Tevy

Common Module — AY25.26 WOII

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WOII Compulsory: Summary

When first introduced to Critical Thinking Skills and World of Ideas & Imagination, I didn’t quite see the point of it in regards to our course. Now that I am towards the end, I understand that WOII isn’t just about writing, it helps us move beyond surface-level decisions as designers. 

Instead of simply focusing on aesthetics, us as designers learn to question assumptions, analyse context, and evaluate how our work communicates to different audiences. This allows us to make more intentional design choices rather than relying on trends or personal preference. 

Through this module, I have learnt to better solve problems, justify my ideas, and respond to feedback in a professional matter. It has helped me consider multiple perspectives, which may lead to more inclusive and effective design outcomes. 

Overall, this module helps strengthen a designer’s ability to create work that is purposeful and well-informed. Encouraging them to question, reflect, and refine ideas, leading to a more powerful outcome. By developing these skills, designers are better prepared to adapt to different contexts, communicate their intentions clearly, and produce work that has lasting impact and deeper meaning. 

(185 words)

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WOII: Week 11 - Postmodernism

Postmodernism is a late 20th-century intellectual, artistic, and cultural movement characterized by deep skepticism toward universal truths, grand narratives, and objective reality.

Our objective was to form a pair, choose an object in our possession to photograph, and create our own postmodern advertisement. We decided to choose a POOH bear keychain as our object as we thought using an existing fictional character would allow us to explore how we advertised the object. 

From my understanding, modernism is going in the “right” direction while postmodernism goes against the idea that there is a right direction. It’s less about rules and more about playing or breaking them. 

Some artists that reflect key postmodern ideas are Paula Scher and David Carson. Paula Scher combines historical styles with bold, contemporary designs. David Carson broke traditional typography rules with expressive, chaotic layouts. Some key postmodern ideas are; mixing styles, questioning originality, embracing irony, and rejecting the idea of one fixed meaning. 

In conclusion, postmodernism is useful in design because it encourages flexibility, experimentation, and critical thinking. By rejecting fixed rules and embracing multiple styles, references, and interpretations, designers are able to create work that is more expressive and engaging. It allows design to go beyond simply communicating a clear message, instead inviting audiences to interpret, question, and interact with the work in different ways. This approach makes design more reflective of contemporary culture, where meanings are diverse and constantly shifting, ultimately helping designers produce work that is more dynamic, inclusive, and thought-provoking.

(247 words)

Works Cited

Aylesworth, Gary. “Postmodernism.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 5 Feb. 2015, plato.stanford.edu/entries/postmodernism/.

Essmaker, Ryan, and Tina Essmaker. “Paula Scher on the Great Discontent (TGD).” The Great Discontent (TGD), 19 Nov. 2013, thegreatdiscontent.com/interview/paula-scher/.

“Home.” David Carson Studio, 5 Mar. 2026, www.davidcarsonstudio.com/.

“Paula Scher - Director of People and Culture TNC.” The Nature Conservancy Australia, 2022, www.natureaustralia.org.au/about-us/who-we-are/our-people/paula-scher/?

UNDER PRESSURE MAGAZINE. “David Carson on Surf, Magazines, Graphic Design and Inspiration.” Medium, Medium, 4 Feb. 2016, medium.com/@underpressure/a-conversation-with-surfer-and-legendary-graphic-designer-david-carson-326c5f08042f.

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WOII: Week 10 - Poststructuralism

Poststructuralism is a French philosophical movement that critiques structuralism by arguing that meaning is fluid, unstable, and context-dependent rather than fixed or universal. (Popan)

Our task was to form a group of 2-3 people, photograph either text or images without telling each other what we are photographing, then to pair up a text and image together to form interesting outcomes. For our outcomes we decided to individually pair up 2-3 pairings so that there’s a variety between all the pairs.

