Common Module - AY25.26 CTS B

Bona Kang

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CTS B | Compulsory Question 2

My artistic vision begins with the belief that design is more than what we see. I understand design as an emotional language—a medium that communicates through color, texture, atmosphere, and movement. Small details act as emotional cues that shape how people feel, respond, and connect. I want my work to offer warmth, empathy, and quiet moments of reflection, allowing viewers to pause and rediscover themselves. To express these emotions clearly, I believe that a carefully constructed underlying story is essential. My strengths in illustration, compositional balance, and storytelling help me build these sensory experiences with intention and care.

CTS B deepened this understanding by showing me how design is shaped by social, cultural, and historical contexts. Through the module, I realised that design never exists in isolation; it continually interacts with the world and can subtly shift how people perceive their surroundings. I also gained a new perspective on technology. Rather than distancing us from emotion, technology can enrich sensory experience when used thoughtfully. Elements such as digital movement, interactivity, and spatial responsiveness expand the ways people experience design.

This became even clearer when I studied teamLab’s A Forest Where Gods Live. Installed within the historical Mifuneyama Rakuen garden, the work uses projection mapping, sensors, and light to animate ancient rocks, trees, and ponds. As visitors walk through the space, flowers bloom, colors shift, and light responds to their presence. The harmony between tradition and technology revealed a new way of perceiving nature, not through replacement but through heightened awareness. (“VOLVO TeamLab”) Experiencing this helped me realise that movement and technology can transform a space into something emotionally resonant. They can guide people into noticing details and forming deeper connections with their surroundings.

This realisation naturally flowed into my current Studio project: an architectural festival poster combined with a rotating 3D building animation. Inspired by the structural rhythm of architectural blueprints, I wanted to explore how motion could enhance a graphic experience. By integrating a 360-degree rotation of the building, I experimented with how movement can create a sense of spatial depth and guide emotion—similar to what I observed in teamLab’s work. Instead of staying as a static image, the poster becomes something viewers can engage with visually, following the layers and lines as they transform. Through this process, I began to see graphic design as a form of experience, not only a visual outcome.

Looking ahead, I hope to grow as an experience designer working across exhibitions and interactive environments. I aim to create spaces where design is sensed rather than simply viewed, using light, texture, movement, and narrative to shape emotional connection. To achieve this, I plan to deepen my skills in spatial design, digital tools, and story-driven visual communication. Ultimately, I hope to create experiences that gently stay with people and offer them new ways of seeing the world around them.

(479 words)

Reference resources :

“VOLVO TeamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live | TeamLab.” VOLVO TeamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live | TeamLab, www.teamlab.art/e/mifuneyamarakuen/.

Smiley, Joe. “Mastering the Art of Visionary Design: Skills You Need to Succeed.” Medium, UX Planet, 22 July 2024, uxplanet.org/mastering-the-art-of-visionary-design-skills-you-need-to-succeed-2a215e0dca3c. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

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CTS B | Compulsory Question 1

A design manifesto helps a designer clarify who they are, what they value, and how they position themselves within social and cultural contexts. It is not simply a personal statement, but a lens through which we express how we interpret and respond to contemporary design issues. A manifesto also becomes a communication bridge, enabling us to share our philosophy and create a sense of empathy with people who encounter our work.

With this purpose in mind, I chose “connection” as the central theme of my own manifesto. For me, I am talking about not only relationships between people but also refers to the flow between thoughts and actions, and the constantly changing identity of a designer. 

Personally, I view connection from a more sensory perspective. I believe design conveys emotion as much as meaning. Charles Eames’s famous statement, “The details are not the details. They make the design,” (TED) reflects this idea well. Even when two designers share the same intention, the differences in texture, rhythm, or atmosphere can lead to entirely different emotional experiences. I would emphasize that sensory experience can function as a form of communication on its own. Through my Design Interaction class and personal projects, I realized that sensation itself can act as a type of design language.

In the Design Interaction project, my team created an interactive screen for an airport lounge. We tried to blend antique warmth with a modern mood under the theme of flowers. Our goal was to create a screen that feels calm and welcoming so that people would want to linger. To achieve this, we designed a modern gradient background but added soft grain texture to introduce subtle emotional depth. This texture stayed in the background rather than competing with floating elements. Our professor commented that the emotional tone shifted because of the texture, which helped me understand how sensory details can influence user experience.

