Common Module - AY25.26 WOII @jiawen012 - Tumblr Blog

WOII | Compulsory - Summary

In the WOII module, I have learned to understand the meaning of design learning through visual communication. The module taught me to observe, analyse, and view different design works, which helped me become more critical and intentional in my own learning.

In relation to the Learning Outcomes, I learned how to analyse design elements such as typography, composition, and material use through reflection on my own work. I improved my observation and research skills by studying different design works and applying them to my own projects, guided by feedback from lectures, even though my interpretations were not always perfect at first.

For example, I applied the skills learned in this module to other modules by analysing design elements and comparing them with my previous work. I also used feedback from lecturers to refine my designs and make improvements.

Overall, the module helped me develop a more critical and reflective approach to design, allowing me to improve my decision making and strengthen my ability to communicate ideas visually.

(166 words)

#summary #WOII

WOII | Week 12 - Art Ecosystems

Last week, our activity was to explore the Year 3 open studio and document one work or project that I found noteworthy. I then identified which design stream the work relates to and reflected on how it connects to my own interests as a designer. The project that stand out the most was the "Sori " concept. I would connect this work with Visual Journalism (Storytelling) because it communicates a message about self-perception and identity.The idea encourages people to focus on their inner voice rather than their external appearance, using design as a way to communicate a meaningful message.

As a design student, I can relate this idea to both my studies and my daily life with friends. My projects often require extensive thinking and involve both physical and digital design processes, which can be very demanding. As a result, I often feel stressed and pressured to complete everything on time. At times, I even stay up all night to finish my work, which affects my physical health and overall well-being. This experience shows that design is not only about producing a final outcome, but also involves emotional and physical challenges within a larger system.

I used to focus mainly on the final product in my design work. However, through my projects, I have realised that the outcome is shaped by many factors, including feedback, experimentation, and the use of different tools. This reflects Becker’s idea that “art is not created by a single individual alone, but through a network of people, processes, and influences working together,”(Becker, 1928) as my own design process is also influenced by multiple interconnected elements working together.

(273 words)

References

Becker, Howard S . Art Worlds . University of California Press , 1982.

#Howard S. Becker #art world #Art Ecosystem

WOII | Week 11 | Post Modernism

Last week, our topic focused on postmodernism, and instead of clean lines and simplicity, it embraces a playful and messy approach that combines different elements together. It often uses bright, clashing colours, random shapes, and unusual typefaces in experimental ways.

Our task is to create a postmodern advertisement, considering key design principles such as typography, fragmentation, plurality, and distortion. We are required to develop a visual composition that reflects a playful and experimental approach to design, rather than a traditional, clean, and structured layout. We also need to create a slogan to promote the product and may include body copy if necessary. In addition, we are encouraged to incorporate graphic elements that enhance the visual impact of the advertisement.

We chose Oreo as our main image. The design uses a blue outline typeface to reflect the packaging colour, while white typography represents the cream filling, creating a strong visual connection between text and product. The composition includes two hands pointing toward the Oreo, guiding the viewer’s attention and creating emphasis on the central object. The circular form of the Oreo also acts as a focal point, reinforced by the contrasting blue and white colour palette. Beneath the image, a blue quote reads “The divine taste,” functioning as a slogan that enhances the visual identity. The use of fragmented elements, layered composition, and contrasting typography reflects a postmodern approach that is playful and visually engaging, similar to the experimental style seen in the works of David Carson.

This activity also connects directly to my design training, where I previously believed that I had to strictly follow given requirements, often relying on safe layouts and standard typography rather than exploring more expressive approaches.However, Postmodernism challenges the idea of a single correct way to design. This relates to Jean-Francois Lyotard, who describes postmodernism as “incredulity toward metanarratives,” ( Lyotard , 1997) meaning we should question fixed rules and established norms. As a result, I have become more open to experimentation in my work, such as using playful typography, bold colour contrasts, and unconventional layouts inspired by designers like Paula Scher.

(344 words)

References

Jean-Francois , Lyotard . The Postmodern Condition . Manchester University Press, 1979.

#Post Modernism #Jean Francois Lyotard

WOII | Week 10 - Post Structuralism

Last week, we worked in pairs where one person photographed text and the other photographed images, without either knowing what the other had captured, creating a juxtaposed series of text and image. I focused on photographing text, while my friend focused on photographing images. I selected four pieces of text that I found interesting and relevant to the theme of post-structuralism.

