CommonModule-AY25.26CTSA

CommonModule-AY25.26CTSA

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WOII | Summary

The World of Ideas & Imagination (WOII) class has helped me understand that design is not just about how something looks but about how it communicates the meaning and connects with people. Through concepts such as phenomenology, aesthetics and post-structuralism, I have learn that design is interpreted differently depending on context and perspective. This changes how I approach my own work, it has made me more aware of how visuals can influence emotions and understanding.

One of the experience that stood out to me was the craft workshop, where I create a poster using a manual process. This project helps me understand the importance of experimentation, materiality and layout. Instead of focusing only on digital outcomes, I become aware of how physical processes affect the final design. It reminded me that design is not just about the final outcome but also about the process behind it.

Observing a senior’s project that I found this noteworthy. I would connect this work to the branding stream. The project focused on branding a logo, supported by a full colour palette and typography system. It is targeted a specific audience and included applications such as social media posts, posters and a zine. This shows how a brand can be developed into a complete and consistent visual identity across different platforms.

I am interested in this project because of its strong and cohesive design. The use of bold colours, typography and layout makes it visually eye catching and engaging. As someone who enjoys meme culture and expressive visuals, I found the style relatable and appealing. What stood out to me was how the design could extend across both digital and print formats, making it feel complete and well thought out. As a designer, this inspires me to create work that is not only visually interesting but also consistent and meaningful.

Overall, WOII has helped me grow by improving how I think, experiment and create as a designer.

(366 Words)

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WOII | Week 10 Post-Structuralism

The Post-structuralism explain that meaning is not something fixed or final. It changes depending on the situation on how the way language is being used and how each person understands it. This means there is no single correct meaning but many possible interpretations that can shift over time.

My have group worked on a activity that focuses on how meaning is created. Throughout this, I begin to see that people do not always understand things in the same way. Even when looking at the same image or text, people can take away different ideas. This made me think that designs is not just about what the creator intends but also about how the audience interprets it based on their own experiences.

Examples of this in real life of this can be seen in the recent news about Roblox introducing new safety measures after several lawsuits. People may see these changes a positive step to protect all users, while others may view them as a response to ongoing issues. This shows how the same situation can have different meanings depending on perspective.

I could relate this to my photography assignment, where I have created a Roblox news visual based on this topic. Instead of directly showing the article, I presented it through my own interpretation using images and GIFs. This reflects post-structuralism because the meaning is not fixed and viewers may understand my work differently.

In conclusion, post-structuralism helped me understand that meaning is not absolute but shaped by context, language and personal perspective.

(257 words)

References:

Week 10- Post Structuralism https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HKL8lKWNKQjTQgn9rpt_yCpL229vcU5rr_6DQUQbVvo/edit?usp=sharing

Roblox announces new safety measure amid spate of lawsuits- https://abcnews.com/GMA/Family/roblox-announces-new-safety-measure-amid-spate-lawsuits/story?id=127626071&utm_source=chatgpt.com

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WOII | Week 9 Cultural Materialism

Cultural materialism is a idea that culture is shape by material conditions like resources, technology and production. It focus on how what people have and uses in their daily lives influences their beliefs, values and social structures. In design, this helps us understand how objects and systems reflect our society they come from.

During class, I have worked on my Studio 2 project, where I am designing a catalogue based off the work of Otl Aicher. Through this project, I can understand how material conditions are influencing design decisions. His work was created during a time where printing techniques, materials and production methods are more limited comparing to today. Because of this, his designs focused on clarity, simplicity and strong visual systems such as grids and structured layouts. Working on my catalogue, I had to consider how these factors influenced his design choices and how I could reflect them in my own work.

An world example of cultural materialism can be seen in McDonald’s. The brand adapts its menu, packaging and advertisements based on different cultures and societies. It reflects local tastes, lifestyles and consumption habits, showing how material products are closely connected to culture. I could relate this to my Studio 2 project, as I am also adapting my design to reflect a specific time period and context.

In conclusion, cultural materialism helps me see that design is deeply connected to society. It is influenced by resources, technology and culture, shapes how people live and interact with everyday objects.

