limjunhua

[limjunhua]

WOII Compulsory: In Summary

I am able to connect WOII to my design practice through the lectures I’ve been through. I realise how every session is connected which helps me as a designer to view projects in different perspectives.

The weekly topics gave me an insight into how people experience visuals and how I can create meaningful designs that resonate well with my audience. I learnt how to interpret design directly through the lens of the viewer and how I can take my interpretations further with an open-minded view. WOII allowed a platform for me to challenge myself and further develop my design skills while understanding the bigger picture of what causes us to make certain interpretations or why we decide to head in a certain direction of design. 

I was recently commissioned from a client to help with the designing of their company’s apparel. Through that experience, I was able to come up with effective designs that aligned with the company’s vision as well as the target audience. WOII lessons nurtured my thinking to aid in this project by being more open minded and thinking of unique designs that stand out from the current market.

(Unable to disclose further information on the project as it is on-going.)

WOII lessons taught me how to articulate my design to my viewer. Being able to think critically and express a viewpoint to my audience helps shape my audience’s perceptions and ideologies on different topics. Being able to garner attention and shift people’s perspectives on opinions with my design gives me a platform to express my design and spread joy with my community. I would like to represent Singapore on the global stage by sharing our local culture through my designs. 

References:

shutterstock 1452924023 - Google Search. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&hs=JqN&sca_esv=936fb5fa7b943457&q=shutterstock+1452924023&udm=2&fbs=ABzOT_CWdhQLP1FcmU5B0fn3xuWpA-dk4wpBWOGsoR7DG5zJBpwxALD7bRaeOIZxqOFEngwcoULlEZAGqxMSwSTuV0BpsZwJy_Xa1zbdCueqfJYm0tmxD1GtqdDjgXcBWem4dM6uBUtmZE_lMRLwFqQO1VVYvjzaO9612cERavnC8__j_FlQQrWQeAjioiEGmOnH2gKeUvL1blvN7Tl3bkf96TQvpJv9Hg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjv4t3IldyMAxW98DgGHeUfJs8QtKgLegQIEhAB&biw=1226&bih=598&dpr=1#vhid=dViBAqUSmCHIaM&vssid=mosaic  Kesh. (2024, February 17). This is NOT ART? - Keshart. Keshart. https://keshart.in/blog/this-is-not-art/  Murali, N. (2024, July 22). Singaporean art & design collective PHUNK celebrates 25th anniversary of Controlled Chaos at National Design Centre. City Nomads. https://citynomads.com/singaporean-art-design-collective-phunk-celebrates-25th-anniversary-of-controlled-chaos-at-national-design-centrecontrol-chaos-phunk-commemorates-25th-anniversary-with-art-and-design-exhibition/ 

(272 words)

[limjunhua]

WOII: Week 10 - Poststructuralism

Structuralism is how we develop meanings through a certain structure or system in society. For example, the word “water” does not have a stand-alone meaning in itself in structuralism.

However, in post structuralism, water can be interpreted differently such as how the late Bruce Lee did.

Pursuing a structuralist or post structuralism design approach can benefit a designer depending on their goals.Structuralism can be appreciated by people who fancy function over form where precise communication is prioritised over aesthetics.

Fred Troller is a Swiss-American designer who uses a structuralist approach to his designs. He is well known for popularising minimalist typographic designs in his works by implementing geometric forms in his works. On the other hand, post structuralism design breaks the rigid rules of design.

David Carson is an American graphic designer who takes a post-structuralist approach to his designs. His designs usually display a collage of items often prioritising form over function.

The class activity further clarified how the post structuralist approach could create interesting interpretations of design. Despite Laura’s vision deferring greatly from mine, we were able to connect our images in what made sense to us and communicate different messages which would leave the viewer to decide for themselves. The class activity and personal research helped me understand how I can introduce the concept of open-endedness to my designs for the viewer to freely interpret.

References:

ChatGPT. “Structuralism vs. Post-Structuralism for Kids.” DALL·E, image generated by OpenAI, 10 Apr. 2025.  Lee, Bruce. Interview by Pierre Berton. The Pierre Berton Show, 1971. YouTube, uploaded by BruceLeeTelevision, 9 Oct. 2008, www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJMwBwFj5nQ. King, Robert. “Fred Troller and the Birth of the Modern Textbook.” Robert King Design, 24 Feb. 2021, www.robertkingdesign.com/journal/fred-troller-textbook-design. “David Carson Interview — CREATIVE/BY/COLLECTIVE.” CREATIVE/BY/COLLECTIVE, www.creativebycollective.com/opentopics2022-david-carson-interview. 