Post-structuralism can be seen in my everyday life when I go out with friends, travel, use social media, or work on school projects. For example, when I use social media, the same posts or videos can be interpreted differently by different people, even though the content remains the same. people may also respond in different ways depending on their own experiences, context, and perspectives. This reflects Roland Barthes’ idea that “the birth of the reader must be at the cost of the death of the author” ( Barthes , 1967), where meaning is not fixed by the creator but instead produced by the audience.

In my design learning, this idea reminds me that my work is not limited to a single interpretation. As a designer, I need to carefully consider my visual choices, while also accepting that different viewers will construct different meanings based on their own contexts and experiences.

(241 words)

References

Barthes , Roland . A Critical Analysis of the Post-structuralist Thought with Reference to The Death of the Author by Roland Barthes . International Journal of Linguistics Literature and Translation , 2021 .

PDF | Roland Barthes in his famous essay “The Death of the Author” from a post-structuralist position took a stand against the notion of aut

#Roland Barthes #post structuralism #critical analysis

WOII | Week 9 - Cultural Materialism

Last week our topic was cultural materialism, and we had to create an advertisement poster based on a fictional world and its service. I chose Demon Slayer as my world. In that world, crows can talk and are used to send messages and information to the Demon Slayer Corps. Based on this, we developed a delivery service that transforms these crows into a structured communication system.

In the past, people did not have electronic devices, so they relied on available materials, physical labour, and simple tools. These can still be considered forms of technology, just not modern digital ones. During my design process, I used this idea as a reference and kept everything simple and grounded within the world of Demon Slayer.

I used a bright background to increase contrast and create a strong visual hierarchy, ensuring the crow becomes the focal point of the composition. The crow carries letters in a small backpack to prevent them from falling and I also added a star symbol with a $5 price tag to clearly communicate the service cost. These design choices make the system feel practical, reflecting basic communication methods rather than digital systems.

This activity connects directly to my design training, as it reflects how communication systems are shaped by available materials. In the Demon Slayer world, crows replace modern technology, forming a natural communication infrastructure. This aligns with cultural materialism, where material conditions influence how society function and communicate. As Marvin Harris states, “Human culture is shaped by the materials and technology available” (Harris. 1979).

In my daily life, I rely heavily on my devices for communication and online delivery.For example, I often use food delivery apps after school when I am busy, which helps me save time and manage my schedule more efficiently. Without these digital tools, many daily activities would be less efficient or more difficult, especially when trying to coordinate plans or access services quickly.

(320 words)

References

Harris, Marvin. Cultural Materialism . The Struggle for a Science of Culture. Random House, 1979.

Bibliography: p. [343]-370

#cultural materialism #Harris marvin #the struggle for science of culture

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

Last week, I shared three objects in class . A Dior lipstick, a Skull Panda keychain, and a card holder. I choose them because they are made with quality materials and careful craftsmanship, featuring smooth surface finishes, precise detailing, and durable construction. Presenting them helped me notice how the design of each object balances function and aesthetic. Using the Design Analysis Framework, I looked at their materials and how they were made, and how they work in everyday use. This process encouraged me to pay closer attention to specific details, such as the polished metal surface of the keychain, the neat and consistent stitching on the card holder, and the refined, precise finish of the lipstick casing. Observing these elements closely helped me understand why these objects feel well made and high quality. From this exercise, I realised that focusing on craftsmanship and material choices can show how much I appreciate and evaluate design.During the field trip to New Bahru, I observed a handmade cloth that connects well with my previous group of objects. Similar to the lipstick, keychain, and card holder, its smooth surface finish and refined texture create a clean, polished appearance, while its compact and considered form supports everyday practicality. This comparison helped me realise how focusing on specific design elements such as texture, form, surface treatment, and finishing can reveal how even simple objects achieve both functionality and aesthetic value through thoughtful design decisions.

