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Summary

Exploring different facets of design and cultural phenomena has enriched my understanding as a designer. Additionally, my involvement with WOII has significantly contributed to my skill set by introducing me to various techniques that have enhanced my school work. Moreover, I believe that my ability to analyze research and formulate thoughts has improved through continuous exploration, reflection, and a deep engagement with each WOII topic.

Finally, delving into the art ecosystem has deepened my appreciation for the intricate interplay of various components within the art world. This exploration has empowered me to navigate and contribute meaningfully to this dynamic landscape as a designer.

In summary, these diverse topics have equipped me with a comprehensive perspective and an extensive toolkit, enabling me to craft designs that resonate culturally and leave a lasting impact. My engagement with WOII has broadened my grasp of design principles, cultural dynamics, and refined my research methodologies and reflective practices. Ultimately, it has honed my skills as a designer, instilling in me a heightened awareness of the impact my designs can have on the world, thus striving for timelessness in my creative endeavours.

~ 186 words

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[Wk 9] Cultural Materialism

Cultural materialism highlights how material conditions like economies, technology, and the environment shape culture. It has played a significant role in shaping Singapore's development and cultural landscape in several ways.

Firstly, building environmentally sustainable buildings and infrastructure influences societal attitudes towards nature, urban living, and sustainability, contributing to a culture that values the environment.

Eco-friendly buildings, vertical gardens and green buildings were commonly built and seen around Singapore. Due to the integration of buildings with green spaces, the country has been known as an eco-tourism destination providing one of the largest economic benefits.

‘The Green School Roadmap’ provides younger generations with actual participation in the green building movement. Moreover, a greater number of university programs are dedicated to sustainable/green building design and technology.

Hence this is how Singapore has shaped its culture of environmental sustainability. Through environmentally green infrastructure, programmes, rules and schemes, the people of Singapore are more inclined to take better care of the environment.

Secondly, Singapore's transportation system shapes its culture by fostering efficiency, punctuality, and multicultural integration through reliable and accessible public transportation hubs. Compact urban living promotes community interaction and environmental awareness, reflecting a culture that values sustainability and green living, shaping our societal values, behaviours, and interactions.

Thirdly, Singapore's culturally diverse infrastructure of temples and shrines plays a significant role in shaping its multiracial culture.

Through cultural materialism, Singapore has developed its culture by focusing on infrastructure, policies, schemes, and future plans to improve its people's quality of life. This ongoing advancement has enhanced Singapore's reputation and fostered a sense of security, reliability, and trust among its residents.

~ 264 words

Lessons from Singapore: How to generate solar power in a city without much space. World Economic Forum. (n.d.). https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/04/singapore-solar-floatting-farms-environment-energy-cities/

Singapore green plan 2030. Singapore Green Plan 2030. (n.d.-b). https://www.greenplan.gov.sg/

Senthilingam, M. (2016, July 21). Singapore: Concrete jungle or Greenest City?. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/singapore-greenest-city/index.html

Igini, M. (2023, October 30). How sustainable cities like Singapore succeed in Green Urban Development. Earth.Org. https://earth.org/how-sustainable-cities-like-singapore-succeed-in-green-urban-development/

What were the main factors that contributed to Singapore’s economic growth and industrialization?: 4 answers from research papers. SciSpace - Question. (n.d.). https://typeset.io/questions/what-were-the-main-factors-that-contributed-to-singapore-s-2gg1dq56wv

Cultural materialism. Anthropology. (2017, April 25). https://anthropology.ua.edu/theory/cultural-materialism/

Green Transport in Singapore: Public attitudes, intentions and actions. Civil Service College, Singapore. (n.d.). https://knowledge.csc.gov.sg/ethos-issue-24/green-transport-in-singapore-public-attitudes-intention-and-actions/

Partnering commuters for a more caring commuting culture. public-transport-council. (n.d.). https://www.ptc.gov.sg/newsroom/news-releases/newsroom-view/partnering-commuters-for-a-more-caring-commuting-culture

Roorkee, C. E. C. I. (2021, June 12). Singapore’s Transportation System. Medium. https://cec-iitr.medium.com/singapores-transportation-system-4a414caf7b34

Ken, T. J. (n.d.). Singapore: Where cultures come together. Travel. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/partner-content-cultures-come-together-in-Singapore

Religious harmony in Singapore: Spaces, practices and ... (n.d.). https://www.clc.gov.sg/docs/default-source/urban-systems-studies/uss-religious-harmony-in-singapore.pdf

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[Wk 4 & 5]

Using what I learned in week four I started to apply the analysis framework to evaluate the various exhibitions and their points of interest.

One of the exhibitions that stood out the most to me was 'Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre'.

The artist envisions her creation as an evolving experience, inviting viewers to delve into its intricate layers and invest repetitive periods of time with it, aiming to spark interest in the passage of time.

The second exhibition that caught my eye was the 'Story of the Forest'.