CTS B showed me that theory gives design its conceptual depth, while sensory experience brings vitality and atmosphere. Moving forward, I want to work in ways that bring these two aspects together. In my future projects, I plan to pay much closer attention to small interactions—the timing of animations, how elements appear, and the overall rhythm of movement. I want to create work where the flow feels natural enough for users to stay fully engaged, so that the design becomes an experience rather than just a set of visuals. Even slight interruptions can break a user’s focus, and realizing this has made me determined to refine these details with intention. My goal is to design interactions that quietly shape emotion, guiding users through a smooth and meaningful sensory journey.

Moving forward, I hope to become a designer who helps people not only see design but also feel it. I want my work to stay in someone’s memory as a subtle emotional experience. Ultimately, my goal is to connect people, time, and culture, using design as a language of empathy and understanding.

(495 words)

References resources:

TED. “The Design Genius of Charles + Ray Eames.” YouTube, 6 July 2009. www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0vDWqp6J7Y. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

Stuff You Should Know. “Ray and Charles Eames: More than Chairs | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW.” YouTube, 20 Feb. 2009, www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBbJzqfSYoE. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

The Design Funnel a Manifesto for Meaningful Design Stephen Hay. designmanifestos.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/48.04.designfunnel.pdf. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

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CTS-B | Week 4+5 Analyse Artistic Traditions and Lineages

In class, we learned about artistic traditions and lineages. Tradition refers to older art techniques or visual styles such as Japanese ukiyoe, Renaissance painting, or Korean minhwa that continue to influence artists today. Lineage focuses on how artistic ideas are passed down, including who an artist learned from and which artistic groups shaped their style.

Chua Mia Tee’s National Language Class shows both ideas, using traditional oil painting and social realism to express an important historical moment.The painting shows a classroom in Singapore with Malay phrases on the blackboard. It is not just a language lesson but also a representation of national identity during Singapore’s transition from colonial rule to independence.  (“National Language Class.”)

Curatorial choices also change how viewers experience the work. A simple wooden frame, a white wall, and nearby works from the 1950s and 1960s create a strong historical context. Museums use spacing, lighting, and labels to guide the viewer and highlight brushwork, textures, and social meaning. Exhibition elements like wall colour and artwork arrangement also influence interpretation. Olafur Eliasson’s Your Curious Journey shows that space and interaction can deepen engagement. (“Olafur Eliasson")

These ideas reminded me of my own experience studying fine art, when I selected paper, frames, and materials for my work. Choosing the right paper or frame taught me how material and atmosphere can change the meaning of an artwork. Because of this, I now realise that design is not only about visuals but also about where and how a piece will be shown. When making zines or posters, I want to think about paper type, colour tone, printing finish, and placement so the whole experience supports the message I want to communicate.

(275 words)

Reference resources:

“Olafur Eliasson: Your Curious Journey.” Singapore Art Museum, www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/Art-Events/Exhibitions/Olafur-Eliasson. Accessed 28 Sept. 2025. 

“National Language Class.” National Language Class, www.nationalgallery.sg/sg/en/our-collections/search-collection.artwork.html/national-collection/chua-mia-tee/p/P-0145.jpg.html. Accessed 28 Sept. 2025. 

Singapore, National Library Board. “Singapore’s Separation from Malaysia.” Article Detail, www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=9641f35d-3ae5-41d8-9fa6-7ca8b845ea53. Accessed 28 Sept. 2025. 

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CTS-B | Week 2 Connecting Theory and Practice

During class, I had a meaningful opportunity to reflect on myself not just as a student but as a developing designer. Our discussions on personal, social, and artistic identity helped me realize that design is inseparable from the person behind it. This made me see that my habits—being organized, responsible, and always prepared—are more than personality traits. They are values that influence how I approach problems, communicate with others, and carry out the design process with care.

At the same time, I have been reading a book by Jo Su-young, a Korean designer and CEO of JOH. His reflections on how understanding one’s identity shapes the direction of a creative life resonated deeply with me. He works across branding, publishing, and various creative fields while consistently maintaining his own sense of purpose. ("The Sense of Work") From his writing, I learned that knowing who you are becomes a compass that guides meaningful decisions, especially in a field where choices are often open-ended.

Combining the insights from class and the perspectives from the book, I began to understand the kind of designer I want to become. I hope to be a reliable and sincere designer—someone who approaches each project with intention, responsibility, and thoughtful preparation. Although I am still exploring which area of design I want to focus on, building a clearer sense of my identity helps me recognize the strengths I naturally bring into my work, such as careful planning, emotional sensitivity, and the desire to create designs that genuinely serve people.My name in Korean means “precious and beautiful,” and I realized this meaning captures the essence I want my design identity to hold: connecting creativity and passion to craft beautiful and meaningful experiences — that is Bona.