(237 words)

For Week 5, I observed several design works and grouped three under the theme “Playful.” The first was a bright red character plush display made from soft fabric and rounded oval forms, creating a friendly and approachable feeling. This relates to "Jaime Hayon" , who often uses character-like shapes to create emotional, engaging designs. The second was a yellow light with a black square structure, using strong colour contrast and simple geometric forms. This reminds me of "Ronan Bouroullec" , where simplicity is used to create strong visual impact. The third was a tennis net pattern design, using repetition and rhythm to create a playful structure, similar to spatial and sculptural exploration by "Isamu Noguchi" . Overall, these works show how colour, form, and material can create playful and engaging design experiences. This observation helps me understand how to apply simplicity, repetition, and tactile qualities in my own work to make it more interactive and expressive.

(150 words)

#playful #design analysis #field trip

WOII | Week 2 - Aesthetics

Some notable ideas from today session focused on the relationship between form, function, and communication in everyday signage. today activity is to visit Sim Lim Square food courts and nearby coffee shops to document four signages that caught our attention.The signs aren’t just there to give practical information it shows the habits and preferences of the community around them.For example, rounded, soft fonts gave a friendly and cute feeling, while bold capital letters looked strong and were easy to read from a distance.

During the process, I first selected signs that caught my attention, then I compared what made them stand out. One sign used a playful typeface that matched its cute drawing, which made it more noticeable because of its contrast, size, and font style. Another sign used a clean sans serif font so people could read it quickly while passing by.

This activity connected directly to my design training because it taught me to observe how visual choices affect communication and now when I go outside, I pay more attention to signs, menus, and shop logos and think about the reasons behind their appearance. It trained me to really observe instead of just taking a quick look. ,“Typography is what language looks like” .( Lupton, 2004). This connects to today lesson because it shows that fonts are more than just letters and the visual choices that shape how we read and understand messages.

(246 words)

References

Lupton , Ellen . 2007 AIGA Medalist. The professional association for design ,2007

#ellen Lupton #aesthetics #signage

WOII | Week 1 | Intro and Phenomenology

Some key ideas from today’s session focused on lived experiences and memory. In the activity, we were asked to explore the concepts of “time” or “shadow” through photos or drawings. At first, I wasn’t sure how to start, but as I observed more closely, I noticed that my response was shaped by my personal memories and emotions. For example, my graduation photo captures a meaningful moment in time, reflecting how I experienced this milestone and the memories connected to achievement and friendships.

This aligns with Maurice Merleau Ponty idea that “the present is not a point, it is the living of the past in the present and the anticipation of the future” (Merleau , 1962). Through this activity, I realised that my perception of time in the photo is not just about the image itself, but also about how it reminds me of the memory and the emotions tied to that moment.

Listening to my classmates presentations also helped me realised how differently everyone interpreted the same theme. Each person focused on different details based on their own experiences, emotions, and social background.

Through this process, I realised that how we see images is shaped by our own memories and emotions. This made me think about how visual work can carry personal meaning, not just literal meaning. It helped me understand that when creating visuals, I should consider how people might interpret them differently based on their own experiences.

(241 words)

References

Merleau-Ponty , Maurice .Phenomenlogy Of Perception. Routledge , 2020

PDF | Maurice Merleau-Ponty was a French philosopher—a leading figure in existentialism and phenomenology, his philosophy of phenomenology m

#time #shadow #memory #Maurice Merleau Ponty #intro and phenomenology

CTS A | Week 13 | Question 3

I’ve realized mindset totally changes how I experience school. With a growth mindset, challenges feel exciting.I try, make mistakes, learn, and keep improving. But with a fixed mindset, it’s easy to give up, thinking “I’m just not good at this.” Focusing on effort and progress instead of perfection makes learning way more rewarding and less stressful.

Travel has always been my biggest source of inspiration, and being a creator allows me to share that excitement with others. I’d love to do a collaborative project with friends and family , like a travel vlog series where we mix photography, videos, and creative storytelling to capture hidden spots and everyday adventures.

For my final project, I want to create my own travel vlog series called “Everyday Adventures,” documenting small moments and unique stories from places I visit. I want viewers to feel like they’re exploring with me, seeing the world through my lens, and discovering beauty in unexpected places.

I also want to engage the community by collaborating with local creators, tour groups, or social media travel communities sharing tips, stories, and co-creating content that celebrates different cultures. CTS A is helping me level up as a creator learning to experiment, collaborate, and think creatively so I can make travel content that inspires, entertains, and connects people.

