Common Module - AY25.26 WOII

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WOII | Summary

Reflecting on this module, I have realized that design is much deeper than just making things look "pretty." WOII has helped me articulate observations of everything from high-end art to a simple Oreo, teaching me that every object has a story. By looking at broader themes like Cultural Materialism and Postmodernism, I now understand that my work is "politically situated." My creative choices are not made in a vacuum; they are shaped by the technology and economy I live in (Shifta). A major highlight was recognizing my own artistic inclinations. I used to obsess over technical perfection and clean Modernist grids. However, exploring Postmodernism and Aesthetics taught me the value of visual noise and humor. Whether it was using AI to design a Barbie closet or parodying classical art for a snack ad, I discovered that I enjoy breaking rules to start conversations. This shift has helped me develop the empathy and ideation skills central to effective design thinking (IDEOU). I have also improved at summarizing and presenting ideas by linking personal experiences to complex theories. I now see that as a designer, I am not just creating a product; I am using specific technical and creative skills to communicate (Indeed). I cannot "give" someone an experience; I can only build the tools to trigger their own emotions (Voisen). Moving forward, I want to create work that is more playful and connected to the messy reality of life. (238 words) References:

"Graphic Designer Skills: Definition and Examples." Indeed Career Guide, 16 December, 2025, www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/skills-of-graphic-designer "The History of Design." Shifta, 16 August, 2024, weareshifta.com/en/the-history-of-design/ "What is Design Thinking?" IDEO U, 27 March, 2025, www.ideou.com/blogs/inspiration/what-is-design-thinking.

Voisen, Sean. "Experience Cannot Be Designed." Voisen.org, 13 September, 2025, https://seanvoisen.com/writing/phenomenology-and-the-impossibility-of-experience-design/

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WOII | Week 9 - Cultural Materialism

Cultural Materialism changed how I look at design. Instead of just focusing on aesthetics, we discussed how money and physical resources shape our culture. We used Marvin Harris’s model which breaks society into three parts: Infrastructure, Structure, and Superstructure.

The biggest takeaway for me was that Infrastructure, basic things like technology and resources, is the foundation for everything else. As noted by researchers, this perspective suggests that human social life is a response to the practical problems of earthly existence (Price). It is interesting to realize that when the way we survive changes, our laws and even our personal beliefs eventually follow (Magnarella).

We tried this out in our group activity, "Ads for the Unreal," where we designed a poster for an auto closet. We actually utilized AI to help generate the visual for this poster, which felt appropriate since the product itself is an AI-powered system. In our fictional Barbie world, the infrastructure is unique because there are no resource constraints. Because of this, our ad focuses purely on innovation. Since all Barbies are equal, the product is accessible to everyone and does not create social divisions. The superstructure or mindset here is one of total empowerment, showing how material conditions dictate a society's values (Cole).

This perspective highlights that creative work is never done in a vacuum. I now realize that my choices as a creator are heavily influenced by the technology and economy I live in today. It helps me see that design is not just a solo creative act; it is politically situated and socially motivated, acting as a part of a much bigger story about how we live. (272 words) References: Cole, Nicki Lisa. "Definition of Cultural Materialism" ThoughtCo, 30 April, 2025, www.thoughtco.com/cultural-materialism-3026168. Magnarella, Paul J. "Cultural Materialism." Anthropology, University of Alabama, anthropology.ua.edu/theory/cultural-materialism/ Price, David. "Cultural Materialism and Behavior Analysis: Common Problems and Radical Solutions." PMC, 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2223157/.

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WOII | Week 11 - Postmodernism

Postmodernism was a huge eye-opener because it went against almost everything I have learned about "good" design. In my training, I am taught that Modernism is the standard, using clean grids and the less is more rule to keep things functional. However, Postmodernism is a rebellion against those rules. It swaps perfect order for plurality, fragmentation, and irony. As the Victoria and Albert Museum puts it, Postmodernism is an "unstable mix of the theatrical and theoretical," moving away from one "correct" style toward personal expression (V&A).

We practiced this in our group activity by turning an ordinary Oreo into something extraordinary. Our ad, “The Divine Taste,” ignored Modernist clarity. Instead, we used fragmentation by cutting out the famous hands from Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam. By removing them from their religious setting and putting them in a cookie ad, we gave them a new commercial meaning. This is a classic Postmodern move: being skeptical of old standards and reusing historical art in new ways (Duignan).