(229 words)

[limjunhua]

WOII: Week 9 - Cultural Materialism

Cultural Materialism to me is how our way of living affects our beliefs and customs. For example, in Singapore, the majority of the younger generation does not follow traditional customs and cultural practices as it may seem like a hassle to them or something that is not necessary to their daily lives. This may be because of the comfortable environment that we enjoy in Singapore. Whereas, in countries that are not as fortunate as us may have a stronger belief in traditional customs due to the dire situations that they may face on a day to day basis which leads to them having a stronger faith in their beliefs. Since Singapore has an abundance of access to our survival needs, we would be less appreciative of what we currently have which most would take for granted. 

Reasons as to why the younger generation will not lean towards traditional practices is due to concerns such as eco-friendliness or simply being too lazy. Being in a fast-paced and advanced society, there is a cultural shift towards digitising everything for peak efficiency or environmental concerns. Therefore, shifting traditional cultural practices to a more modern twist.

The group project made us reflect on how Cultural Materialism works in fictional realms where the materials that the characters used are driven by their cultures.

The group activity made me wonder how the Star Wars realms connect with our real life society through cultural practices which led me to research on how Taoist businesses are diminishing over time.

References:

CNA Insider. “The Last Taoist Effigy Shop in Singapore: A Digital Afterlife? | on the Red Dot | Full Episode.” YouTube, 21 June 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2vQ-8chnDg.

(251 words)

[limjunhua]

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

Week 5:

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) Dualshock Controller is a work of design that can be grouped under “Pleasure”. This controller can be categorised under pleasure due to it being a “want” rather than a “need”. Furthermore, this controller is something that I personally cherish as I’ve longed for a handheld device like this since young.

Other objects that are something I am fortunate to have can be linked to pleasure as it is something not necessary to me but something that I would like to have around me.

The items that I chose for the group project that were related to pleasure is something that I would like to have in some situations. For example, the packet of “Extreme Cold” wipes are something that would be good to have after a good workout which helps me to cool down.

(138 Words)

Week 6:

During our field trip to Kampong Gelam, I spotted many interesting objects along the way. In the images I took, there is this consistent theme of time where over time a certain object changes. The objects have their own meanings and purpose behind them over time when people leave markings on them.

From my interpretation, the collage of stickers stacking on one another communicates a sense of abandonment and expresses the “decay” overtime.

This illustration shows how a simple fire extinguisher box can be transformed over time with art to convey a message which further emphasises on how it slowly decays.

The colour of the cone displays signs of decaying which enforces the idea of being neglected.

(255 words)

[limjunhua]

WOII: Week 4 - Semiotics

Semiotics is subconsciously brought up to your mind when trying to figure out meanings in life. Semiotics consist of two components, the signifier and signified. The signifier is the physical imagery and the signified is the meaning and intention of the imagery.

This poster uses the design principles well and effectively. Despite its limited colour scheme, the poster highlights the players by creating contrast. The clean text is also placed near the centre of attention to aid in the poster’s visual storytelling. Furthermore, design principles like the repetition of the basketball players and balance of the overall structure makes the advertisement effective.

The advertisement is trying to convey the message of the NBA's legacy and how rich the history of the league is. The difference in jerseys also shows the competitiveness of each player trying to represent their team to win the championship. Although competitive, the NBA logo on the bottom right also enforces the unity of the league as a whole. The poster implies that the potential of players is recognised.

Both posters imply that the efforts of the players are recognised. However, one embodies the nostalgia and respect for older players whereas the other displays the exciting moments in the game. Despite its differences, the main objective of both posters is to uplift the NBA's league as a whole.

References

Garcia, Carlos. “NBA Advertisement.” Pinterest, 26 May 2015, www.pinterest.com/pin/354377064406224611.

Badbikegang. (n.d.). NBA – Badbikegang. Badbikegang. https://badbikegang.wordpress.com/tag/nba/

(221 Words)

[limjunhua]

WOII: Week 1 - Phenomenology

Phenomenology gives me the idea of how others perceive the world differently. I can apply this through my schooling in LASALLE as I can better understand how people can perceive my work in a different interpretation.