(270 words)

Reference resources:

Magazineb. “일의 감각 - Magazineb.” Magazine B, magazine-b.com/product/%EC%9D%BC%EC%9D%98-%EA%B0%90%EA%B0%81/389/. Accessed 28 Sept. 2025.

Cho, Sooyong. The Sense of Work. BusinessBooks, 2021. Accessed 28 Sept. 2025.

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CTS-B | Week 1 Creative Practice and Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is about using logic, facts, and careful checking. Creative thinking is about imagination and new ideas. If we use only one, it can be hard to solve problems. But if we use both together, we can solve problems much better.

I believe that my essay blends both of them. The creative aspect comes from the short story of Ryan and Devan which make the social issue relatable and human. At the same time, I think it needs a little bit more reference of surveys and articles that highlight border societal attitudes. It shows that this is not just one person’s story but a systemic issue. If I had more time, I might include more diverse references and more future stories for Devan and Ryan. For the references, it can be interviews with employers or perspectives from ITE students themselves.

Through this essay, I learned that it is important to use both stories and facts. Just a story can be strong, but people might think it is only a personal example. Just facts or data can be boring and not interesting. If we use both together, it can change the way people think. In the future, I want to use this idea not only in writing but also in my design projects. Like the footprint design on the floor, it can be eye-catching and fact included at the same time. I want to make my work creative to get attention while also using facts and analysis to support my ideas.

(251 words)

Reference resources:

GenAI : https://chatgpt.com/

Use: To translate my sentences fluently into English / Make the picture.

Prompt: Translate this in Korean. /Make the picture of the two different man holding their Job offer.

Use of Prompt: "Just facts or data can be boring and not interesting. If we use both together, it can change the way people think." / Made the picture

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WOII Compulsory: In Summary

Throughout this course, I learned that design is never solitary but is part of social, cultural, and historical contexts. Our aesthetic journey taught me that beauty is not absolute, yet always reformed by fashions and ideologies. Although I recognize the necessity of responding to these changing tides, I also learned that following them blindly risks losing my own design identity.

The "art ecosystem" idea strengthened this even more. Designers are not merely creators; we are engaged participants in a larger system of impact. Everything we create is an interactive process between people, technology, culture, and nature. This made me reflect on how my design can affect, and be affected by, the world around me.

Despite this continuous dialogue, I believe that it is necessary to have a unique individual viewpoint. My work should be about whom I am and what I would like to say—not just to copy what is trendy. I need to have the ability to be open to the world without losing my way in my own voice. This class helped me to define that tension, and now I understand it is not a conflict but a space where rich, contemplative design can be created.

(199words)

Reference resources:

“Asuka Watanabe.” Tumblr, asukawatanabe.com/. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025. 

Today. “Asuka Watanabe 「bloom」k Art Gallery.” 展覧会・博物館・美術館・記念館, abc0120.net/2024/04/30/145707/?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025. 

GenAI : https://chatgpt.com/

Use: To translate my sentences fluently into English

Prompt: Translate this in korean.

Use of Prompt: "Designers are not merely creators; we are engaged participants in a larger system of impact. Everything we create is an interactive process between people, technology, culture, and nature."

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WOII: Week 11 - Postmodernism

Postmodernism has exerted a wide-ranging influence on culture and art since it breaks down traditional norms and boundaries and brings new forms of expression. Postmodernism is departing from conventional modes of thinking, producing excellent works marked by multiple forms and strategies. By breaking down custom and authority, postmodernism encourages diversity and uniqueness and pushes contemporary culture and art forward.

Postmodernism demystifies the traditional values and universal truths of canonical texts as hegemonic ideologies, Eurocentric worldviews, elitism, and patriarchy. Decanonization automatically led to populism, and it fostered art movements with public engagement and critique. In visual arts, it focused on tearing down the distinctions between high culture and popular culture.

Pop Art was a prevailing movement of postmodern art. Pop Art deconstructed the distinctions between high and popular culture by putting mundane objects in the position of art, which contradicted the traditional notions about art. Multiplicity and hybridity of postmodernism are also seen in the reconstruction or satirizing of contemporary images and ideas that challenged originality and authorship—plain concerns of postmodernism's challenge to artistic authority and authenticity.