By swapping God’s touch for an Oreo, we used distortion and plurality to turn a sacred image into an ironic joke about consumer culture. This "form over function" style focuses on "vibrant colors and kitsch" rather than just being efficient (99designs).

This topic changed how I think. I usually aim for total clarity, but Postmodernism shows that being messy can better grab attention. It has taught me that design is not only about solving a problem; it can also be a way to start a conversation. Moving forward, I want to try breaking rules on purpose to create work that is more playful and unexpected. (266 words) References: Duignan, Brian. "postmodernism" Encyclopædia Britannica, 14 March, 2024, www.britannica.com/topic/postmodernism-philosophy. "What is postmodern design: how the reigning style of the late 20th century works" 99designs, 2024, 99designs.com/blog/design-history-movements/postmodern-design/. "What Is Postmodernism?" Victoria and Albert Museum, 17 April, 2024, www.vam.ac.uk/articles/what-is-postmodernism.

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WOII | Week 4 & 5 - Design Analysis and Field Trip

Since I missed last week’s class, I looked through group 4’s activity slides to see how they linked their objects together. The group focused on everyday items like a wallet, a portable fan, and an Apple mouse, all under the theme of functionality. Looking at the design analysis framework from the briefing slides, I thought about the processes and purposes behind these things like why they were made and what they actually do. I noticed that even though these are just objects, they often have deeper meanings, for example, the Captain America keychain is a gift from a friend, which adds a layer of memory to something that is otherwise just a functional object.

To add to this group, I picked ceramic pet food bowls. I think this is a great addition because it bridges the gap between the purely useful items like a nail clipper and the emotional side of design. While the bowl has a clear purpose to hold food, the subject matter of the animal faces adds identity and a bit of humor to a boring household chore. The craftsmanship of the glazed ceramic also feels much warmer and more personal than the industrial medium of a plastic mouse or a metal fan.

For my new grouping, I chose bear stuffed toys, a waving lucky cat ceramic, and an illustration of a cat. I have grouped these under the theme of humor. These three works make an interesting group because of their choice and uses of medium. Even though they are made of very different materials, soft furry fabric for the bear versus hard, shiny clay for the lucky cat, they all use rounded aspects of form to make us feel comfortable. Their purpose is not just to look cute, they serve a function to make a space feel more approachable and less serious. I can see how humor can be used as actual design tools to change how we feel about our surroundings. (327 words)

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WOII | Week 1 - Phenomenology

This session was all about phenomenology. It basically means looking at our lived experience without all the labels we usually put on things. The briefing slides explained that as we get older, we stop truly seeing the world because we get so used to everything. To be better designers, we have to try and see things with "fresh eyes". For the individual activity, I interpreted time through personal photos. I could not just show a clock, so I showed how time feels. I used an image of a birthday cake because every candle marks another year, a childhood photo before time changed my appearance, and a photo of my dead hamster, because eventually, time takes everything away. Using these kinds of personal narratives is the best way to understand the human side of design (Medium). My images show that time is not just a number, it is a subjective experience tied to memory and emotion. The briefing slides taught us that our perception is not just about what we see, but how our body and imagination process life. Phenomenology is about the deep connection between a person and their world (Interaction Design Foundation). I used to focus on technical perfection, but Sean Voisen argues that we cannot actually design an experience, because it is something a user has, not something we give them (Sean Voisen). This lesson taught me that meaning is what really connects with people. I should focus less on being perfect and more on how my designs can tap into a user’s lived experience to trigger a real feeling. (258 words) References: Sharma, Urvashi. "The power of user narratives: phenomenology in user research and service design." Medium, Oct 29, 2024 https://medium.com/@DrUrvashi.Sharma/the-power-of-user-narratives-phenomenology-in-user-research-and-service-design-5c5a1e157ea8 "28. Phenomenology." Interaction Design Foundation, https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/book/the-encyclopedia-of-human-computer-interaction-2nd-ed/phenomenology?srsltid=AfmBOop-uQ5e8CNuJDz-hn1wZBw_BTEzXVWvL3tMV8bfZzF9q5ChsUyN Voisen, Sean. "Phenomenology and the impossibility of experience design." Sean Voisen, Sep 13, 2025, https://seanvoisen.com/writing/phenomenology-and-the-impossibility-of-experience-design/

