Common Module — AY25.26 WOII

[lucasjavier05]

WOII Compulsory: Summary

Throughout the WOII module, I developed a broader and more in-depth understanding of how design is shaped by cultural, historical, and theoretical contexts. The different topics explored, including phenomenology, semiotics, postmodernism, and art ecosystems, encouraged me to look beyond visual aesthetics and consider the deeper meanings, systems, and ideas behind creative work. One key learning outcome for me was gaining the ability to analyse design more critically by understanding how social, cultural, and historical influences affect both designers and audiences.

The weekly reflections and activities played an important role in helping me connect theoretical concepts to my own design training in Communication and Experience Design. Rather than viewing theory as something separate or purely academic, I began to see how concepts such as interpretation, user perception, and context directly influence design decisions and outcomes. This shift in perspective allowed me to approach my work more thoughtfully and with clearer intention.

In addition, visiting exhibitions and observing both professional and student works strengthened my awareness of how design operates within larger creative networks and communities. It made me realise that design is not created in isolation but is part of an ongoing dialogue between creators, audiences, and cultural contexts.

Overall, the module helped me become more reflective and intentional in my design process. I now approach projects with greater consideration of audience experience, cultural relevance, and conceptual meaning. WOII has expanded my perspective on design, encouraging me to think critically and position my work within a wider ecosystem of ideas and creative practices.

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reference:

John, Sean. “The Treachery of Images.” Medium, 27 Sept. 2016, medium.com/@seanteasdale/the-treachery-of-images-2ca9e6273219.

ArtLead. “Modern Classics: Olafur Eliasson – the Weather Project, 2003 | Art for Sale | Artlead.” Artlead, artlead.net/journal/modern-classics-olafur-eliasson-the-weather-project-2003/.

Breeding, Greg. “Embracing Chaos in Design.” Journey Group, 23 July 2021, medium.com/journey-group/embracing-chaos-in-design-2deb6f2a3daf.

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[lucasjavier05]

WOII: Week 9 - Cultural Materialism

One of the most notable ideas from today’s session was the concept of cultural materialism, which highlights how culture is shaped by material and technological conditions rather than existing independently. The framework of infrastructure, structure, and superstructure helped me understand how basic resources and technologies influence social systems and, eventually, beliefs and visual culture. This shifted my perspective on design, making me realise that what we create is always connected to real-world conditions such as environment, economy, and available tools.

The group activity, “Ads for the Unreal,” made this idea more engaging and practical. Working as a group, we had to discuss and agree on how a fictional world’s material realities would shape our product and advertisement. This process involved combining different ideas and perspectives, which made us think more critically about how factors like scarcity, technology, and social hierarchy influence design choices. For example, decisions about visuals, typography, and messaging were not just based on style, but on whether they made sense within the world we were designing for. Collaborating also highlighted how design is often a collective process, where ideas are refined through discussion rather than created individually.

This connects to my design training, where we often work on projects that require both conceptual thinking and teamwork. The activity reinforced the importance of considering context when designing, as well as the value of collaboration in developing stronger ideas. Overall, the session helped me see design as part of a larger system shaped by both material realities and shared creative input.

(Word count: 252)

reference:

“Banksy Napalm.” Lofty Trend, 15 Mar. 2021, loftytrend.com/en/blogs/blog-art/banksy-napalm.

“FUTURE GALLERY.” Futuregallery.org, 2025, futuregallery.org/metahaven-black-transparency/.

[lucasjavier05]

WOII: Week 12 - Art Ecosystems

One of the most notable ideas from today’s session was the concept of a design ecosystem, which describes design as part of a larger network of people, platforms, and industries. Instead of seeing design as something done individually, the session showed how designers are constantly interacting with clients, audiences, institutions, and production processes. Ideas like network, interaction, and community made it clear that design outcomes are shaped by many different relationships and contexts, not just the designer alone.