(256 words)

References:

-Angel, et al. Cultural Materialism Presentation. 2026. Google slides, https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11STqLG2DpAR1c5Nlg4qMMebA73tAkZ8RjPFkHcHFoJ8/edit?usp=drivesdk

-MacDonald, packaging, shutterstock,https://www.shutterstock.com/search/macdonald?dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com

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WOII | Week 4 & 5: Design Analysis and Field Trip Reflection

Week four had us looking closely at our chosen items, sorting them by what they visually share. My pick was the Haribo Goldbears wrapper. It found company with Koko Krunch, thanks to that loud yellow shade both lean into. A drawn figure stands front and center on each. Flashy hues paired with animated faces give off fun energy. Seeing them together showed how looks can pull eyes in, again and again. Patterns like these reveal tricks brands use without saying a word. From that moment on, playfulness seemed to bridge ages kids lit up just like grownups did, pulled in by joy or memories long tucked away. Mascots popped into view everywhere, not simply sticking in your mind but acting like quiet storytellers, shaping whether someone warms to a brand or passes it by.

One item I own is a Hirono Popmart card, another thing is a Pochacco keychain. Walking through New Bahru, inside a shop window, there it was a little dog shaped keychain echoes of the Hirono card flashed in my mind since each one builds charm around characters you can hold. Later on, spotting the cheerful pup at Artichoke Pizza stirred memories of that Pochacco piece dangling from my bag both lean into warm dog faces to feel close and known. Seeing them out in the world, not online or boxed up, made clear how tiny things whisper feelings without words. Little details like eyes, shape, color they pull people near, maybe make someone stop, smile, even reach for their wallet.

Picking a fresh angle, I sorted these pieces into Identity plus Character Design. Mascots pop up again and again critters, drawn faces turning up on boxes, tees, shop fronts, doing quiet work linking things together through look and feel. Walking around that day opened my eyes design ideas live outside classrooms, shaping how a name feels in cafes, stores, streets. Seeing choices made by actual creators pushed me to question why certain shapes, colors or styles get picked when looks must carry meaning. Patterns repeat same outline, hue, gesture sliding from bottle labels to storefront signs, stitching a story people sense without reading words.

(357 words)

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WOII | Week 2 Aesthetics

I noticed signs at hawker places,Instead of rushing past them, my eyes lingered on the shapes, fonts, and colours elements seen it few other times but never really studied. Certain symbols, repeated layouts and familiar ways names are written. These visual elements function as signs. In semiotics, signs carry meaning beyond their literal appearance. This can be observe in hawker signages photographed (Photo 1), where typography and colour immediately communicate the type of the they food offered.

This connects to my Big Ass Fans poster from WOII (Photo 2), as bold typography and strong composition acted as visual signs to communicate power and impact. Hawker signboards use typography and colour as codes that allow viewers to recognise identity and function.

This observation also relates to the craft workshop, where I created typography digitally (Photo 3). Constructing letterforms by hand made me more aware that typography is not merely decorative but meaningful. The thickness, spacing, and style of letters influence how a message is interpreted.

Overall, this experience changed the way I look at everyday design. I used to see hawker signage as something purely functional, analysing it through semiotics made me realise that every visual choice carries meaning. Colours, typography, and layout are not random; they communicate identity, heritage and purpose. Connecting this to my Big Ass Fans poster and craft workshop typography helped me see that the same principles apply across different contexts. This made me more aware that design is not just about aesthetics but about constructing meaning intentionally.

(252 words)

[angellasalle]

WOll Week 1 Phenomenology

Week 1 made one thing clear. We understand the world not only through logic but through lived experience.Merleau Ponty explains in phenomenology, perception shapes insight beyond what objective data can claim. Developing from real experiences rather than fixing certainty because interpretation is influenced by how we physically and emotionally experience through situations, understanding is not neutral. Photography and design both reflect this idea.

In Photography Project 1, I realised that photos often communicate more than what is immediately visible. A shadow moving across ripples, grains of sand falling in an hourglass and small cocoon resting alone carried meaning beyond their physical form. Not every image presented its message directly, some relied on mood and context, while others requires closer observation. The choices I made were not accidental but shaped by the project brief, which encourages intentional decision making before taking each shot. Framing became less about simply recording what I saw and more about expressing a concept.

