[WOII: Week 4,5 How to Analyze a Work of Design / Field Trip to New Bahru]
I believe design is not merely the creation of visually appealing objects, but a language that conveys meaning through materials, production methods, and context.
In Week 4, I realized that analyzing design involves more than form and function; the choice of materials and production techniques also shapes meaning.
During the class activity, we brought intricate and materially interesting objects to analyze in groups. My group chose a laptop and a pencil. Although these are common writing tools, their design communicates meaning beyond functionality.
The pencil, made of wood and graphite, does not require professional craftsmanship, yet its texture and material quality enable precise and specialized work. The pencil I selected emphasizes practicality. A notebook’s experience varies depending on paper texture, binding, and cover material. I chose a ring-bound notebook, which is practical and orderly, while also evoking a sense of craftsmanship.
This activity taught me that understanding design’s meaning requires a comprehensive analysis that includes materials, form, and craftsmanship. Design analysis is thus not just evaluating. appearance or function, but interpreting the values and messages embedded within an object
During the New Bahru field trip, I observed three design works: a handmade workshop, a playground, and street planters. At the workshop, various items like bags and clothes were made, but the wallet caught my attention the most. Its leather material and evenly spaced stitching reminded me of the notebook I analyzed in Week 4, conveying a sense of craftsmanship. The gold lettering added a luxurious and sophisticated touch, enhancing its overall meaning.
The playground design was also fascinating. The slides and swings blended seamlessly into the environment, avoiding visual disruption, while still maintaining the familiar structure people associate with playgrounds. Lastly, the street planters were highly artistic, drawing attention while supporting harmonious plant arrangements through layered design.
Overall, observing these works in the field allowed me to apply design analysis in a real context, revealing how materials, craftsmanship, and context together create meaningful and engaging designs
