CTS B | Week 6 Critical Self-Reflectivity
This week’s CTS lesson focused on critical self-reflectivity and encouraged me to examine how my assumptions and thinking habits shape the visual decisions I make in the design process. I learned that design is not only about producing outcomes but about understanding the thinking structure behind those outcomes.
During the field activity at Sim Lim Square, my group analyzed the existing logo of an Indonesian language school. The logo looked more like a dance academy sign, and this made me realize that such misunderstandings often happen when designers do not take enough time to explore and define the problem. This experience reminded me of the value of organizing my thoughts before designing, which helped me appreciate the role of the Double Diamond process.
Kenya Hara
Kenya Hara is a Japanese designer who focuses on perception and awareness.
While researching, I encountered a designer whose perspective aligned closely with the concepts from class. Kenya Hara stated that “design is not only a special technique to make forms and shapes and images. It also awakens people” (Hara). I connected strongly with this because Hara sees design as a process that reshapes how we think. His philosophy highlights the importance of questioning familiar assumptions and noticing what we usually overlook, which relates directly to the purpose of Week 6.
Hara’s project “RE DESIGN: Daily Products of the 21st Century” illustrates this clearly. In this exhibition, he reexamined everyday objects such as calendars and milk cartons, encouraging viewers to reconsider their habitual interpretations. His work shows how design can shift perception and reveal the assumptions we carry without realizing it.
Looking back, I noticed that I often rely on instinct and think something looks good without questioning why. This week taught me that reflecting on why I think a certain way is more important than focusing on the outcome itself. Moving forward, I want to question my assumptions more carefully and design with greater intention and clarity.
References / Image Sources :
Hara, Kenya. “15 Minutes with Kenya Hara: Words of Wisdom from Muji’s Celebrated Art Director.” Surface, 21 Nov. 2017, www.surfacemag.com/articles/kenya-hara-muji/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
Hara, Kenya. “Kenya Hara | Members | Japan Design Committee.” Japan Design Committee, Japan Design Committee, https://designcommittee.jp/en/member/hara_kenya.html.