Postmodernism in art ended the traditional norms and hegemony of high culture and mixed art with popular culture. With movements like Pop Art, it disrupted consumer culture and capitalism while establishing hybridity and diversity. Expressive potential was created by postmodern artists as they reinterpreted or combined older imagery. They also employed diversified media such as photography, video art, and installation art to expand the types and genres of art and to introduce political and social themes in accordance with the complexity of modern society.

(248 words)

References resources:

“《특별기고》 포스트모더니즘과 전통(Postmodernism & Tradition).” 굿모닝충청, 굿모닝충청, 7 Feb. 2019, www.goodmorningcc.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=208040.

“포스트모더니즘의 미술.” 티스토리, 5 July 2023, www.tistory.com/.

 Tate. “‘Just What Is It That Makes Today’s Homes so Different?’, Richard Hamilton, 1992.” Tate, www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/hamilton-just-what-is-it-that-makes-todays-homes-so-different-p11358.

GenAI : https://chatgpt.com/

Use: To translate my sentences fluently into English

Prompt: Translate this in korean.

Use of Prompt "By deconstructing tradition and authority, postmodernism emphasizes diversity and individuality, enriching contemporary art and culture. Postmodernism challenges the classical values and universal truths embedded in canonical works as creations of dominant ideologies, Western-centric world views, elitism, and patriarchy."

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WOII: Week 9 - Cultural Materialism

Cultural Materialism is one of the prevailing anthropological theories used to account for human societies, with special focus on the effect of the material circumstances such as environment and modes of subsistence. This theory, as explained by Marvin Harris in his book The Rise of Anthropological Theory, is applied to comprehend various facets of human existence, such as food culture, religion, politics, and everyday life, through an examination of the products and materials needed at specific times. Basically, cultural materialism connects human society and culture to material conditions and offers pragmatic explanations in diverse fields.

For an example of cultural materialism, I came across an architecture in Korea. Hyundai Card Music Library design by Architect Moon-Gyu Choi is a great instance of cultural materialism. The structure reacts to urban problems wherein pedestrians are generally deprived of view because of compact buildings. Through the use of pathways and slopes that naturally connect people to landscapes, the design not only considers aesthetics but also social accessibility. This vision conforms to cultural materialism's concern for resources and sustainability. The Music Library visualizes solutions within the urban environment through a marriage of natural factors in order to achieve functionality and aesthetics. Cultural materialism in design provides imaginative and ecologically, socially, and materially centered contexts that exceed vision for public amenity and sustainability.

Through advertising material centered on this herb, the film explores how technology, nature, tradition, and community values can coexist. From a cultural materialist perspective, the herb is not only medicinal but a pillar shaping Wakanda's conditions of society and culture.

(257 words)

Reference resources:

Sarah Pearson. “Cultural Materialism.” Prezi.Com, prezi.com/5qxrtxfkwzzb/cultural-materialism/. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025. 

“현대카드 Music Library - OPENHOUSE Seoul.” - OPENHOUSE SEOUL, www.ohseoul.org/post/%ED%98%84%EB%8C%80%EC%B9%B4%EB%93%9C-music-library-1/page/31. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Bryden, Leah. “Botanicult Fiction: Wakanda’s Heart-Shaped Herb.” Royal Botanical Gardens, 3 Sept. 2020, www.rbg.ca/wakandas-heart-shaped-herb/. 

Chedulife. “서적소개 – 문화유물론 : Cultural Materialism (마빈 해리스 / 민음사 / 1996.5.1) - 크리스천 라이프 - 에듀 라이프.” 크리스천 라이프 - 에듀 라이프 -, 18 Aug. 2024, chedulife.com.au/%EC%84%9C%EC%A0%81%EC%86%8C%EA%B0%9C-%EB%AC%B8%ED%99%94%EC%9C%A0%EB%AC%BC%EB%A1%A0-cultural-materialism-%EB%A7%88%EB%B9%88-%ED%95%B4%EB%A6%AC%EC%8A%A4-%EB%AF%BC%EC%9D%8C%EC%82%AC-1996-5-1/.  

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

After analyzing the five-step analytical framework, Processes & Purposes, Subject Matter & Meanings, Choice & Uses of Medium, Aspects of Form, Contexts of Piece, I applied those principles to classifying souvenirs. At first, I classified the souvenirs geographically, in terms of location of origin. This felt slightly two-dimensional, though. To expand further on the analysis, I went back to the group criteria and had two general categories in mind: functional and aesthetic souvenirs, mainly with the lenses of kitsch design and cultural presentation.