Photographs became more than frozen moments. Roland Barthes explains in Camera Lucida that images contain emotional meaning beneath their surface. What appears in each frame reflected not only the subject but also my mood and memory at the time. Truth is therefore not purely external it is shaped by perception and personal experience, a single image can communicate different meanings depending on who is viewing it.

This understanding influences how I approach creative work. Meaning is created not only through composition, symbols, or technical skill, but also through how viewers interpret and respond emotionally. Recognising that each person experiences through images differently encourages me to consider both visual structure and emotional impact in my work.

(272 Words)

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CTS A | Compulsory Question 3

When I think about my role as a future fashion designer and content creator, they connect naturally to the ideas I listed in number “5” in each section showing the underwater world, capturing rare underwater sea creatures and working with National Geographic. These ideas might seem very different from fashion or content creation, but when I reflect, the more I see how they actually represent what inspires me , visuals that feel mysterious, peaceful and otherworldly.

The underwater world has stood out to me because of the colors, textures, shapes and movements. As future fashion designer, I could imagine taking inspiration from the sea deep sea creatures with patterns, forms or translucent bodies could influence silhouettes, fabrics or styling. Designers often look to nature or things that inspires them, but to me ocean feels like a magical source, something that match how I want my vision to feel, dreamy and slightly surreal.

As a content creator that is capturing rare underwater creatures also makes sense. I am drawn to visuals that feels dreamy and meaningful. Underwater content offers that naturally, it is calm, emotional and powerful, I can imagine telling stories through video or photography that feels like they belong in Nat geo documentary. That’s why National Geography matters to my future, their visual story telling is beautiful and educational. Watching their work made me realize how visuals can inform people, spark curiosity and evoke wonders. That’s exactly the kind of content I want to create.

Critical thinking helps me choose which creatures or underwater scenes to highlight. Emotional intelligence helps me catch or design in a way that echo emotionally. Growth mindset lets me experiment with new ideas like turning the shapes and colors of jellyfish or deep sea fish into clothing concepts or video sequences and collaboration matters because creative work often involves teamwork, like working with photographers, divers or other creators.

(314 words)

References

Scales, Helen. “These Creatures of the ‘Twilight Zone’ Are Vital to Our Oceans.” National Geographic, 13 Feb. 2024.

Price, Kiley. “These Deep-Sea Animals Are New to Science — and Already at Risk.” National Geographic, 25 May 2023.

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CTS A | Compulsory Question 2

After doing the group mind mapping, I realized how strong CTS A connects to all my modules. The topics we learned like collaboration, emotional intelligence, self awareness and reflection show up in almost everything I do, even when I don’t notice it.

In Studio 1, CTS A helps me plan, organise my ideas and understand the meaning behind my work. During the Chinatown cool hunting activity, I had to observe, take photos and research artists. This reminded me of Saul Bass, who's design approach focuses on clear communication and intention, which inspires me to be thoughtful about what I include in my CPJ (Bass). CTS A also made me more confident during critiques because I learned how to communicate my ideas better and understand my own strengths and weaknesses.

In Craft Workshop, we work physically with ink stamping, mark-making, textures, patterns, and cut-out portraits. Even though these tasks are material-based, CTS A helps me think critically about how I use tools creatively. When I receive feedback, emotional intelligence helps me stay calm and open. I am inspired by Barbara Kruger’s bold use of text and images, which it shows how simple shapes can still communicate powerful messages (Kruger). This reminds me to think about meaning even when working with simple materials.

In Photography, I use management and problem solving skills. Photo walks push me to ask questions, like trying new techniques and learn from classmates. MoMA’s explanation of what photography is helped me understand how images can document, express, and communicate (MoMA). This connects to CTS A because it teaches me to observe, question and reflect.

For Digital Skills, CTS A taught me not to be scared of mistakes. When I struggle with new Adobe tools, I ask classmates or search for reliable tutorials, keeping in mind the importance of checking sources.

Overall, CTS A strengths my confidence, communication and ability to adapt

(313 words)

MLA References

Bass, Jennifer, and Pat Kirkham, editors. Saul Bass: A Life in Film & Design. Laurence King Publishing, 2011.