(215 words)

References

Greg Jung .Chief Growth Office .10 June 2022

We’ve navigated the twists and turns of life while in the midst of a rollercoaster of confusion, anxiety, anger and fear, all generated by t

#travel #growth mindset #Greg jung

CTS A | Week 12 | Question 2

Collaborative plays a key role in Studio, Craft, Photography, and Digital Skills, enhancing both learning and creative outcomes. It is the thread that links these modules, allowing observation, technical skills, creativity, and digital fluency to come together effectively in both process and outcome.

From all these modules, I’ve learned skills that will help me in the future. In Studio, I’ve learned to engage my senses, observe colours, shapes, and textures closely, and experiment with materials. Learning about research frameworks has also guided my creative process, helping me clarify goals, plan how to gather information, and evaluate sources carefully.

In Photography, I’ve learned that experimenting with scale, contrast, movement, and angles can completely change the outcome of a photo. It has taught me to see the world differently, notice details I might have overlooked, and express stories visually. Through this process, I’ve become more observant and thoughtful in how I capture moments, using images to communicate ideas and emotions in a way that words sometimes cannot. Photography has helped me develop a new perspective and a stronger sense of self-expression.

( 186 words )

References

Mr Tan Kok Yam,.chief executive of SkillsFuture Singapore and chairman of the IAL Council . 1 Aug 2025

The Institute for Adult Learning is transforming skill sets, driving innovation and empowering future-ready workers

#collaborative #skills future #Tan Kok Yam

CTS A | Week 11 | Question 1

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly, rationally, and reflectively about what to believe or what to do. In online shopping, I often catch myself pausing before making a purchase reading product details carefully, comparing features, and questioning assumptions like “a higher price means better quality.” I also check reviews and seller credibility, and consider whether I truly need the item or am buying it on impulse. I’ve realised that this process is similar to how I approach my creative work. When choosing colours, reference images, or layouts, I ask why a choice feels right, whether it communicates my intended message, and how it connects with my overall concept. Both in online shopping and design, critical thinking helps me slow down, evaluate options, and make decisions that reflect my values and intentions. Personally, I find this reflective approach rewarding , it reduces regret, builds confidence, and encourages me to experiment thoughtfully. It also makes me more aware of my own habits and biases; for instance, I notice that I’m drawn to bold colours or popular trends, so I actively question whether these choices serve my concept or just my preferences. Practising critical thinking consistently online, in my creative projects, and in everyday life helps me make informed decisions, take purposeful actions, and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness.

I think of critical thinking like Medusa. Her snakes are all the ideas and perspectives we encounter. Working with my group mates, we each bring our own “snakes,” and together we share , question, and refine them. Just like Medusa’s gaze sees clearly, critical thinking helps us cut through assumptions and make smart, thoughtful decisions in both creative projects and daily life.

(287 words)

References

Bryan Tan . international law firm Reed Smith . 21 June 2024

Fake reviews and their ilk come in all shapes and varieties. Just like scams and fraud, if the review sounds too good to be true, it probabl

#online shopping #visual metaphor #reviews

CTS A | Week 5 Growth Mindset

Emily Ryan states that “a growth mindset vs. fixed mindset often also impacts the way individuals approach their goals.” A growth mindset encourages openness to feedback, willingness to learn, and comfort with challenges, treating them as opportunities to improve. In contrast, a fixed mindset limits experimentation, framing mistakes as failures rather than part of the learning process. Svetlana Whitener’s quote, “Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right,” highlights that mindset shapes both belief and action: confidence alone is insufficient without effort and reflection.

Our class visit to Sim Lim Square showed this in practice. Photographing logos required careful observation and attention to detail skills strengthened by a growth mindset. Instead of taking the easiest or most familiar shots, I challenged myself to explore different angles, colours, and styles. During the subsequent group design activity, this mindset became essential. Sharing our photos, debating ideas, and selecting the orange juice logo encouraged me to adapt, experiment, and integrate others’ perspectives. A growth mindset allowed me to approach revisions and alternative concepts with curiosity rather than defensiveness, enhancing both creativity and collaboration.

This experience reinforced that a growth mindset extends beyond class tasks. In my creative practice, it helps me take risks with colour choices, explore unfamiliar tools, and reflect critically on composition and design decisions. In daily life, it encourages me to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and remain open to new experiences. Practising a growth mindset consistently cultivates resilience, self awareness, and intentionality, enabling me to develop not only as a designer but also as a reflective learner capable of continuous growth.