Functional souvenirs, such as Singapore-themed souvenirs, go beyond the mere status of memorabilia. Such products mix functional design and cultural sensitivity: Colorful graphics, indigenous typography, and iconographic imagery are used to invoke recollections of a place while also being made a part of daily life. Here, these products become beyond ornaments—they act as interactive products that engage with users both by utility and recollection.

In contrast, decorative souvenirs convey another message. They illustrate kitsch through hyper-ornamentation, gaudy color, and emphasis on sentiment. Despite the fact that the objects have little practical value, their highly ornamented presentation and homesickness appeal reflect the cultural trend of appreciating items that connote exotic or idealized associations of place.

By classifying these souvenirs according to function and aesthetic intent, we gain a clearer understanding of the role kitsch plays in commercial design. Not only does this assist in clarifying the symbolic and functional roles of souvenirs, but it enriches our overall understanding of design as a cultural dialogue.

Second, we can group deals and strategies through clustering and organizing products into provided themes or ideas in order to affect consumer interest and stimulate buying enthusiasm. Studying familiar things design-wise allows us to more carefully assess design's hold on our daily lives. And finally, this exercise transcends simple object categorizing into taking design thinking even more expansive, more practical in the real world.

(299words)

Reference resources:

Williams, Bella. “How to Create a Content Analysis Conceptual Framework - INSIGHT7 - AI Tool for Interview Analysis & Market Research.” Insight7, 14 Nov. 2024, insight7.io/how-to-create-a-content-analysis-conceptual-framework/. 

Romero, Dhee. “Vibrant Mosaic Lamps- A Blend of Culture and Craft.” Mosaic Art Studio US, Mosaic Art Studio US, 15 June 2024, mosaicartstudio.us/blogs/mosaic-art/craftsmanship-and-culture-the-story-behind-turkish-mosaic-lamps#:~:text=The%20Rich%20History%20of%20Turkish%20Mosaic%20Lamps&text=Originally%20used%20to%20light%20up,traditional%20techniques%20and%20cultural%20significance. 

Williams, Bella. “How to Create a Content Analysis Conceptual Framework - INSIGHT7 - AI Tool for Interview Analysis & Market Research.” Insight7, 14 Nov. 2024, insight7.io/how-to-create-a-content-analysis-conceptual-framework/. 

GenAI : https://chatgpt.com/

Use: To translate my sentences fluently into English

Prompt: Translate this in korean.

Use of Prompt "The image is of a display of Singaporean souvenirs in the form of mugs, tote bags, and pocket mirrors that are arranged on shelves and displays at a store. The pocket mirrors also employ Singapore-themed imagery, with different designs being available to appeal to tourists and locals alike. The products are well presented and merchandised, inviting customers to browse and purchase a memento of their Singapore visit."

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WOII: Week 2 - Aesthetic

When we look at a restaurant sign, we don't merely examine its shape or function to transmit information. We also talk, where design, color, and type tell us a great deal about the establishment's identity. The sign's shape, whether elegant, minimal, or playful, tells us something right away about the mood inside.

But there can be a disconnect between the look of the sign and the experience of the restaurant. But there can be a disconnect between the look of the sign and the experience of the restaurant. This dissonance defies our expectations and affects our understanding of the space.

Every restaurant sign has significance. They reflect the culture, personality, and values of the restaurant and invite us to make sense of these in relation to our own experience and perspective. A sign is not a mere functional object; it's a way of saying who you are and creating an initial impression for potential customers. The significance of a sign varies depending on context and the interpretation of the person, so it is an evolving and complex form of communication.

Paying attention to them allows one to see the imagination that went into making them and how they shape our expectations and experience. Restaurant signs are more than functional signals, and they are evolving expressions of identity that make us feel a part of the stories and the values of each place.

(215words)

Reference resources:

“Pin by Ya2 on Toko,Ruko & Cafe: Coffee Stands, Cafe Design, Cafe Sign.” Pinterest, 14 Nov. 2018, www.pinterest.com/pin/433682639114905297/. 

Placement-International.org. “The Importance of Aesthetics in a Restaurant.” Placement International, placement-international.com/blog/the-importance-of-aesthetics-in-a-restaurant. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025. 

Mott, Josef. “Exploring Some of the Factors That Influence Café Design.” Perfect Daily Grind, Perfect Daily Grind, 8 Oct. 2020, perfectdailygrind.com/2020/10/exploring-some-of-the-factors-that-influence-cafe-design/. 

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WOII: Week 1 - Phenomenology

When I was first introduced to phenomenology in class, I didn't understand it. So I went and researched it after class. I came to know that phenomenology was established as a philosophical methodology as a response to positivism, which calls for the explanation of everything through testable, mathematical methodology.