Throughout this activity, I understood that poststructuralism challenges the idea that something has a stable structure. Instead of an object having one clear purpose and meaning, poststructuralism encourages the idea that meaning is created through interpretation and connections, not inherent structure.

Some poststructural thinkers that question fixed meaning are Jacques Derrida, and Michel Foucault. Jacques Derrida is the founder of deconstruction, he challenged binary oppositions and argued that meaning is unstable and deferred. Michel Foucault explored how power and knowledge shape truth, and study institutions with the key idea that truth is historically constructed, not universal.

In relation to design, poststructuralism shifts how you think about meaning, authorship, and user. It treats design as something open, interpretive, and shaped by context. Supporting the idea that design is shaped by cultural and power structures, designers are able to create more engaging, reflective, and thought provoking work that goes beyond aesthetics to challenge how we see and understand the world.

(238 words)

Works Cited

NASRULLAH MAMBROL. “Philosophical Influences on Poststructuralism.” Literary Theory and Criticism , 21 Mar. 2016, literariness.org/2016/03/21/philosophical-influences-on-poststructuralism/.

Popan, Elena. “Post-Structuralism | EBSCO.” EBSCO Information Services, Inc. | Www.ebsco.com, 2025, www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/post-structuralism.

Faubion, James. “Michel Foucault.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 31 Jan. 2019, www.britannica.com/biography/Michel-Foucault.

“Biography.” Jacques Derrida, contemporarythinkers.org/jacques-derrida/biography/.

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

Objects carry layers of meaning beyond their practical use. They are extensions of our identity, memory, and values. 

Our activity was to bring objects to class and as a group, select 2 objects under different themes. We chose memory and materiality. Memory in objects carry the experience, emotions, and associations tied to the object. The materiality of objects are its physical properties; texture, weight, color, shape, and scent. With “memory”, objects act as triggers, accessing memories. With “materiality”, it affects how we perceive, handle, and emotionally connect with the object.

The next activity we selected objects from the class under a different theme, “humor”. Objects can be humorous in different ways; physically and emotionally. Physically, they could stand out in comparison to other objects. Emotionally, there is a backstory that triggers the humor in it. 

During the New Bahru field trip, I came across a plant from soilboy which I thought connected to “humor” quite well. It was visually funny looking because the roots/trunk/branches were intertwined and looked like humans having intimacy to me. 

Furthermore, I explored objects under a new theme on this trip, “structure”. I had no plan on the types of objects to photograph but after looking through them, I tend to capture objects that follow or challenge the idea of manmade vs natural. 

Manmade objects are created, designed, altered by us for a purpose. They often express identity, creativity, or status and reflect human intention and imagination. 

Natural objects occur without human invention. They often symbolize connection, temporality, or grounding. It is a reminder of life. 

Some objects are made to look natural. They are crafted to mimic natural forms in order to create a sense of connection to nature in spaces where it’s absent. 

Objects carry memory, meaning, and emotion. They act as storytellers of who we are. They blend materiality and imagination, turning the simplest form into reflection. 

(316 words)

Works Cited

“OBJECT | Meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary.” Dictionary.cambridge.org, dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/object.

“Unicus Olympiads.” Unicus Olympiads, 2018, www.unicusolympiads.com/concepts/how-do-materials-like-cotton-or-glass-show-natural-vs-man-made.

Vedantu. “Natural Things in Biology: Definition, Types & Examples.” VEDANTU, Vedantu, 30 Nov. 2021, www.vedantu.com/biology/natural-things.

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WOII: Week 2 - Aesthetics

Aesthetic relates to the appreciation, study, or philosophy of beauty, art, and taste, focusing on what is visually pleasing or artistic. 

The class activity required us to analyze a brand and its branding and how it can be improved to better serve its purpose. We realize the importance of the intention behind every detail to branding, from logos to text to layout to color and more. 

We concluded that in branding, aesthetics is crucial as it shapes first impressions, conveys values, and creates emotional attachment with consumers. 