The Open Studio activity made this even clearer. Many of the projects were not just focused on how things looked, but on creating meaningful experiences that required user engagement and participation. Some works only made sense when the audience interacted with them, which shows how design today is moving beyond static visuals. This really connects to my training in interaction design, where the focus is on how users engage with systems, interfaces, and environments.

The session also helped me realise that interaction design naturally sits at the centre of this ecosystem. As an interaction designer, I’m not just designing interfaces, but also shaping how users connect with technology and content. Even something as simple as a digital interface involves thinking about user behaviour, needs, and the context in which it’s used.

Overall, this session helped me see design in a more holistic way. It’s not just about aesthetics, but about understanding relationships, experiences, and impact. Moving forward, I’ll approach my work with more awareness of how everything is connected within a larger design ecosystem.

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Reference:

Maynard, Quinn Brennan. “Susan Kare — the Woman Who Gave the Macintosh a Smile.” Medium, 27 Sept. 2018, medium.com/@quinnbrennanmaynard/susan-kare-the-woman-who-gave-the-macintosh-a-smile-dfa40564e07d.

Korpai, Daniel. “Reading Experience Filters Concept.” Medium, Muzli - Design Inspiration, 13 May 2018, medium.muz.li/reading-experience-filters-concept-b748a79f6199. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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[lucasjavier05]

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

One of the most notable ideas from today’s session was learning how to analyse design more systematically using the How Design Means framework. Instead of simply saying whether something looks nice or well designed,The lecture encouraged us to analyse design through its process, purpose, medium, form, and context, not just its appearance. I found the focus on medium and craftsmanship especially interesting, as it made me realise how material choices influence meaning.

During the activity, we had to discuss everyday objects which helped me see how design exists beyond posters and advertisements. We brought our items like the power bank and earphones lean more toward function, as their primary purpose is utility. However, objects such as the fluffy bear pouch, branded perfume, and customised pink camera express more identity and personality. When applying the framework, I began thinking about processes and purposes, choice of medium, aspects of form, and context.

This connects strongly to my design training, where we are taught to justify decisions. The framework gives me clearer structure when analysing and creating work, helping me think more critically about how design communicates beyond appearance.

week 5

On week 4, our group explored the theme Function ↔ Identity, examining how everyday objects shift from purely practical tools to markers of personal expression. Items like the cap, camera, perfume, and keychains demonstrated this spectrum clearly while they serve clear functions, their colours, textures, and branding strongly signal personality and lifestyle. The discussion helped me realise that design is rarely neutral even the most functional object carries identity through material, form, and visual language.

During the field trip to New Bahru, I was drawn to the tiled HÜVOS sign. I see this as a meaningful addition to our previous grouping because it transforms something functional a restaurant sign into a strong identity marker. The grid tiles and bold lettering do more than inform; they construct a brand personality rooted in tactility and material honesty. It reinforces our idea that function and identity are not opposites, but constantly intertwined through design decisions.

[lucasjavier05]

WOII | Week 3 Semiotics

Some of the most notable ideas from today’s session is how semiotics provides a structured way to read and construct meaning in design. Concepts such as sign, signifier, signified, denotation, and connotation helped me understand that visuals communicate beyond what is immediately seen. Rather than relying on personal interpretation alone, semiotics offers designers a shared language to analyse how images function within cultural and social contexts.

The in class activity of decoding an advertisement was really helpful in applying these theories. Working through both formal and contextual analysis made me more aware of how design elements such as colour, scale, balance, and composition influence meaning. The process of identifying signifiers and linking them to broader ideas reinforced the importance of being intentional with visual decisions, something that directly connects to my design training, where clarity, hierarchy, and audience perception are key considerations.