Transitioning from visually appealing exhibitions, the third exhibition deepened my comprehension of my connection with plastic and offered fresh perspectives on envisioning a sustainable future with it.

This exhibition was an eye-opener, revealing the large amount of plastic waste generated in our daily lives. Although it might not be one of the most aesthetically beautiful exhibitions or an exhibition with a lot of historical background and depth. It was one of the most meaningful and well-made exhibition that taught me about plastic consumption and how to reduce its wastage, making it one of the most impactful experiences in the museum.

The fourth point of interest is rattan baskets in the Singapore History Gallery.

The fifth point of interest is Javanese-style gold jewellery. where it was discovered at Bukit Larangan (Fort Canning Hill).

This particular artefact suggests that there could have been a kingdom of Singapura back in the days as part of the Malay Archipelago which is really interesting as it allows the public to think about how Singapore came to be founded.

This field trip gave me a deeper understanding of Singapore's history and the cultural significance of the artefacts on display. Moreover, witnessing the collaboration between Singapore and international artists showcased the innovative use of technology to enhance the museum experience for visitors worldwide. Lastly, while the exhibitions may appear simplistic at first glance, delving deeper reveals a wealth of knowledge waiting to be explored and appreciated.

~ 327 words

Wings of a rich manoeuvre. Suzann Victor. (n.d.). https://suzannvictor.com/artwork/wings-of-a-rich-manoeuvre/ 

Film, T. (2023, October 28). Wings of a rich manoeuvre - suzann victor. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/195406956

Board, N. H. (n.d.). National Museum of Singapore - About Us. National Heritage Board - Pride in our Past, Legacy for our Future. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/whats-on/exhibition/story-of-the-forest

Story of the Forest. teamLab. (n.d.). https://www.teamlab.art/w/story-of-the-forest/

The story of the Forest. ROOTS. (n.d.). https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/the-story-of-the-forest/story

Board, N. H. (n.d.). National Museum of Singapore - About Us. National Heritage Board - Pride in our Past, Legacy for our Future. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/whats-on/exhibition/plastic---remaking-our-world

Plastic: Remaking Our World. National Heritage Board - Pride in our Past, Legacy for our Future. (n.d.). https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/plastic-ebrochure/html5/index.html?pn=16

Silver epergne presented to William Farquhar, Singapore and England, 1824, silver. ROOTS. (n.d.). https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/the-singapore-story-through-60-objects/colonial/silver-epergne/story

Javanese style gold jewellery discovered at Bukit Larangan (fort canning hill), also known as the “Majapahit gold”, Singapore, 14th century. ROOTS. (n.d.-a). https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/the-singapore-story-through-60-objects/networks-through-time/majapahit-gold/story

Making of rattan products. ROOTS. (n.d.-b). https://www.roots.gov.sg/en/ich-landing/ich/making-of-rattan-products

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[Week 3] Semiotics

Semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, has a large influence on design principles and aesthetics and using these signs and symbols helps to communicate messages more effectively, making them clearer and more impactful.

Firstly, semiotics shapes our understanding of the world.

For example, one of his short stories “Signs and Symbols”.

By examining the use of semiotics in his works, we can gain a deeper understanding of the power of symbols and signs in shaping our understanding of the world. As we continue to explore the realm of semiotics, we can gain a greater appreciation for the intricate web of signs and symbols that shape our understanding of the world around us.

Secondly, semiotics plays a crucial role in shaping and reflecting cultural values, norms, and identities.

This shows how symbols and signs can change due to different cultures and contexts. Semiotics can be a powerful, universal language, but implementing this principle into a design process involves mindfulness and sensitivity to cultural diversity and design ethics.

In one of my design projects, I applied semiotics when creating a logo for a music festival. Drawing inspiration from musical notes and their dynamic strokes, I crafted a logo that embodies the vibrant energy and passion of the event.

Additionally, globalisation influences the semiotics we see.

This demonstrates how symbols evolve over time as they are influenced by various cultures. In conclusion, we can obtain a deeper interpretation of visual aesthetics through semiotic analysis.

~ 242 words

Reynolds, Mr. A. (2024, March 25). Semiotics in art and design: The power of symbols and signs. Adrian Reynolds. https://adrianreynolds.ie/semiotics-in-art-and-design/#:~:text=Semiotics%2C%20or%20the%20study%20of,effectively%20with%20their%20intended%20audience.

Chase Dyess, M. (2023, July 25). Semiotics: The unspoken language of Graphic Design. Medium. https://dyessdesign.medium.com/semiotics-the-unspoken-language-of-graphic-design-592db4f6c226

Sabbar, S., & Dalvand, S. (2018, January 1). Semiotic approach to globalization: Living in a world of Glocal Things. Journal of Cyberspace Studies. https://jcss.ut.ac.ir/article_64633.html

Semiotics. Theories of Visual Communication. (2016, September 2). https://theoriesofviscomblog.wordpress.com/semiotics/

Attain. (2023, March 20). Uncovering the hidden messages in our daily lives: The fascinating world of semiotics. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/uncovering-hidden-messages-our-daily-lives-fascinating-world#:~:text=Semiotics%20is%20the%20study%20of,unaware%20that%20it%20all%20exists.