In connection to our Studio class, my research implies that aesthetics tie deeply to one’s identity. Similar to phenomenology, each of us has a different perception of aesthetics just like a fingerprint is different in each of us. (Harsanto) 

Mehdi Saeedi, my chosen artist for Studio, is an artist whose aesthetics blends traditional Eastern visual culture with contemporary design sensibilities. His aesthetic is deeply tied to his Iranian identity and cultural heritage. As an artist, he honors his roots by transforming Persian and Arabic scripts into contemporary art. It is how he visualizes his identity through letters and form.

In design, aesthetics are vital in communicating one’s values, personalities, and cultures without words. It shapes identity by visually expressing who, or what a brand, space, or individual represents. Allowing self-expression by translating emotions, ideas, and experiences into color, form, texture, and composition. Essentially, aesthetic makes the intangible visible, giving design meaning, recognition, and emotional impact.

(242 words)

Works Cited

Cambridge Dictionary. “AESTHETIC | Meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary.” Dictionary.cambridge.org, dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/aesthetic.

From. “From Contour to Calligraphy’ by Mehdi Saeedi - Magazine | Islamic ...” Islamicartsmagazine.com, 2019, share.google/JHOibH0sBSeeNr4Rv.

Gjoni, Ariana. “The Influence of Fashion on Identity and Aesthetics: A Sociocultural Perspective within the Framework of Sustainable Development Goal.” Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, vol. 5, no. 4, 25 Mar. 2025, p. e06116, sdgsreview.org/LifestyleJournal/article/view/6116, https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730x.sdgsreview.v5.n04.pe06116.

Harsanto, Brian. “Aesthetics & Identity.” Medium, 28 Feb. 2024, medium.com/@brian.harsanto/aesthetics-identity-3d5097225be8.

mehdi. “Mehdi Saeedi: From Script to Calligraphy.” Www.designboom.com, 2019, share.google/YSdQVfgNzCYBCXX3v.

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WOII: Week 1 - Phenomenology

Phenomenology in definition is the study of structures of consciousness as experienced from the first-person point of view. (Smith) 

On a personal level, it could mean paying attention to a lived experience. Instead of objectively asking “What happened?” phenomenology asks “How did you perceive it?”

Multiple people can live through the same event but how each one’s experience is lived is different; which is what phenomenology focuses on.

We explored the theme of phenomenology through our interpretation of “shadow” or “time”. In this activity, I explored “shadow”.

An interesting yet contrasting concept I’ve grasped through this activity is how a shadow can remain a shadow or become a highlight. Certain objects that are visually unpleasant are covered to hide its details by removing them from perception. However when a striking object is turned into a shadow (with the help of lighting and contrast), it creates a silhouette that highlights its unique shapes by isolating them. 

This suggests that ambiguity activates the mind. When information is missing (hidden like a shadow), the brain automatically tries to complete the image (noticed like a highlight). This observation supports Gestalt psychology of how people perceive and interpret patterns and structures as a unified whole rather than a collection of individual elements, also relating to Aristotle’s philosophical insight that “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Phenomenology encourages us to live through our experiences, to notice how things truly appear. Gestalt psychology shows how our minds connect pieces to whole, echoing Aristotle’s insight. Together, they reveal that perception shapes meaning. 

(258 words)

Works Cited

Britannica Editors. “Gestalt Psychology | Definition, Founder, Principles, & Examples.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 July 1998, www.britannica.com/science/Gestalt-psychology?

“Gestalt Psychology.” People.utm.my, people.utm.my/norulhuda/gestalt-psychology/.

“Gestalt Psychology: A Survey of Facts and Principles.” Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. 105, no. 16, 19 Oct. 1935, p. 1295, https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1935.02760420065031. Accessed 15 Apr. 2020.

Kaldis, Byron. Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the Social Sciences. 2013, https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452276052. Accessed 22 Apr. 2022.