I personally chose to decode the Pepsi Halloween print advertisement because the image shows a Pepsi can wearing a red Coca-Cola cape with the line “We wish you a scary Halloween.” On a denotative level, the signifiers include the can, the cape, and the Halloween theme. Connotatively, the Coca-Cola branding symbolises Pepsi’s main competitor, suggesting that becoming Coke is Pepsi’s worst fear. The ad relies on shared cultural knowledge of brand rivalry to communicate humour and confidence with minimal visuals.

Overall, I found the lesson really helpful because it changed the way I look at images and advertisements. Instead of seeing them only as visuals, I now think more about the signs, meanings, and intentions behind the design.

Reference:

Caldwell, Ellen C. “The History of “Your Body Is a Battleground” | JSTOR Daily.” JSTOR Daily, 15 July 2016, daily.jstor.org/the-history-your-body-is-a-battleground/.

[lucasjavier05]

WOII | Week 1 Intro and phenomenology

Today’s session on phenomenology introduced a way of thinking that shifted my focus from objective analysis to lived experience. Instead of viewing art and design as some fixed objects with singular meanings, the lecture emphasised on how perception shapes reality. This idea challenged the assumption that design can be experienced in the same way by everyone, highlighting how interpretation is influenced by individual context and consciousness.

A key takeaway from the session was the role of perception, memory, and imagination in shaping experience. During the activity, I chose to go outdoors to take photographs instead of drawing, as I realised that many of these concepts already exist in our everyday environment but often go unnoticed. Interpreting abstract ideas such as time or shadows pushed me to slow down and pay closer attention to light, movement, and change around me, rather than relying on literal representations. Memory influenced how I framed certain moments, as past experiences affected what I found meaningful, while imagination allowed me to see beyond what was immediately visible in the photograph. Through this process, I became more aware that even minimal or subtle photographic choices such as composition, timing, or the direction of light can communicate strong experiential meanings and emotions.

The concept of embodiment was also important. How I moved, observed, and physically engaged with my surroundings affected how I noticed light, space, and form. This made me more aware that design is not only visual but also physical and sensory. Emotion and desire further influenced my creative decisions, as certain images felt more engaging or meaningful based on emotional response rather than logic.

Finally, the session highlighted the social and language aspects of phenomenology. Different people bring different interpretations to the same work, shaped by culture and shared visual language. In relation to my design training, phenomenology encourages a more human centred and empathetic approach, reminding me to design experiences that consider how people see, feel, and remember.

Reference:

Matharu, Arshdeep. “Study the Masters: Fan Ho — Part One: Approaching Shadow.” Medium, 10 Mar. 2018, medium.com/@arshdeep.nz/study-the-masters-fan-ho-part-one-approaching-shadow-f2c933bfb120.

[lucasjavier05]

Week 13 | Compulsory Question 3

1. What collaborative project/s would you like to do?

One collaborative project I would like to do is branding for a small local business such as neighbourhood cafe and thrift shops. I believe this would allow me to use what I have learnt in my course to help with the visual identity. It would also help me to understand the business values, audience and the message they want to convey which links back to CTSA because it requires me to ask good questions, analysing information and make thoughtful decisions.

2. What final project/s would you like to do?

I would like to design a fitness application that helps that helps from beginners to intermediate keep track of their lifts, running and food intake. I chose fitness application because often other fitness applications is either complicated to use or it is not free to use so I wanted to make something that is more friendly and free. This project would allow me to visual communication, layout, branding, and user experience design. I can also apply CTSA by thinking about the users needs while designing the application.

3. How would you engage your community?

One group I would like to work with is the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). I can make an inclusive sports awareness campaign by designing a visual branding that celebrates para-athletes. I would engage in my community by understanding their needs and testing my ideas with real users, creating inclusive visuals and promoting simple group activities using design to support SIngapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) message of accessibility fitness for all.

4. How might CTS A help you with professional development?

CTSA can help me with my professional development by helping me build the skills I need for my career in digital and interactive design like analysing user problems and justify my design choice instead of designing it without any meaning. CTSA can also prepare me for roles in UI/UX design as I can turn concepts into functional experiences. 