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[Wk 2] Aesthetics

Aesthetics, the study of beauty, form, and perception, plays a crucial role in design, shaping how people see and feel the world around them.

When balancing design with function, designers can create things that look good and work well, giving them more control over how their designs influence people.

One example is Airbnb.

For my studio project, I had to make a website to display trading cards my classmates made.

In summary, balancing form and function allows designers to shape the impact and perception of their work. Only through both form and function can a designer make a good website.

Secondly, although there should be harmony between form and function, I feel that function takes precedence.

Design is not art. While the latter can exist purely for self-expression or to provoke thought, the former serves a purpose — it solves a problem. It’s meant to make our lives easier and more efficient. A chair is to sit, a lamp is to illuminate, and a website provides information or facilitates transactions. If these objects or platforms fail in their fundamental functions, no amount of aesthetic beauty can salvage them.

One example is Apple.

In conclusion, while both form and function are needed to influence people through design, a perfect blend doesn’t mean equal amounts of functionality and aesthetics. Instead, it’s about incorporating aesthetics to enhance instead of hindering the functionality.

Dash, J. J. (2023, September 29). Balancing form and function: The aesthetic-usability effect in UX Design. Medium. https://bootcamp.uxdesign.cc/balancing-form-and-function-the-aesthetic-usability-effect-in-ux-design-81629b52fad5  

Does the design of your website have an impact on the customers you attract?. The SeedMill. (2021, February 8). https://www.theseedmill.co.uk/does-the-design-of-your-website-have-an-impact-on-the-customers-you-attract/

Varhatiuk Nowadays, K. (2023, November 14). Why wireframing is important for your future website design?. Fireart Studio. https://fireart.studio/blog/why-wireframing-is-important-for-your-future-website-design/

Schroeter, E., Emerson Schroeter Writer for The CareerFoundry BlogEmerson is a Berlin-based UX writer, Emerson Schroeter Writer for The CareerFoundry Blog, Schroeter, E., Blog, W. for T. C., & Emerson is a Berlin-based UX writer. (2021, July 30). 9 inspiring wireframe examples for apps and websites. CareerFoundry. https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/website-app-wireframe-examples/

Mildred, C. A. (2023, June 10). Combining functionality and aesthetics in design. Medium. https://medium.com/illumination/combining-functionality-and-aesthetics-in-design-94f2dae0e2db

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[Wk 1] Phenomenology

Phenomenology emphasises the importance of subjective experience and design plays a big role in how individuals perceive and interpret the world around them.

I have learned to influence how people perceive and experience design through applying phenomenology to art. By infusing creativity into my designs, I can influence how people feel and understand from my design.

Firstly, design allows us to manipulate how people perceive it. For example, optical illusions demonstrate how design can affect what people see within them.

Furthermore, delving deeper into how we influence people through design, it becomes evident that graphical elements play an important role.

During the group activity, we were assigned the task of interpreting the themes of 'shadows' or 'time' through a series of images. As both a designer and an artist, my initial inclination was to explore shadows as an artistic medium, viewing the beauty of the world through monochrome lenses.

Next, I examined shadows within the context of symbolism. Shadows emerge in the presence of light; without light, they vanish. The interplay of light and shadow encourages us to visualize and interpret our surroundings. For example, by observing light filtering through a doorway in a dimly lit room, we instinctively conceptualize the presence of a door.

Lastly, I considered shadows as representations of time. As we orbit the sun, the direction of light shifts, resulting in shadows of varying sizes. Just like sundials, as the sun traverses the sky, the shadow moves across markings that indicate the time.

In conclusion, the visual concepts we create as designers enable us to communicate with people, influencing how they experience, perceive, and interact with the world around them.

-269 words

Madhu Tiwari Iyer - SEO, D. M. C. in M. (2018, July 30). Awesome illusion paintings by Oleg Shuplyak, mind-blowing visible dreams. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/awesome-illusion-paintings-oleg-shuplyak-mind-blowing-madhu-tiwari 

Wiley, N. (2023, May 16). Psychology of design & how it influences decision making. Printivity Insights. https://www.printivity.com/insights/2019/11/06/how-design-influences-decision/

BOUANGA, M. (2023, January 21). The important of graphic design in daily life. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/important-graphic-design-daily-life-mohamed-bouanga#:~:text=In%20conclusion%2C%20graphic%20design%20plays,with%20the%20world%20around%20them.

Sundials – the original way to tell time. (n.d.). https://cwperry.rockyview.ab.ca/Members/stwilson/assignments/science/sky-science/sun-dials-handout/at_download/file