Smith, David Woodruff. “Phenomenology.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 16 Dec. 2013, plato.stanford.edu/entries/phenomenology/.

The. “Aishwarya Khanduja.” Aishwarya Khanduja, 2019, www.aishwaryadoingthings.com/the-whole-is-greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts.

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CTS A | Week 13 - Compulsory Q3

My professional interests in Interactive Design and Product Design fundamentally depend on the creative principles studied in this module. Interactive Design demands high emotional intelligence to craft experiences that evoke user empathy. Product Design, conversely, instills a necessary growth mindset, thriving on iterative processes, trial-and-error, and the open acceptance of feedback as a tool for refinement and innovation.

A practical application of these skills will be an interdisciplinary collaboration with the BA of Musical Theatre cohort, focusing on the inventive design of props and sets. Recognizing the inherent challenges of rapid scene transitions across diverse settings, my goal is to develop highly interactive sets. This approach will integrate the actors' movements and scenes directly into the physical design, moving beyond static scenery to create dynamic, responsive environments that serve as a cohesive element of the performance.

For my final project, I am exploring multipurpose product design. My current concept involves combining disparate items—such as a pen, bag, and umbrella—into a single, novel product, emphasizing utility and market appeal. A conceptual marketing layer would also position these items as collectibles, each symbolizing a part of a larger animal structure.

My creative outreach will be directed toward three communities. For Animal Adoption Centers, I would design functional goods for fundraising. For the Accessibility and Inclusion Community, I plan to create a short film to foster empathy and community through shared experience. Finally, with Environmental/Urban communities, I aim to use sustainable design by collecting waste and transforming it into conceptual sculptures or prototypes for public education and revitalization. These projects collectively demonstrate my commitment to applying creative problem-solving across functional design, narrative collaboration, and community engagement.

(274 words)

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CTS A | Week 12 - Compulsory Q2

Critical Thinking Skills (CTS) are the foundational structure that underpins all my practical creative modules. This framework is essential for informed analysis and evaluation, enabling me to make reasoned decisions not just about aesthetics, but about the purpose and execution of my work. This discipline ensures my creative output is intentional, strategically sound, and moves beyond mere intuition.

The Craft Workshop deeply connects to developing a Growth Mindset and the ability to process Facts, Reliable Sources, and Filing them. Crafting inherently involves experimenting with various mediums and materials, expanding my skillset through hands-on trials—a direct application of the growth mindset. Furthermore, the systematic research, referencing, and modification process required for producing unique craft pieces directly mirrors the critical thinking involved in collecting and filing reliable information and evidence.

In Photography, Collaboration Skills and Emotional Intelligence are key. Our Time & Movement module often requires working with models, which builds essential collaboration skills and communication. More importantly, emotional intelligence is crucial for curating meaningful and authentic images, allowing me to better understand and communicate feeling within the visual narrative I capture for the viewer.

The Studio module utilizes Digital Media – Documentation for Art Practice within the Creative Process Journal. This physical documentation of evidence, process, and thought reveals my intentions, strengthens creativity, and showcases the evolution of work through research and refinement. When working in groups, Assertion & Conflict Resolution guides our process, ensuring we brainstorm, combine ideas, and finalize decisions collaboratively and respectfully, ensuring team cohesion.

Finally, Digital Skills & Applications demands a core understanding of Critical Thinking itself. Given the design freedom we have, critical evaluation prevents unnecessary features or biased design choices. Since outcomes are often client-focused, seeking different perspectives and incorporating feedback is necessary to systematically mitigate personal bias and ensure the final product attracts a diverse audience.

(394 words)

Works Cited

Martins, Julia. “Build Your Critical Thinking Skills in 7 Steps.” Asana, 30 Aug. 2024, asana.com/resources/critical-thinking-skills.