Reference:

Lianhe, Zaobao. (2019) Lianhe Zaobao: Recognising Singapore’s Hawker Culture as an intangible cultural heritage, Art School Student Designs Spring/Summer Wear, Lianhe Zaobao: Recognising Singapore’s hawker culture as an intangible cultural heritage, art school student designs spring/summer wear | LASALLE College of the Arts. Available at: https://www.lasalle.edu.sg/news/recognising-singapores-hawker-culture-intangible-cultural-heritage-art-school-student-designs (Accessed: 20 November 2025).

Jie, L.Z. (2025) Lim Zi Jie - School of Design Communication: The lasalle show, School of Design Communication | The LASALLE Show. Available at: https://tls.lasalle.edu.sg/2025/school-of-design-communication/ba-hons-design-communication/lim-zi-jie (Accessed: 20 November 2025).

wong, adelene (2016) Better facilities, classes clear path to playing fields for disabled, TODAY. Available at: https://www.todayonline.com/sports/5-year-master-plan-promote-disability-sports-participation-launched (Accessed: 20 November 2025).

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[lucasjavier05]

Week 12 | Compulsory Question 2

Studio 1

CTSA has played an important role across all my modules. In Visual Thinking, it helped me understand why certain marks or images caught my attention, instead of reacting without thinking. Through Research Frameworks, CTSA taught me to evaluate the reliability of my sources and choose quotations that genuinely support my ideas. In Type & Language, it made me more aware of hierarchy, spacing, and readability, allowing me to consider whether my layouts clearly communicate the message. For Typo Sensory, I used CTSA to think about how type evokes emotion, choosing fonts based on how they influence the viewer rather than how they simply look. In Hollywood Bling, CTSA helped me pay closer attention to movement and timing, analysing each frame carefully before adding background elements. Finally, in Data Space, CTSA showed me how the arrangement of information shapes meaning, guiding me to organise data logically and create stronger narratives.

Craft Workshop

CTSA has also supported my learning in Mark-Making and visual fundamentals by helping me think more critically about my choices. In Mark-Making, it guided me to analyse the purpose behind each dot, line, texture, or pattern, and reflect on how these elements communicated my ideas. When working with Positive–Negative space, CTSA encouraged me to evaluate my compositions more carefully and be more aware of balance and contrast. For Colour, CTSA helped me justify my palette decisions by considering how different hues influence mood, rather than choosing colours at random. During Abstraction, CTSA made me think about what was essential and what could be removed, improving my ability to simplify visuals while still keeping the message clear.

Photography

CTSA taught me to plan my images and the timing I take the pictures more carefully.

Digital Skills & Applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro)

CTSA encouraged me to problem-solve, compare alternatives, and refine my drafts. It helped me evaluate my own work and avoid settling for the first version.

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[lucasjavier05]

Week 11 | Compulsory Question 1

Throughout the seven weeks, I’ve come to understand the Critical Thinking Skills and Applications (CTSA) module as a guide to becoming more thoughtful, reflective, and open-minded. It also helped me develop awareness of how I think, communicate, and make decisions especially when working with others or creating media. Although initially I thought CTSA was about analysing information, but over time I realised it involves more emotional awareness and reflection.

My visual metaphor for critical thinking is a Horse. A horse represents focus, courage and passion. Focus helps to guide thoughts clearly. Courage allows us face challenges and disagreements. Passion allows us to learn new things and explore new perspective. Without these qualities our thinking can easily become unfocused and less effective.

My activity/ session was the week on where we learnt about Movement & Time, we were taught on how to use the DSLR camera which I found interesting because there is different types of settings you have to adjust depending on the pictures you want to take .

Working in a group is valuable because it exposes me to different viewpoints of other people. It also taught me how to manage assertion and conflict respectfully as there will often be conflicts when working in a group. It also reminded me that collaboration improves both creativity and understanding.

