Intercultural Design Portfolio

4/3/2024 - 22/3/2024 | Week 5 - Week 7

Group 27

Johanna Leong Hui Ninn 0359221 

Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Honours)

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Module Information Booklet

Project 1 - Proposal

Ideas Proposed

Chrysanthemum - Proposed by Huang Jia Qi
The Colour Red - Proposed by Yang Jia Yi
Peacocks - Proposed by Huang Bei Ni
Crows - Proposed by Wang Sheng Xiao
Black Cats - Proposed by Johanna Leong Hui Ninn

Our group had gathered to decide on our Top 3 choices for this project to make our final selection easier. Our Top 3 Choices consisted on the Chrysanthemum flower, Black Cats and the Peacock.
We had all agreed that the Black Cat was an interesting concept to base our assignment on and chose that as our final choice. 

Task Division

From there we had divided our task for each group member for our assignment. Each group member's task is as follows:
Akira - Video Presentation, Preliminary Ideas Rationale Description Writing
Johanna - Video Presentation, Slide Content Writing, Video Editing 
Bei Ni - Slide Preparation and Layout 
Jia Qi - Preliminary Idea #1 Design and Sketch
Sheng Xiao - Preliminary Idea #2 Design and Sketch
Jia Yi - Preliminary Idea #3 Design and Sketch

As part of my task for this assignment, I had compiled the content of our slides in a separate document for easy preparations. With the help of my group members, we manage to collect all the necessary content for our presentation before passing it on to Bei Ni to prepare our slides.

Preliminary Ideas

Preliminary Idea #1 - Bag

Preliminary Idea #2 - Keychain

Preliminary Idea #3 - Bracelet

Our Presentation

Our Video Presentation

Project 2 - Field Study

Data Collection Methods

Google questionnaire survey (Observation study)
Through the questionnaire survey, we can understand the views of different people on black cats better The questions are as follows:

Video interview (Interview of relevant stakeholders)
Our group interviewed international students and teachers from countries such as United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, China, Italy, South Korea, Canada, United States and Singapore to answer a few questions about the symbolic significance of black cats in their respective cultures.

Material collection (Online and/or actual physical material. Visual research of the selected culture)
Our group’s material collection consists of The Furry Things Series, Bronze statue of the goddess Bastet, Vanessa Stockard, Black Cat Piggy Bank, Black Cat Shirt.

Task Division

From there we had divided our task for each group member for our assignment. Each group member's task is as follows:
Akira - Material Collection, Video Presentation
Johanna - Slide Preparation, Video Editing 
Bei Ni - Google Questionnaire Survey
Jia Qi - Slide Preparation and Layout, Compilation of Interviews 
Sheng Xiao - Material Collection
Jia Yi - Material Collection

Our Presentation

Our Material Collection Video Presentation

Final Project

Final Design Output

We conducted a Google Forms to determine which Preliminary Idea would be most preferred by the majority. The results revealed that our Preliminary Idea #1 which is a bag product inspired by a black cat design garnered the highest number of votes, indicating its popularity among the public.

Based on our results, we decided to go with our Preliminary Idea #1 which is a bag inspired by a black cat design. From this, we decided to explore different styles of bags and expand our ideas for our black cat bag concept from there.

Task Division

From there we had divided our task for each group member for our assignment. Each group member's task is as follows:
Akira - Find and Contact Printing Services, Video Presentation
Johanna - Find and Contact Printing Services, Slide Preparation, Video Presentation, Video Editing 
Bei Ni -  Bag Types Design and Sketch
Jia Qi - Bag Types Design and Sketch
Sheng Xiao - Bag Types Design and Sketch
Jia Yi - Bag Types Design and Sketch

Bag Type Choices

Bag Type #1 - Tote Bag Design

The designs above are from the initial sketches of our black cat bag concept

We expanded more designs as shown below with the bag type of the initial sketches we first had for our bag concept at the start of this project.

Bag Type #2 - Handbag Design

Using one of the same bag designs from our Bag Type #1, we have implemented it in a ‘handbag’ design style. 

Bag Type #3 - Travel Bag Design

We decided to explore a different type of bag design that is made to be able to hold more load compared to our previous designed bags. 

Bag Type #4 - Backpack Design

By choosing a backpack design, we had the thought in mind of the bag type being rooted in functionality, durability, and style. The backpack features multiple compartments and pockets to provide ample storage space for various items, catering to the practical needs of users. Overall, a backpack design is a practical and fashionable choice for individuals on the go and suitable for everyday use.

Product Output Process

Step 1 - We made a conclusion to go with Bag Type #1 which is a tote bag type since it was a bag that was generally offered from printing services. We then finalized our choice of the artwork for our final design product with the opinion of our lecturer.
Step 2 - We contacted with Printlab Marketing Sdn Bhd and successfully placed our order.
Step 3 - In about 4 days, our product has arrived early for our physical submission date.

Pictures of Our Final Product

Our Presentation

Our Video Presentation

Reflection

Throughout this module, I have had the opportunity to explore the theme of black cats in different cultures in terms of cultural sensitivity through various assignments and activities. Designing black cat related products such as bags, a keychain and a bracelet allowed us to unleash our creativity as a group and translate our ideas into merchandise items.

The data collection phase was particularly a very beneficial learning experience as I got to expand my current knowledge about the cultural significance of black cats. Conducting surveys, video interviews from various different countries and collecting online as well as physical materials provided valuable insights into how black cats are perceived and celebrated across different countries and cultures.

Choosing the black cat bag as our final product was a rewarding decision. It allowed us to explore a wide range of bag design ideas, from a small handbag to a big travel bag and much more. Producing a physical copy of the bag was a challenging yet fulfilling experience. It required careful time management and planning as well as attention to detail and craftsmanship to bring our design to life. Seeing the final product was incredibly satisfying and reinforced my passion for design and creativity. 

It was worthwhile seeing the smiles of our lecturers, fellow group mates, friends, family and loved ones as we gifted them our black cat bag product. This module has been a journey of discovery and creativity, which I had thoroughly enjoyed. It has deepened my appreciation for the cultural significance of black cats and has enhanced my skills in product design and development.