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CTS A | Week 11 - Compulsory Q1

I think of critical thinking skills as a recipe in terms of cooking. In a real life setting, critical thinking skills have helped me organise and create a structure for my thoughts so I am able to regularly make wise decisions– similar to how recipes guide us through the process of cooking for a good meal. Ultimately, I also think the different complexities of cooking correlate to the different difficulties of how we understand a topic within the critical thinking skills module, hence why we all agreed to use cooking as the visual metaphor.

I enjoy all the sessions since they’re all group activities but one that stood out to me was week 3 when we had to act out a scene. This was the only session we didn’t have to produce the outcome on a paper so it stuck with me. Another aspect that made this activity memorable was everyone stepping out of their comfort zone. We were all shy but we were able to deliver a performance that conveyed what we intended to. 

The value of working in a group is the different perspectives and possibilities that come with it. I think working in a group is especially helpful in developing critical thinking skills because it forces us to work together and consider all the different outcomes before deciding on a final. Science proved that teamwork enables better problem solving– Albert Einstein got all the credit for discovering the theory of relativity, but the truth is that he relied on conversations with friends and colleagues to refine his concept. (Middleton)

At the time, I don’t think I could’ve done anything more or better in these group settings because of how little we knew about each other. If I were to redo these activities now, I would definitely urge certain people to contribute more rather than me taking the lead. Since I took the lead when we first started, it just became automatic that I take the initiative. 

(328 words)

Works Cited

Coursera. “What Are Critical Thinking Skills and Why Are They Important?” Coursera, 13 Apr. 2023, www.coursera.org/articles/critical-thinking-skills.

Middleton, Tracy. “The Importance of Teamwork.” Atlassian, 2024, www.atlassian.com/blog/teamwork/the-importance-of-teamwork.

“The Importance of a Recipe | FundsforWriters.” FundsforWriters, 18 Sept. 2020, fundsforwriters.com/the-importance-of-a-recipe/.

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CTS A | Week 3 - Emotional Intelligence

Over time, my sense of self-management and self-awareness has been developed and is still developing with the assistance of my environment. Hence, I think they are the aspects in which I am strongest at.

I’ve been through the MYP and IB programmes, both of which prepare students to be reflective, responsible, and resilient individuals who can understand themselves and manage their actions effectively. The Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills within the MYP/IB programme includes a variety of skills that students reflect on themselves consistently, which encourages students to take ownership of their learning. Another environmental factor that has helped is moving to Singapore alone at 15. This process helped me prioritize myself and my needs, due to physically absent parents.

The aspect I want to improve on is my relationship management. I can empathize with others and understand their perspectives however, a relationship consists of 2 or more people and each relationship with another person is different. Therefore, I find it quite difficult to focus on each and every relationship with the same attention.

The MasterClass article titled "Consistency in Relationships: How Consistency Builds Security" emphasizes the importance of consistent behavior in fostering stability in relationships. Some ways to cultivate consistency are; backing words with action, staying in touch, being clear and upfront, and prioritizing self-care. These are all important but I think their priorities are different in different relationships.

With my family for example, as they’re in a different country, staying in touch takes priority. I maintain this with a scheduled group video call once a week. I think backing words with action is also important, I try to always send flowers or cakes to them on special occasions alongside congratulatory words.

(284 words)

Works Cited

“Consistency in Relationships: How Consistency Builds Security - 2024 - MasterClass.” MasterClass, 2020, www.masterclass.com/articles/consistency-in-a-relationship.

Inspiring Inquiry. “Approaches to Learning.” Www.inspiringinquiry.com, 2020, www.inspiringinquiry.com/learningteaching/approaches-to-learning.

Macharia, Nancy. “ATL Skills: A Teacher’s Guide.” Www.structural-Learning.com, 22 Mar. 2022, www.structural-learning.com/post/atl-skills-a-teachers-guide.

“WAB Learns: MYP & DP ATL: Self-Management.” Wab.edu, 2022, learn.wab.edu/myp/atl/selfmanagement? Accessed 27 Sept. 2025.