One thing I wish I had done more of was asking questions whenever I was unsure, instead of keeping quiet. I kept quiet because I was afraid of being wrong, but as the weeks went by, I started to become more comfortable speaking up. Asking more questions have helped me understand the lessons better and improved the quality of my work. Even though I’ve made progress, I know there is still room for improvement, and I want to continue building confidence in speaking up.

Reference:

Maddox Gallery. (2025) Artistic collaborations spark magic when creative minds collide. Discover how 5 pairs of collaborative artists—from Warhol & Basquiat to Murakami & Virgil Abloh—co-created some of the most memorable masterpieces in recent art history. From street art pioneers to photography crossovers, explore the partnerships that redefined the art of collaboration., When Artistic Collaborations Explode: 5 Famous Collaborative Artist Duos Who Shook the Art World. Available at: https://maddoxgallery.com/news/464-when-artistic-collaborations-explode-5-famous-collaborative-artist-duos/ (Accessed: 20 November 2025).

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[lucasjavier05]

CTS A | Week 5 Growth Mindset

During CTS A lesson we learnt about growth mindset, we were tasked to go out and take some pictures of logo on shops or products that you often go to or purchase and shops or products that you hardly think about. After we came back we were tasked to choose a logo we wanted to recreate in a group and we had to use our non-dominant hand to do 15 re-design sketches within 30mins. My design got chosen in my group as my group mates found my design rather unique and I was also surprised as there were many nice designs done by my group mates.I find the activity very interesting as it pushes us out of our comfort zone because it is not something we would usually do and I feel that it is good to step out of our comfort zone sometimes so we can explore something new and learn more.

This is the design that my groupmates picked out from the 15 sketches

This is the logo that we had to re-sketch.

This is the 15 re-sketch that I did with my non-dominant hand.

In my opinion I feel like this is more or less successful because of the play with words and it has a strong visual impact as the bold shapes holds their own even without extra graphics. If I had more time i would make the text bolder and adjust the “rint” so it isn't slanted. I would also explore a more minimal, monochrome as it will make it look more professional, premium and reliable. I would also add colours to it as it is a printing company so I feel it would be nice to have some colours so that it will stand out.

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References:

Roizen, S. (2019) Non-dominant hand art, Art Therapy Spot. Available at: https://arttherapyspot.com/2012/05/26/non-dominant-hand-ar/ (Accessed: 20 November 2025).

[lucasjavier05]

CTS A | Week 3 Emotional Intelligence

I think my strongest aspect is empathy and relationship management, because during today’s activity I made an effort to listen to my groupmates ideas and support them without interrupting, I also collaborated actively with the group by contributing my ideas and making sure everyone was agreeable before proceeding with it, which helped our group work smoothly and avoid any misunderstandings. I believe that these skills are important because it helps to build trust in the group and also an environment where my groupmates feels valued and comfortable to share their ideas. 

However, I feel I need to improve my self-awareness and self management as I often get nervous and shy when I am in an unfamiliar environment or meeting new people which can hold me back from participating fully for example, I get shy when i have to present my work because I'm afraid of people judging my work . By improving my self-awareness, I hope to recognise my emotions quicker and how it affects my behaviour. This will allow me to be more confident in presentations, contribute more effectively in group discussions which will make me more reliable, and form new connections with classmates. 

And for self management, I tend to get distracted by my phones or friends, which can sometimes lead to me not completing my task on time. I also need to improve on my time management so I can plan my work better and avoid rushing assignments at the last minute. Strengthening these skills can help me stay focused, submitting assignments on time and also help with my future group collaborations.

(264 words)

References:

Ute, Falck (2022) Between war and neutrality, Munchmuseet. Available at: https://www.munch.no/en/our-collection/a-reading-of-the-scream-on-day21-of-the-war-in-ukraine/ (Accessed: 17 November 2025).