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WOII | Week 2 - Aesthetics

Honestly, I always thought aesthetics was just a fancy word for pretty, but we learned it is actually about how we perceive the world through our senses to create meaning. I have learned it is a complex "language of design" that uses visual elements to tell a story and evoke emotion (Figma). In our group activity, Vernise, Juha, and Geonwoo and I headed to Sim Lim Square to find the "clip art" of hawker centers. We looked at how form and function work together in everyday signages. A key idea from the briefing slides is that design aesthetics can use either harmony or dissonance to produce meaning. At Sim Lim, we saw signs that were not exactly traditionally beautiful, but they were highly effective at communication. For example, some signs used clashing colors and crowded layouts. While this might seem messy it actually serves a function, it triggers a quick judgment in the viewer about affordability and speed. As the Interaction Design Foundation notes, these aesthetic choices directly impact the "user experience" by signaling exactly what the brand stands for in a busy environment (Interaction Design Foundation). In my design training, I am often obsessed with making things look perfect, but this lesson taught me that meaning depends on the environment. It is like how visual elements like color and balance influence a person’s mood and their final judgment of a product (Design Tech Guide). If I make everything too clean and nice, people might just tune it out. I realized that my job is to balance how a design looks with how it actually works, sometimes visual noise or high contrast might just be exactly what is needed to keep an audience from becoming anaesthetized to the message. (289 words) References: "What are design aesthetics?" Figma, https://www.figma.com/resource-library/what-are-design-aesthetics/ "Aesthetics in UI/UX Design." Interaction Design Foundation, https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/aesthetics?srsltid=AfmBOorD1kdWtP0X9SVywO1_briKwXgH6wkZOamG_27EcEL700Jdnb_E "What is Aesthetics in Design and Technology?" Design Tech Guide, https://www.designtechguide.com/analysis/what-is-aesthetics

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 3

Through CTS A, I have started to understand myself better as both a learner and a designer. The module taught me to slow down, analyze situations thoughtfully, and explore multiple perspectives before deciding on a solution. This reflective approach strengthens my design process, allowing me to create work that is purposeful and considers the needs of users.

As VanseoDesign explains, critical thinking in design helps break down problems and generate innovative solutions that are both functional and meaningful (VanseoDesign).

CTS A has also highlighted the importance of communication and collaboration. In group activities, I learned to share ideas clearly, listen actively, and combine different viewpoints into cohesive outcomes. Shayanth Kumar notes that effective design requires communication beyond aesthetics, considering how ideas are conveyed and received (Kumar). These lessons guide my approach when imagining collaborations with others; for example, creating social media campaigns with fashion students, designing exhibition graphics with interior design students, or building portfolio websites for fine arts graduates.

Mindfulness and emotional awareness are another key takeaway. Forbes emphasizes that mindfulness improves design innovation by helping creators stay present, notice details, and make thoughtful choices (Nam). Applying this, I plan to approach final year projects and community work with intention, such as designing inclusive experiences or sustainable campaigns that respond to societal issues like mental health, environmental awareness, or community engagement.

For my professional journey, CTS A strengthens my ability to plan self directed projects, research trends, and develop creative solutions. I would love to design for food and beverage or fashion brands, creating visual identities, promotional materials, and engaging digital experiences. In the long term, I hope to start my own F&B business and develop its branding from the ground up, combining my design skills with entrepreneurship.

Overall, CTS A has built a foundation of critical thinking, communication, and mindfulness that supports my creative growth. These skills help me navigate professional opportunities, collaborate across disciplines, and design experiences that are meaningful, engaging, and socially aware. (326 words) References: Kumar, Shayanth. “The Importance of Communication in Design—Beyond the Aesthetic.” Medium, February 12, 2021, https://medium.com/@shayanth_kumar/the-importance-of-communication-in-design-beyond-the-aesthetic-a1a0fa729d45 Nam, Henna. “How Mindfulness Drives Better Design & Innovation.” Forbes, May 25, 2019, https://www.forbes.com/sites/hennainam/2019/05/25/how-mindfulness-drives-better-design-innovation/ “Critical Thinking in Web Design.” VanseoDesign, https://vanseodesign.com/web-design/critical-thinking/

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 2

Throughout this semester, I realised that the skills I learned in CTS A are essential for my growth as a designer. Critical thinking helps me reflect, analyze, and make decisions more mindfully. As Nicole Dessain explains, design thinking is essentially critical thinking, where analysing and problem-solving are key to creative work (Dessain). This mindset guides me in craft, photography, and digital skills, helping me plan and improve my work.