During the Illustrators Club, we share our ideas and perspectives which helps me understand how others intend their work to be perceived and how I can compare their perspectives to mine. Furthermore, in Studio 2 I researched past collaboration works of PHUNK. The concept of collaboration is related to phenomenology since both parties possess different viewpoints but can work together in a team. 

The idea of phenomenology was prominent during the class activity as I understood how different people could interpret my work differently.

From my research, I understood how Phenomenology can also be related to industries such as retail marketing where the customer’s shopping experience would be affected by the store’s visual merchandise. A customer would be more willing to purchase from a store that offers a more interactive experience as compared to one that only displays their products. Similarly, in graphic design, designers can understand how viewers and clients would interact with their design leading to more meaningful designs.

My personal research gave me further insight and understanding on phenomenological design can help me in my future as a designer in understanding the needs and expectations of my clients.

References:

Phunk | Art and Design Collective. www.phunkstudio.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab-nFAuHhedM1KOTNtf2ftpPeV44nmlOBt3HxNGAWAzjdxMGym3aIuUBt8_aem_txkEPDOIddwhFyJUM6So5A#. Research-Hub. “What Is Phenomenological Research Design?” YouTube, 19 Jan. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2_vdDEJsMs.   (227 words)

[limjunhua]

CTS A | Week 12 Compulsory Question 3

Critical Thinking Skills A (CTS-A) is a module that can be applied throughout our lifetime. Currently, during my schooling days, I feel that I can collaborate and make connections with people aside from Design for Communications and Experiences. By collaborating with courses like Diploma in Broadcast Media, we can help with the communication aspect in their films. For example, we could do a project involving both disciplines where Design for Communications and Experiences designs the poster design for Broadcast Media’s films. 

(Iron Man movie poster which I really find interesting due to its composition and how there is “hierarchy” in the design. Comparing to “THE BLING RING”, Iron Man’s poster has more contrast in terms of hierarchy when it comes to text size and fonts. Therefore, when working with Broadcast Media, we can advise them on how we could help with the layout of the poster.) 

Professionally, CTSA can play an important role in my future endeavours. After graduating from LASALLE, I plan to “lean” towards Graphic Design and Type Design. Personally, I feel that CTSA plays an important role in my career as a Graphic Designer as CTSA teaches us the skills required to think critically and think from different perspectives. This skill can be applied to my job as a Graphic Designer as I would be able to effectively conceptualise ideas to effectively communicate to the consumer. As a Type Designer, I can also apply the aspect of thinking critically by organising my layouts and fonts to suit the consumer’s preferences. However, other than CTSA’s direct impact on ourselves, we can also apply the skills learnt to help others in need and benefit the community around us. Some people around us are not as fortunate to live normal lives, design can be used as a platform  to help better their lives by introducing design to aid in their recovery which will further encourage inclusivity in our society. 

For example, we can work with organisations such as SG Enable, Yellow Ribbon and Hope Worldwide Singapore. Collaborations with these organisations can be done by hosting events such as design workshops. 

For instance, we can host a design workshop where LASALLE students engage students with disabilities where we can cater to their needs such as people who are visually impaired. Touch and texture can be introduced to these students to further their exploration in design. The image above shows persons with disabilities in SG Enable creating artworks for the National Day Parade (NDP) Pack in 2023.

Furthermore, we can host a portfolio workshop with students and alumni of LASALLE. Students can give back to the community by engaging with ex-offenders to help further develop their understanding of design. This programme would be a great addition to the “Lifelong Learning and Skills Development” scheme from Yellow Ribbon as ex-offenders are given the chance to pursue a design career.