Having grasped the concept above, I started rethinking the exercise we performed in class.

The reason this idea crossed my mind was that I had read many books on personality and human nature while I was younger. Unknown to myself, I had retained that thought, and it naturally expressed itself in my analysis.

This perspective was only based on my individual experiences. Then I started wondering how would others interpret the idea of a shadow?

The reason why the same phenomenon is so differently experienced by individuals is that each human being has his or her own unique emotions, interests, and experiences. That is, we all experience and explain reality in terms of our own fundamental structures of experience.

This helped me realize that our own points of view are richer and more varied the more that our experiences are rich and varied. More than being shaped by media and external sources, how we see the world is actually shaped by our own lives and experiences. In this manner, we are all phenomenological creators who write our own stories into our work.

Finally, whatever we choose by exercising our free will becomes part of our own story. I have therefore chosen to accept my surroundings with an open mind and a direct experience, unencumbered by any preconceptions.

(259words)

Reference resources:

“Owning Your Own Shadow: A Jungian Approach to Transform….” Goodreads, www.goodreads.com/book/show/18923731-owning-your-own-shadow.

“내 그림자가 나를 돕는다.” 네이버 블로그 | 비에스랩, m.blog.naver.com/kwonbongsook/222930612982. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025. 

“당신이 무심코 지나쳤던 일상 속의 현상학.” 고대신문, 4 Jan. 2015, www.kunews.ac.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=21319. 

YouTube, YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRLDsJyO3ew. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025. 

화이팅♬ : 네이버 블로그, blog.naver.com/msecworld/130102647539. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025. 

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CTS A | Week 12 Compulsory Question 3

Before this class, we primarily discussed the work we did during our sessions. However, this was an opportunity to reflect on the past and consider various perspectives. I would like to mention aspects related to my future career aspirations.

Currently, I am interested in becoming a book designer. I have a passion for books; I enjoy reading and appreciate how stories are crafted with imagination. When selecting a book, I consider two main factors. First, it must be well-written and engaging enough to spark my imagination. For example, if I read a sentence like, “She found a new town with houses that had round roofs, nestled in the middle of the forest,” I automatically visualize that scene from the perspective of the main character describing it.

The second consideration is whether the illustrations complement the mood of the book. If a book tells a family story but features a bit of eerie illustrations, it disrupts the overall tone and style. At the moment, I am focused on book design. Before coming to Lasalle, I worked in Fine Arts, which naturally led me to think about collaborating with fine arts. I envision creating a book with hand-drawn illustrations, as I am fond of the rough style of hand drawings. Specifically, I want to design books for children. I’m inspired by organizations like SCBWI, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, which supports those involved in writing and illustrating children's literature. Collaborating with such communities could help in creating children's books.

To make a successful book, we need to master storytelling and drawing. This CTSA class was so helpful for me to organize my thoughts. For other classes, I am learning and improving the way of using Indesign, and illustration. I want to work on this skills, and I hope after it got confident, I want to use these skills with my my fine art skills.

(315 words)

reference resources:

“Who We Are.” SCBWI, www.scbwi.org/who-we-are. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

“Nursing Home Facilities.” United Medicare Centre, 8 Jan. 2022, unitedmedicare.com.sg/facilities/?keyword_k=nursing+home+in+singapore&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA88a5BhDPARIsAFj595iT0uiKdQoXzEskY8FmkRduI-8vz5STR6K0sq0t9CiqnvwMMjzvRHIaAmlaEALw_wcB.

“With a New Chapter in Our Yellow Ribbon Story.” Home, www.yellowribbon.gov.sg/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

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CTS A | Week 11 Compulsory Question 2

Critical Thinking class is related to other courses, and the 9 main points that we learned were all the bases of the works. I learned that thinking of bright ideas and looking at my work from a third person point of view are important skills.

For example, in the studio module in week 1, we explored drawing. Observing the various situations that pigeons experience around us requires creative and critical thinking. Adding speech bubbles transforms a simple drawing into a work that conveys a social message. Ultimately, a deep understanding of small details leads to creative ideas, and critical thinking enriches the meaning of the work.

Additionally, “assertion, conflict resolution, and self-reflection” play crucial roles when I explain my work to my lecturer. For example, in the digital skills module, when I describe how I created icons for various restaurants, the assertion is essential for clearly communicating that my goal was to design user-friendly icons. When the lecturer provides feedback, conflict resolution skills become important. Finally, self-reflection helps me improve based on the feedback I receive. Following the lecturer’s suggestions, I redrawn all five icons in a flat style and ensured consistent outline thickness.