(267 words)

References

Emily Ryan . 22 March 2024

Explore the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset and what they really mean for personal growth and success.

Svetlana Whitener . 6 Jan 2021

A growth mindset offers more freedom to reach your full potential and stay in alignment with your values instead of being held back by limit

#Svetlana Whitener #growth mindset

CTS A | Week 2 Collaborative skills

Bruffee (1999) explains that collaborative learning “creates conditions in which students can negotiate the boundaries between the knowledge communities they belong to and the one that the professor belongs to.” This highlights learning as a shared experience where both teachers and students contribute to knowledge-making. Such an environment encourages mutual respect, open communication, and the confidence to express creative ideas during class activities. At the same time, teachers gain new insights from students, which helps them refine their teaching and better understand learners’ needs.

Collaboration appears in many partnerships between colleagues, exchanges between artists, or interactions on social media where creators influence and inspire one another. These examples show that collaboration is not only an academic skill but a way people generate ideas, solve problems, and create meaningful work together.

Collaboration added another layer of insight. While I focused on the camera’s retro look and functional aesthetic, my teammate suggested adding Sonny Angel figures as playful accessories. This unexpected idea transformed the design and showed me how working with others expands my creative boundaries. I realised that collaboration is not just dividing work but allowing different perspectives to reshape an idea into something more imaginative than what I might create alone. It reminded me that in my own creative practice, especially when I feel stuck, another viewpoint can act as a “creative jump start.”

In the studio, the “taste testing” session deepened this understanding. Exploring fonts and colours through a sensory metaphor made me more aware of how design communicates on emotional and associative levels. Colours can make a font feel sweeter, sharper, or softer almost like changing the flavour of a dish. These reactions differ from person to person based on memories and experiences, which mirrors the way I choose warm tones or rounded fonts when aiming for a comforting mood.

Overall, these experiences showed me that design is both technical and sensory. By staying aware of trends, textures, colours, and everyday influences, I can make more intentional choices and strengthen my personal creative practice.

(336 words)

References

Brufee, K. A. . October 16,.2024

Collaborative learning is an educational environment where students work together in smaller groups to achieve a common goal.

J Investig Med. Jun 1. 2013

Interdisciplinary efforts are becoming more critical for scientific discovery and translational research efforts. Highly integrated and inte

#J Investig Med.#collaboration #jelly beans

CTS A | Week 1 What is critical thinking?

According to Ennis (1987), critical thinking is reasonable, reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do. It requires us to analyse information, question assumptions, and make judgments based on our own values rather than simply relying on what others say. This feels especially important today, where online content exposes us to fast, simplified viewpoints. As Paul and Elder (2014) suggest, forming well reasoned opinions means evaluating evidence, checking the reliability of sources, and opening ourselves to different perspectives. Unlike the past , when information came more slowly and reflection was built into daily life like our modern environment encourages speed rather than depth. This makes critical thinking not only a skill but a daily necessity.

During our class activity, we wrote on plain paper what critical thinking means to us, the activities we hope to explore, and the emotional or physical spaces we need for learning. This simple exercise made me aware of how differently people think, prioritise, and solve problems. It reminded me that critical thinking is not just a method of judging information, it also involves understanding ourselves. Recognising my own thinking habits helps me understand why I respond to certain ideas, why I overlook others, and how I can improve.

In my daily life and creative practice, critical thinking plays a quiet but constant role. When analysing references, I catch myself asking whether I am choosing something because it truly fits the concept or simply because it is familiar. When selecting colours, I consider how they influence mood and whether they communicate the intention behind the design. Even when planning compositions, I reflect on balance, hierarchy, and the emotions I want viewers to feel. These reflections help me avoid automatic decisions and instead create work that is intentional, meaningful, and aligned with my values.

Critical thinking strengthens my ability to make decisions, solve problems, and navigate complex information both in and outside the classroom. It encourages me to connect past experiences with present choices and future possibilities. By practising it daily especially in my creative process.I am learning not only to think more deeply, but also to design with purpose, clarity, and self awareness.

( 357 words)

References

Ennis, Robert H. Critical Thinking.

A review of the research shows that critical thinking is a more inclusive construct than intelligence, going beyond what general cognitive a

Paul, Richard, and Linda Elder. The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2014.

#ennis robert H #critical thinking

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Common Module - AY25.26 WOII