References:

Iron Man. (n.d.). Movieposters.com. https://www.movieposters.com/products/iron-man-mpw-31718

Enabling inclusion beyond acceptance persons with disabilities contribute to art, fashion and music for National Day 2023 celebrations. (n.d.). SG Enable. https://www.sgenable.sg/news-insights/inclusive-national-day-2023

Gendelman, V., & Gendelman, V. (2021, April 26). The 23 Worst Movie Posters (And the Design Lessons They Teach). Company Folders, Inc. https://www.companyfolders.com/blog/worst-movie-posters-design-lessons

[limjunhua]

CTS A | Week 11 Compulsory Question 2

During the first week of school, I was introduced to new softwares and skills that I have not experienced before. In Digital Skills, I found it hard to cope and pick up the skills required in Adobe softwares due to the lack of exposure. Furthermore, in Photography, the introduction to composition was foreign to me. I also struggled with Craft Workshop due to my lack of interest in arts and crafts activities. Studio was also tough for me due to the lack of exposure with contents like Typography. However, the most common setback that I faced throughout all modules is the lack of understanding of the content. I realised the importance of collaboration and seeking help is crucial for me to grow and better understand what is being taught. 

(Through my experience in school so far, I’ve applied what Pooja Nansi shared in Week 1 CTS-A where she mentioned that as designers, we should look at failure as a necessity to grow.)

“Failure as Necessity” can be applied to all modules as we would have to experiment and fail in order to learn from our mistakes. Through countless failures, I realised where I was lacking and was able to find a solution. Generally, CTSA intertwines with other modules in the “soft skills” aspect like being mindful about our actions. During our activity, we were tasked to create a monument for the future.

(After completing the activity, the biggest takeaway is being able to agree on a direction that we are willing to take as a group.)

 I often struggle with being too precious with my work. With self awareness, I can constantly remind myself to be more open-minded and think freely. Furthermore, Premiere Pro and video editing are unfamiliar concepts to me, being able to open myself to new challenges helped me in my learning process. Learning Premiere Pro was challenging due to its difference in functions from Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop which are softwares that I am more familiar with. I had to rely on countless hours of researching on Youtube and reaching out to classmates like Fybe who had prior experience in Premiere Pro.

(Our group chose the pizza as it represents how all the modules and weeks piece together showing the modules and CTS-A correlating to one another.)

(299 words)

References: MB. (2021b, August 15). Critical Thinking Skills A Week 1 Film  Pooja Nansi [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAHqOIuCsUs

[limjunhua]

CTS A | Week 10 Compulsory Question 1

Critical Thinking Skills A (CTS A) teaches me to better myself in character. After each lesson, there is always a valuable takeaway which can be extremely relevant in my modules and day to day life. CTS A equips me with skills which shapes my character such as being mindful and thinking efficiently. CTS A teaches me to be self-aware, empathetic and open minded when it comes to working in groups. Furthermore, CTS A teaches us to give credit where it's due and acknowledge the work of others when referencing from them. Through CTS A, I’ve learnt how to effectively collaborate through partnerships. Being able to collaborate and be open minded resonates well with me as this skill is very relevant in our lives. In the workforce, being able to come to mutually agree and openly accept criticism can contribute to better productivity and efficiency during problem solving.  

For instance, during activities like Research Framework for our Studio module, I’ve learnt to work efficiently in a team and receive constructive criticism from my lecturer, Rauf.

(I would start the ball rolling by asking for ideas from my group mates and contributing my own thoughts as well. I would then try to “fuse” these ideas or find a common ground that we can all agree on. I volunteered to write our points collectively as a whole by myself.)

(This is our final outcome for the Research Framework project in Studio. I learnt that working in a group is crucial to reach our common goal effectively. Pages were taken from my CPJ.)

Personally, I feel that this concept of gathering and brainstorming ideas as a group gives us a deeper understanding on the topic that we are trying to solve which would in turn help in our design process. Openly receiving criticism allows us to see in different perspectives which would allow our design to effectively communicate to a wider range of audience. I’ve decided to step up despite my quiet nature by leading the discussion. Although the effort was made, there is room for improvement in consistently communicating and spreading the workload.

(265 words)

References: N/A

[limjunhua]

CTS A | Week 3 Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence

Personally, I feel that I am strong in relationship management. I’ve always prioritised my family over everything else as I feel that family is the most important “support pillar”. Furthermore, I feel that communicating with my family is a way for me to share the thoughts which are bothering me. For example, when I was in ITE, I would share issues that I faced in group projects with my dad, he would give me advice on how I can better cope with these issues and better solve the problem. Personally, I feel that with the guidance from my parents, I feel that I can make informed decisions based on my intuition and their advice. Therefore, I feel that Relationship management is important as “opening up our boundaries” gives us an opportunity to share our honest thoughts and opinions on certain subjects and at the same time learn about our own flaws. 