Kruger, Barbara. “Barbara Kruger: Artist Profile.” MoMA Learning, Museum of Modern Art, www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/barbara-kruger/.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). “What Is Photography?” MoMA Learning, www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/themes/photography/.

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CTS A | Compulsory Question 1

Critical thinking feels like keeping track of many strands at once, school work, emotions, planning ahead, solving problems and interacting with people, that is why the metaphor my group created made so much sense. we drew a girl hair branches out into a snake like strands, each labelled with different topics such as collaborative skills, emotional, growth mindset, what is critical thinking, digital media, conflict resolution.

Medusa became a perfect metaphor for this. In greek mythology, her hair is full of snakes, all moving but still connected to her head. That is how is our minds work when we think. Every individual snake represents a different part of thinking, they do not move the same way but together they form a whole. Seeing Medusa sculpture ( Roddato, 2016) help me to visualize medusa snakes are both separate and connected, just like the skills and thought in CTSA.

One of the moments that stood out was when my group discussed on each topic, how to represent each of the topic visually. Everyone remembered different lessons, each of us choose one of the topic to do, it reminded me of the importance of Collaboration. When it comes to me working alone, I focus on one of the points, but in a group work, it showed me how other people’s ideas fill in the gaps I missed. Reminds me to a Straits Times article, discussing how critical thinking has become a key skill in Singapore education, especially when students learn by questions, discussing and comparing perspectives. Our group activity reflects exactly the process of it.

If I could improve on something, I wish I had contributed more during discussions. Sometimes I hesitate whenever I had some ideas. Through this activity I realized that critical thinking isn’t about finding the perfect answer but being open minded and willing to participate. Overall, CTSA helped me to grow not just as a student but as someone learning to observe, question and understand more thoughtfully.

(327 words)

References (MLA)

Medusa Rondanini. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medusa_Rondanini# , 5 January 2024

SSLC . “The Importance Of Developing Critical Thinking Skills In Students.”,https://www.steppingstoneslc.com.sg/the-importance-of-developing-critical-thinking-skills-in-students , Stepping stone learning centre, 2009.

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Week 9 - CTSA (Digital Media: documentation for for Art Practice)

• Describe an eventful moment from the class, bearing in mind the key ideas of the day.

• What other categories would you have personally included for the exercise?

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One eventful moment from this class was when my group worked on the “Spirit of a New Generation” collage. It was fascinating to see how everyone expressed their ideas through visuals. We started by brainstorming what represents our generation and ended up including categories like daily routines, music, fashion, and disliked foods. This activity was particularly meaningful because it demonstrated how design can reflect both individual identity and broader cultural trends. Everyone contributed something different some focused on music artists, others on streetwear, lifestyle habits or favorite pastimes. It was a fun and creative way to explore how our everyday lives influence visual communication, showing that even small details can reveal aspects of identity and culture.

The key idea of the day was collaboration and understanding how personal interests connect to collective identity. I learned that teamwork can help ideas grow, as we discussed and combined our choices to create a unified collage. If I could add another category, I would include technology and social media because they strongly shape how our generation communicates and expresses creativity today. Incorporating this would clarify the vision further by showing how digital habits influence design tastes, social interactions, and daily experiences.

I’ve recently read the content of it,This activity aligns with Henry Jenkins’ concept of participatory culture, where individuals contribute personal knowledge and preferences to a shared creative outcome (Jenkins 5). Overall, the experience reminded me that design is not just about visuals but also about storytelling and shared experience. By connecting our personal interests, we created something that represents the diversity, energy and collaborative spirit of our generation.

(264 words)

MLA reference:

Jenkins, Henry. Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. New York University Press, 2006.

[angellasalle]

Week 3- CST A (emotional intelligence)

We talked about ‘Self-awareness’, ‘Self-management’, ‘Empathy’ and ‘Relationship management’. Which aspect do you think you are strongest at, and which is something you should try to improve?

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In reflecting on the four aspects of social and emotional learning,self awareness, self management, empathy and relationship management,I believe my strongest quality is self awareness. I am able to recognize my own strengths, such as communicating my ideas clearly and working well with others. I also understand my weaknesses, including taking a longer time to finish tasks or sometimes doubting the value of my ideas. This awareness helps me know where I can contribute most effectively in group work, while also identifying areas that need improvement. For example, in today’s activity, I was aware that I contributed actively to discussions but also realized that I needed to work more efficiently to match the group’s pace.