For the craft, emotional Intelligence was helpful. In craft, we need to explore the emotional face through our drawings. Therefore, I need to imagine the circumstance and situation that he or she might have that face. Thus, thinking of those reminds me of doing emotional intelligence work in CTSA.

Finally, photography reminded me of doing the work of digital media. One of the projects is making typology photography. For that, I need to come up with a concept, and take the various types of pictures that match with that concept. Thus, choosing a concept and taking pictures were similar to searing the photos to the right concept. 

Therefore, overall ideas were helpful for me. This class provides the foundation for the project and emphasizes the importance of combining creative and critical thinking. 

(326 words)

Reference resources:

Martins, Julia. “7 Steps to Uplevel Your Critical Thinking Skills [2024].” Asana, Asana, 30 Aug. 2024, asana.com/ko/resources/critical-thinking-skills.

“What Is the Importance of Critical Thinking in the Workplace and How Does Reasoning Play a Role in This Process?” Quora, www.quora.com/What-is-the-importance-of-critical-thinking-in-the-workplace-and-how-does-reasoning-play-a-role-in-this-process. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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CTS A | Week 10 Compulsory Question 1

In class, our group discussed the brain metaphor; however, I independently conceived the idea of a city with bridge. I stated that critical thinking is the foundation of effective analysis, with strong pillars that symbolize the ability to think logically, statistically, and analytically. Collaborative skills, such as effective communication and adaptability in collective projects like monument construction, are necessary for inquiry. Additionally, engaging with peers during this exercise demonstrated the importance of teamwork. We were able to help one another in ways that led to new ideas through efficient communication, resource improvisation, and environmental adaptation.

Emotional intelligence is about managing your emotions under pressure and understanding how your emotions affect others. This is especially important when working in groups. Argumentation and conflict resolution are symbolized by the observation tower, which emphasizes the importance of empathy and self-awareness in approaching problems from multiple perspectives. The railing symbolizes a growth mindset, motivating people to face challenges and realize that results can differ, fostering exploration without getting stuck on details. One enjoyable part of this experience for me was the session on growth mindset. I typically find it hard to draw and sketch under pressure, but this session provided an enlightening new way to look at it. Using my unusual hand for drawing sparked new ideas and a refreshing sense of curiosity that I really enjoyed.

Next, the surrounding landscape signifies the importance of facts and reliable sources, underscoring the need to differentiate between plagiarism and inspiration within ethical research practices. Finally, the act of crossing the bridge symbolizes the application of digital media in documenting and sharing artistic work, effectively bridging the gap between practice and presentation.

I wish my English had been better so I could have used a larger vocabulary to explain my work and better express my ideas. Improving my language abilities would have made the process even more fulfilling by enhancing my contributions to group discussions and the overall experience.

(321 words)

Photo (Improving language skills enhances our ability to communicate ideas clearly, making group discussions and experiences more fulfilling.)

reference resources::

“Hotel near Tower Bridge: The Tower Hotel.” Thistle The Tower, www.thistle.com/the-tower. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

“Pin by Maria Cecilia on Guardado Rápido in 2024: Career Vision Board, Business Women, Career Girl.” Pinterest, 20 May 2024, www.pinterest.com/pin/492649952869374/.

In my submission I acknowledge the use of:

GenAI : https://chatgpt.com/

Use: To translate my sentences fluently into English

Prompt: Translate this in korean.

Use of Prompt “ Collaborative skills are essential for inquiry, showcasing effective communication and adaptability in joint projects like monument construction.  Additionally, engaging with peers during this task demonstrated the importance of collaboration.”

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CTS A | Week 5 Growth Mindset

In today's class, we were given the task of choosing a package and reconstructing 15 different sketches with our left hand in 15 minutes. If we draw 15 drawings with our right hand, we would get caught up in the details of each drawing and it would be difficult to keep up with the time. However, by drawing with our left hand, we were able to complete the design fast and focus on the process rather than the outcome. As I sketched, I saw that the results frequently diverged from my initial assumptions, which prompted me to consider simpler and more effective designs. The drawings were unexpected, but they led to other creative ideas.

In this class, I first learned about camel peanuts. In order to change the logo in various ways, we removed the camel from some logos, but during the presentation, I realized that the essence of the brand lies in the camel shape. After listening to the explanation, I changed my thought and adopted a growth mindset to embrace new understanding. I decided on the design that featured the camel, even though at first I liked the picture of roasted peanuts. Conversely, the logo that I detested the most was a straightforward design that included the word "peanut" around by a shape of a peanut. I felt it was too intuitive and lacked meaning.