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CTS A | Week 2 - Collaborative Skills

Collaboration, to me, means when individuals come together to contribute ideas, skills, and perspectives toward creating a single outcome. 

In 2012, Google launched an internal research project called Project Aristotle, named after Aristotle’s idea that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” The goal was to uncover what makes a team effective as Google noticed some teams were productive while others struggled. They assumed the best teams were made of the best people, however they were proven wrong with the results. Google found that what drives collaboration and success is how people work together, not just who’s on the team. 

This study shows that effective collaboration depends on trust, communication, and shared purpose, not just coordination of tasks.

Through various collaborative activities, I have identified three main strengths: adaptability, awareness, and active listening, which are valuable at the beginning of the school year when many students are unfamiliar with each other. This can make group settings feel awkward. I take the initiative to start conversations to break silences and build connections. 

However, I have also recognized weaknesses, including impatience, disorganization, and an overflow of ideas. I struggle to focus on the goal amid multiple ideas, leading to distraction. My impatience can arise when teammates are uncooperative or dominant in discussions. While I may encourage quieter peers to speak up, I become frustrated if they remain silent. Conversely, I tend to withdraw when one person dominates.

In the monument, we chose to represent Singapore as a hotpot, symbolizing the blending of diverse cultures, and opted for a sketch as it allowed flexibility for expanding our ideas beyond the limited materials we had available.

(275 words)

Works Cited

Moseley, Corey. “6 Crucial Collaboration Skills (and How to Foster Them).” Blog.jostle.me, 2020, blog.jostle.me/blog/6-collaboration-skills-and-how-to-foster-them.

Poyton, Bea. “Google’s Project Aristotle.” Psychsafety.com, 2024, psychsafety.com/googles-project-aristotle/.

“Project Aristotle for Effective Teams - Mutomorro.” Mutomorro, 30 Nov. 2022, mutomorro.com/tools/project-aristotle-effective-teams/.

Youtu.be, 2025, youtu.be/hHIikHJV9fI?si=vAiu7DJHsn-f_kzn. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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CTS A | Week 1 - What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze facts, evaluate information, and interpret complex issues in order to form judgments and make well-reasoned decisions. It goes beyond simply absorbing information; it requires questioning assumptions, recognizing biases, and considering multiple perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of a problem. 

According to Andy Puddicombe’s talk, I realize that critical thinking is closely linked to mindfulness- the ability to observe thoughts without judgement and focus on the present. By practicing mindfulness, I can be aware of my thought patterns and automatic reactions and reduce them. In my creative practice, I can use critical thinking to really observe ideas as they arise, rather than rushing to act on the first idea. It allows me to explore multiple perspectives, refine my ideas, and make more intentional choices. In daily life, it can help me respond thoughtfully to challenges, communicate more effectively, and manage better by maintaining clarity and focus. 

I experienced a moment where critical thinking and self-awareness came into play during the last part of the first day of school. Our class gathered in a circle to introduce ourselves and interact with one another. Although it may seem simple, this activity is always meaningful to me. Every year, it helps shape my first impressions of classmates; who I feel drawn to, who I admire, and sometimes who I sense I may need to keep some distance from. This reflection shows how observation and evaluation are quietly at work, even in casual moments.

(247 words)

Works Cited

Monash University. “What Is Critical Thinking?” Student Academic Success, Monash University, 2025, www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/enhance-your-thinking/critical-thinking/what-is-critical-thinking.

Ryan, Eoghan. “What Is Critical Thinking? | Definition & Examples.” Scribbr, 30 May 2022, www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/critical-thinking/.

Youtu.be, 2025, youtu.be/qzR62JJCMBQ?si=DBcK1_jLx3INsYQ8. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.

Youtu.be, 2025, youtu.be/dItUGF8GdTw?si=wUXdjP2PL7KxwXdc. Accessed 22 Sept. 2025.