The area I feel I need to improve most is self management. Although I try to stay organized and focused, I sometimes struggle with working quickly under pressure. This can affect not only my own performance but also the group’s progress, especially when tasks are time sensitive. I believe that by developing stronger self-management skills, such as setting mini deadlines for myself or practicing time management strategies, I can contribute more effectively.

This reminds me of JR’s Inside Out Project, where he works with communities by showing empathy and building relationships through art. Each portrait represents an individual’s identity, but together they create a larger, more meaningful story. His work shows how collaboration and emotional intelligence can transform personal expression into collective impact.

Overall, Week 3 showed me that I am growing in awareness and reflection, but I still have room to improve in building stronger connections with others.

(267 words)

Sample References (MLA style):

• ChangingPoing, Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Framework, 2025

• JR. Inside Out Project. 2011–ongoing, worldwide community art project.

• LASALLE College of the Arts. CTS A, Week 3 Emotional Intelligence Activity. 2025.

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Week 2- CTS A (collaborative skills)

Describe your strengths and weaknesses as a collaborator. Discuss with reference to today’s activities and in other classes.

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Through different group activities in class, I have been able to recognize both my strengths and weaknesses as a collaborator. One of my main strengths is the ability to express my ideas and communicate (Saul Bass 1955)clearly with others. I enjoy sharing my thoughts during discussions and contributing suggestions that may help guide the group forward. This strength allows me to participate actively and ensures that I am not afraid to voice my opinions when solving problems or completing tasks. Communication also helps me connect with my teammates and build a more supportive working environment.

However, I also notice weaknesses that I am still working to improve. At times, I feel that my ideas may not always be strong enough or as creative as I would like them to be. This can make me hesitate before contributing as I worry whether my input is valuable. In addition, I sometimes take longer to complete tasks compared to others. While I prefer to work carefully, this slower pace can affect the group’s progress, especially when deadlines are tight.

In today's activity, for example, I found it helpful to share my thoughts openly with my group and my communication skills helped us coordinate better.Similarly, in other classes, I try to balance these strengths and weaknesses by staying engaged while also finding ways to improve my efficiency.

This also reminds me of Barbara Kruger, whose bold use of text and imagery shows how powerful clear communication can be. Her work encourages me to express my ideas with more confidence, even if they seem simple at first.

(263 Words)

References:

• Bass, Saul. Logo Designs. 1955–1995. Saul Bass Archive.

• Kruger, Barbara. Untitled (Your Body Is a Battleground). 1988, Broad Museum, Los Angeles.

[angellasalle]

Week 1- CTS A (what is critical thinking?)

Reflect on an eventful moment you have experienced in the class.

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One eventful moment I experienced in class was when I first started working in groups with different classmates. At the beginning, I felt nervous because I did not know everyone well, but this experience quickly turned into something positive. It gave me the chance to meet new people and slowly build friendships. Working together on class activities allowed us to share ideas, support one another and learn from each other’s strengths. I realized that collaboration makes the process more enjoyable and less stressful because tasks are shared and everyone has a role.

During discussions, I noticed that each person brought their own style of thinking. Some classmates were confident and outspoken, while others were quieter but shared creative and thoughtful points. This diversity made our group stronger because we could combine different skills and perspectives. I also started feeling more encouraged to share my own opinions. Even when my ideas were simple, they sometimes helped spark better discussions. This boosted my confidence and showed me that every contribution matters.

Making friends through group work also gave me a sense of belonging in class. It became easier to ask questions, exchange feedback and laugh together when tasks felt challenging. These small interactions created bonds that made the classroom feel more welcoming.

This experience reminded me of the Bauhaus movement, which also emphasized collaboration and combining different strengths to create better outcomes (Bauhaus, 1919–1933). In our group activity, I noticed how important communication was in making friends and working together as a team.

(251 words)

References:

• Bauhaus. Bauhaus Movement. 1919–1933. Bauhaus-Archiv Museum of Design, Berlin.