This experience made me realize how important it is to understand the brand. I learned that a positive feedback attitude can lead to success, and I learned the importance of working quickly and process-oriented by embracing new ideas and approaches.

(267 words)

Reference resources: “Camel Peanut.” Shopee.sg, 2023, shopee.sg/Camel-Peanuts-Ikan-Bilis-36g-%28Halal%29-i.91799978.12040796007.

Kenna, Frank. “Product Design: From Simple to Complex – and Back.” LinkedIn, 9 Mar. 2018, www.linkedin.com/pulse/product-design-from-simple-complex-back-frank-kenna.

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CTS A | Week 3 Emotional Intelligence

My best skill is relationship management. As I mentioned last week, I am good at bringing team members together into cohesive groups. To be effective in this role, it is essential to understand people’s personalities and collaborative strengths. Therefore, I work with them to understand each person’s unique characteristics so that they can work most effectively in a group setting.

I believe that relationship management is closely linked to empathy. I really enjoy listening to other people’s stories and forming deep connections with what they share. This naturally fosters empathy. This empathy allows me to transform their insights into valuable ideas for my work.

(Image of four people having a conversation, with one actively listening and showing empathy: This would visually convey the concept of empathy and your ability to listen and connect with others on a deeper level. It focuses on the emotional aspect of empathy could highlight how I connect with others emotionally in my relationships. Empathy and active listening are at the heart of effective relationship management.)

During a class project, I had the opportunity to demonstrate my relationship management skills. During a group discussion, I saw a girl who was quiet but had valuable ideas but was hesitant. I encouraged her by asking, “Do you have any ideas for this project?” As a result, she began to share her suggestions, and I was able to highlight her strengths and contribute to the team achieving better results. Throughout the project, I supported my team members in feeling comfortable sharing their thoughts.

Overall, this project was about playing a student who was reluctant to listen to feedback from others. I worked hard to understand and empathize with this character’s defensiveness toward feedback, and this helped me create a compelling performance. Through this experience, I realized that I needed to work on my self-care. I am effective at supporting others, but sometimes I neglect my own needs and energy.

(254 words)

“Premium Vector: Hand Drawn Group Therapy Illustration.” Pinterest, 8 Aug. 2021, www.pinterest.com/pin/852939616932227844/.

“Pin by Windi on Architecture in 2024: Home Interior Design, Dream House Decor, Apartment Inspiration.” Pinterest, 15 Oct. 2024, www.pinterest.com/pin/2322237301727706/.

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CTS A | Week 1 What is Critical Thinking

Before the class, I thought critical thinking was about judging work by criteria. I did not know what to think about questions to judge claims and arguments. However, I discovered that in order to assess statements and arguments properly, I needed to have my knowledge and keep a variety viewpoint while examining and criticising them. I knew how important it is to ask thoughtful questions of myself and other people as a result of this knowledge.  I realized that to grow into a creative, introspective, and adaptable individual capable of critically examining artwork, I needed to devote more time to my practice.

I also started to recognize the part mindfulness played in this process. I thought of mindfulness as just a way to help me relax before taking the class. I reasoned that hearing the noises connected to something visual would calm me down. But I realized that practicing mindfulness also meant paying close attention to the here and now. Deep concentration was difficult for me at first, but with practice, I learned that I could make an imaginative place in which depth may seem as a profound experience.

 I found out that if I practice mindfulness, I can upgrade my senses. For me as a designer, I need the development of artistic senses like feeling and emotion. Every time, it is important to concentrate on mindfulness because it helps us to understand our experiences completely. By taking time to practice mindfulness, we can upgrade my sight from being aware of the information around me, and I can use that knowledge as a target for my work.

(267 words)

reference resources: Bristow, Jamie. “10 Ways to Define Mindfulness - Mindful.” Mindful, 25 Oct. 2018, www.mindful.org/10-ways-to-define-mindfulness/.

“Get More from Authenticharmony on Patreon in 2024: Meditation, Finding Inner Peace, Clear Mind.” Pinterest, 4 Nov. 2024, www.pinterest.com/pin/433612270393511397/.

“Pin by Hiba Khan on Girls DPZ: Aesthetic Writing, Writing Photos, Journal Writing.” Pinterest, 23 Nov. 2023, www.pinterest.com/pin/11892386511330076/.