In Studio, collaborative skills were crucial during research frameworks and Data Space exercises. Gathering information, creating mind maps, and discussing layouts taught me how teamwork strengthens ideas. In Craft Workshop, I learned to approach exercises like mark making with intention, experimenting with textures, lines, and patterns while reflecting on what worked and what could be improved. This process showed how critical thinking helps me make deliberate design choices and solve visual problems effectively.

Assertion and conflict resolution were often needed in CTS group projects. Sharing opinions respectfully and listening to others helped us combine ideas into better outcomes. As Schmitz explains, assertive communication involves clearly stating your needs while respecting others, which is essential in group problem-solving (Schmitz). This skill was useful in group digital projects, helping us share ideas clearly and collaborate more effectively.

CTS A also strengthened my approach to facts, reliable sources, and digital documentation. Writing MLA citations and verifying sources trained me to use information ethically, which is vital in artist research for Studio and when gathering digital references for posters. Similarly, the LASALLE Fundamentals of Graphic Design course emphasises the importance of proper sourcing and methodical research in design projects (“LaSalle College of the Arts”).

Overall, CTS A has shaped how I think, collaborate, and communicate across modules. Whether generating ideas, working with others, or refining digital and physical designs, these skills help me produce work that is thoughtful, responsible, and creative, building the foundation for my future as a designer. (315 words) References: Dessain, Nicole. “Design Thinking Is Critical Thinking.” Medium, September 21, 2022, https://nicoledessain.medium.com/design-thinking-is-critical-thinking-31dbd8cef9e “LaSalle College of the Arts: Fundamentals of Graphic Design I & II.” LASALLE College of the Arts, https://www.lasalle.edu.sg/continuing-education/short-courses/fundamentals-graphic-design-i-ii Schmitz, Terry. “Conflict Resolution: It Starts with Assertion.” The Conover Company, April 30, 2017, https://www.conovercompany.com/conflict-resolution-it-starts-with-assertion/

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 1

Over the seven weeks, I began to understand the Critical Thinking Skills module as something that teaches us how to think more consciously. The Foundation for Critical Thinking explains it as “the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information as a guide to belief and action” (Foundation for Critical Thinking). This helped me understand critical thinking as a design tool that helps me structure and arrange my ideas more effectively.

StudioBinder describes visual metaphors as images that represent a concept through another familiar object (StudioBinder). This is exactly what we did when creating our spaceship metaphor. Building it required critical thinking, not just creativity. As a group, we discussed, compared ideas, and evaluated which part of the spaceship best represented each skill. This showed how collaboration, analysis, and decision-making are all part of the design process.

In our metaphor, the cockpit represents critical thinking, acting as the decision making centre that guides the journey. The crew members symbolise collaborative skills, since teamwork and communication are essential for any mission. The computer represents digital media because it documents our progress and helps us navigate. The radio stands for assertion and conflict, reminding us how clear communication can resolve misunderstandings. Emotional intelligence functions as the battery, keeping everything balanced and stable, while the growth mindset becomes the engine that drives continuous progress. Lastly, a satellite represents visual metaphor, facts, and reliable sources, collecting and transmitting accurate data from afar.

My favourite session was on critical thinking itself. I learned about mindfulness and how we use critical thinking every day without noticing. Mindfulness, which Mindful.org explains as being aware and present without overreacting (“What Is Mindfulness?”), helped me see how pausing and observing our thoughts can improve how we design our actions.

Working in a group also showed me the value of shared ideas. If anything, I think I contributed well overall, though there were moments where adding just a bit more insight could have strengthened our work further.

(328 words)

References: Foundation for Critical Thinking. “Defining Critical Thinking.” The Foundation for Critical Thinking, https://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766 Mindful Staff. “What Is Mindfulness?” Mindful, May 15, 2025, https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/ StudioBinder. “What Is a Visual Metaphor? Definition and Examples. StudioBinder, June 24, 2025, https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-visual-metaphor-definition/ 

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Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to notice and manage emotions in yourself and others. Psychology Today defines it as "the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others" ("Emotional Intelligence"). Mental Health America notes that it is key for teamwork, problem-solving, and handling stress ("What Is Emotional Intelligence and How Does It Apply to the Workplace?").