Although relationship management is something that I’ve always prioritised, I would like to also learn how to be more empathetic towards others. I feel that I am always in my own “bubble” when it comes to situations where I have to interact with others. I feel that I should show more empathy to those around me as I should take in other perspectives and understand them.

(217 words)

References: N/A

[limjunhua]

CTS A | Week 2 Collaborative Skills

During our class activity, I faced some challenges as my group members and myself were unable to come up with ideas for our monument. Despite multiple attempts at brainstorming ideas to come up with the meaning behind our monument, we were quick to improvise after making random parts of our structure. As a collaborator, I stepped in by starting the conversation with my teammates so that we can keep the ball rolling. Furthermore, I was surprised that I am able to step-up and present in front of my peers as I am usually a more reserved person. Although there were some good things that I did as a collaborator, there is still room for improvement. For example, I could have contributed more to the design aspect of the monument and balancing the workload between my group members. However, I was contributing to the idea of the design and the meaning of it. I felt that I could have better manage between designing the monument and the meaning for the monument.

Although I am quite satisfied with the outcome of the monument, I feel that it can be further improved. The design can be further improved by adding more details to it.  For example, I could have added a plaque on it with a message written on it to make the prototype look more realistic. However, if I had more time and an unlimited budget, I would have carved out the scaled down version of the monument using the material I would want to use in the real monument which is polished stone. By making the prototype more realistic, we can submit the model to the governments of different countries for them to consider if the monument is executable. 

(288 words)

This monument is made to remind world leaders that the usage of nuclear warheads and war is not the way to solve political issues. Our group also decided that it should be placed outside every political office such as the Pentagon. Therefore, world peace would be enforced and there would be a reduced amount of political unrest around the world

A close up image of our monument.

This is my adaptation of the monument. I improved it by adding a plaque with text on it, describing the monument and why it was made. I also added "World Peace" so that it's more prominent in the communication part with viewers when viewing the monument from afar.

References: N/A.

[limjunhua]

CTS A | Week 1 What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking to me is an ability to think outside the box. Critical thinking involves the ability to expand ideas from what is mainstream and making it into your own style. I was further inspired by the sharing of Pooja Nansi as she shared various key pointers that would help in my understanding and viewpoints towards critical thinking. Some of the advice that Pooja Nansi shared was that artists like myself should make use of any opportunity given and not take it for granted. Making use of opportunities given to us is a great platform for us to explore more ideas and connect with others. For example, going to LASALLE and meeting people from all over the world allows for better cultural exchange which can be implemented into our projects when we learn from one another. Furthermore, she also shared that Artists should work with thoughtfulness and empathy. For example, we could think of how our designs can impact the lives of others and those around us positively by innovating ideas that would bring convenience to communities like the disabled. Lastly, I also understood from Pooja Nansi’s sharing that critical thinking is being analytical and aware of what one is doing. The ability of being analytical can be used on a day to day basis. For example, before doing a task given at hand, we could look out for the best possible solution and the most efficient one. Therefore, I felt that Pooja Nansi’s sharing broadened my concept of critical thinking which I can use towards future projects and endeavours.

Furthermore, from Pooja Nansi’s sharing, I’ve learnt that mindfulness is effective in reducing stress and improving our focus. For example, when I am feeling stressed during my self-study sessions, I can take a 5-10 minute break to practise mindfulness by closing my eyes, controlling my breathing and emptying the thoughts that are currently on my mind. Furthermore, mindfulness helps one’s mental clarity when one observes his/her surroundings. Being mindful of what I do and what is happening around my surroundings allows me to focus on what I am doing and be aware of what is going on around me.

I was also very intrigued by what Pooja Nansi shared when she mentioned failure. I agree with her that failure is a necessary part of growth. When one fails, he or she would reflect on his or her work and grow in his or her mindset. Furthermore, she also shared that we should take failure as an opportunity to grow from our mistakes and it can be a way for us to test out new ideas and mediums. Therefore, failure is necessary to find out new ways of exploration and we could then grow from there. Through Pooja Nansi’s sharing, this was one of the key points which resonated well with me.

(471 words)

References:

MB. “Critical Thinking Skills a Week 1 Film  Pooja Nansi.” YouTube, 15 Aug. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAHqOIuCsUs.