, I only finished six designs, which made me feel disappointed. Still, the experience was both enjoyable and stressful.

From my sketches, I liked the unique look of my fourth design. However, I was unhappy with the fifth one because it looked messy and needed improvement. In week 12 of school, we talked about his experiences in Korea. He stressed that failure isn't a big deal and that taking risks is better than living with regret, which I agree with. ( our lecturer and Dr carol.s .dweck ) In secondary school, I struggled to pass and faced discouragement from teachers, but I pursued Express Math, Additional Math, and Pure History, eventually passing my exams. I enrolled in the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to explore engineering. While not initially interested, I discovered a talent for CAD programming and robotics. I also pursued a nursing certificate due to my passion for helping others.

While studying, I worked part-time at DHL as a warehouse assistant, gaining experience in logistics. My efforts were recognized with a promotion to team leader, which supported my education and helped me meet great people.

Currently, I aim to volunteer more, explore job opportunities, and connect with others. My long-term goal is to become a physiotherapist and start a nonprofit for cancer patients and people with disabilities.

word count : 273 words

work citied and referenced :

the image above

www.pinterest.com/pin/550424385725740365/

..Dweck , Dr Carol.s. Mindset. 

[iamjustadonut]

week 3 emotional intelligence

Q1 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 activities and even studio collaboration

As usual, we meditated before the brief for 10 minutes. The lecturer showed videos about emotional intelligence and explained it to us in more depth. We also learned about self-management, self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management.(4 Emotional Intelligence) We were assigned to present a scenario from our lecturer about a student who dominates conversations, both positively and negatively, and to create prompts for it.

However, we ended up performing a hospital scene instead. I acted as the patient, Phuong played the doctor, and the other two members played my family. Even though this was different from our original goal, it was a creative interpretation. We had a great time acting out scenes, and it was filled with lots of laughter.

I've noticed two team members feeling left out because of a language barrier. Despite my efforts to include them, they tend to withdraw, likely due to shyness and a lack of confidence. Since this is only my third week with them, they will need time to open up. After class, I feel my strongest aspect is empathy, as I can understand others feeling and listen to them.

For example, I prioritize understanding my patients' feelings and interests in my nursing job. For instance, I cared for an Indian patient by showering her, applying cream, and massaging her with oil to relieve her pain and itchiness from severe skin wounds.

During this, I engaged her in conversation about her life, family, and interests. I feel happy whenever they smile. It gives me satisfaction. However, I need to work on self-management more, as I tend to overthink a lot, which affects my work.

word count : 268 words

work cited and referenced: 4 Emotional Intelligence Skills for Handling Crises, www.kornferry.com/insights/this-week-in-leadership/emotional-intelligence-skills-coronavirus-leadership#:~:text=The%20four%20domains%20of%20Emotional,reactivity%20and%20fewer%20unintended%20consequences. 

[iamjustadonut]

week 2 collaborative skills

Q1 describe your strengths and weakness as a collaborator . what did you do well , and some areas to improve ? discuss with reference to todays 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

At the start of every lesson, we have a 10-minute meditation session before going through the lesson brief. Our lecturer showed us videos on collaborative skills and teamwork during the brief. Our task during this lesson was to make a monument about the future.

We were asked to go into groups of four and create our monument. In my group, we've created a monument dedicated to cats because we genuinely believe they play a vital role in our lives. Cats bring us comfort and can significantly improve our mental and physical well-being.

Personally, I find their presence to be a great source of stress relief after a long, exhausting day, as many of us are feeling overwhelmed lately with rising GST, escalating living costs, and the pressures of extended work and school hours. ( healthline )We hope this monument serves as a reminder of the joy and comfort cats can bring during these stressful times. (Istanbul – Info Cafe)

We were given a short time to create the monument due to time constraints. We felt it wasn't how we would imagine the monument as we thought the structure wasn't stable and designed well. It looked odd as the face and the body proportions were slightly off. If given more time, we would have improved in these areas and the colour scheme. I feel like our group had very good teamwork and planned how to do our monument well. We distributed the work evenly.

However, We have trouble communicating because of the language barrier. I want to ensure everyone feels included and find ways to do so.

word count : 260 words

works cited and referenced :

Istanbul – Info Cafe. blogs.davenportlibrary.com/reference/tag/istanbul/. 

healthline www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-being-cat-lover#4-Health