For me, emotional intelligence is most important in relationships and group work. I tend to get emotionally invested quickly, which sometimes makes it harder to stay calm when things do not go as planned. In group projects for example, I might feel frustrated if someone doesn’t contribute. But by recognizing my feelings before reacting, I can stop myself from being too harsh. This self-awareness makes it easier to encourage others instead of shutting them out.

Harvard Professional Development suggests improving emotional intelligence by pausing before reacting or reflecting on feedback ("How to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence"). I try to do this by asking myself why I feel a certain way before speaking. It doesn’t always work perfectly, but it helps me respond more thoughtfully.

Practicing emotional intelligence takes effort, but it makes collaboration smoother and relationships stronger. (224 words) References: “Emotional Intelligence.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers,

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Emotional intelli

“How to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence.” Professional Development | Harvard DCE, Harvard Division of Continuing Education, 19 Sept. 2023,

An overview of the importance of Emotional Intelligence for your own success and the success of your organization.

“What Is Emotional Intelligence and How Does It Apply to the Workplace?” Mental Health America,

What is emotional intelligence and how does it apply to the workplace? | Mental Health America

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Collaborative Skills

Collaboration is one of the most important skills to have in both school and work. It is more than just dividing tasks. It means listening, sharing ideas, and working toward the same goal. Effective collaboration requires respect, open communication, and flexibility (Indeed). These qualities allow a group to work together rather than as separate individuals.

In many group projects, not everyone contributes equally. I have experienced this before when some members did not give much input. At first, it felt unfair and it was frustrating. But I learned that collaboration is not only about what they contribute, it is also about how I respond. Instead of getting upset, I try to ask questions, encourage quiet members, and give them chances to share. Sometimes this worked, and they would add some useful ideas. Other times it wouldn't, and I'd have to adjust by taking on more responsibility myself. Even then, I found that keeping communication open made the group run more smoothly, and it reduced stress compared to staying silent or being upset.

Good collaboration also means being open to feedback and knowing when to compromise. Even if ideas conflict, combining different strengths can lead to better results (TeamBuilding.com). Working with others is a skill that improves over time, especially when we practice patience and mindfulness.

Collaboration is not always easy, but with practice, it helps build trust, creativity, and strong relationships (Jostle).

(258 words) References: "Collaboration Skills: Definitions and Examples." Indeed, 27 Sept. 2023,

Collaboration Skills: Examples and Ways To Improve Them

Learn about collaboration skills, how to improve them and how to highlight them in a job search, plus review 20 examples of workplace collab

“6 Collaboration Skills and How to Foster Them.” Jostle Blog, 17 Jan. 2024,

9 Examples Of Collaboration Skills

A list of collaboration skills essential to work successfully with others, get more work done, move up the corporate ladder, and achieve bet

"Collaboration Skills: Definition, List, and Examples." TeamBuilding.com, 2023,

What are collaboration skills (and why do they matter)?

Effective collaboration requires a lot from your people. Here are six collaboration skills that you can help employees foster.

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What is Critical Thinking?

To me, critical thinking is the disciplined art of questioning and evaluating what we see, hear, or assume. The Foundation for Critical Thinking defines it as “self-guided, self-disciplined thinking” striving to reason fairly and clearly (Foundation for Critical Thinking). Monash University also describes it as a process in which we “question, analyse, interpret, evaluate and make a judgement” about information (“What Is Critical Thinking?” Monash University). The University of Louisville adds that this process is “intellectually disciplined,” involving skillful analysis, synthesis, and evaluation (“What Is Critical Thinking?” University of Louisville).

In one of our craft workshop warm-ups, everyone in our group brought random items from home; string, popsicle sticks, pens, paint buckets, and watercolor palettes. The task was to “draw lines in space” using on-hand objects. We ended up tying string between chairs and hanging things from it. The result looked messy and unplanned, but it worked as an experiment. Even though it wasn’t neat or polished, the process of trying different ideas and figuring out how to make the materials hold together felt like the real point of the exercise.

That experience showed me that critical thinking means asking questions, trying things out, fixing mistakes, and adjusting. It’s not about being negative, it’s about learning and making better choices.

(249 words) References: Foundation for Critical Thinking. “Defining Critical Thinking.” The Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2020,

Monash University. “What Is Critical Thinking?” Monash University,

University of Louisville. “What Is Critical Thinking?” Ideas to Action (i2a), University of Louisville,

Ideas to Action is the University of Louisville’s quality enhancement plan, focused on undergraduate education and created as part of the re