Intercultural Design | Final Compilation & Reflection

3/2/2025 - 21/3/2025 （ Week 1 - Week 7 ）

Lam Hui Zhen / 0374770
Design Research Dissertation /  Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media / Taylors University
Final Compilation & Reflection

Table of Contents

  1. Instructions
  2. Task 1  Proposal
  3. Task 2  Field Study / Data Collection
  4. Task 3  Final Project
  5. Reflection

INSTRUCTIONS

Fig 1.0 Module information pdf

TASK 1 PROPOSAL


First we are required to form a group with 6 members and no more than 3 people are from the same batch/semester.

Group members list

1. LAM HUI ZHEN (0374770)
2. CHANG YU ROU (0374168)
3. TAN YEE QIN (0375065)
4. KANG SHU YING (0379089)
5. YUYAN (0379985)
6. ZHANG KAI XI (0375961)

During this semester we have a totally brand new theme which is "Everyday Design".

After we decided on the group, we began our initial discussion, and everyone went back to research detailed information about everyday design. After several meetings and exploring different cultural elements from various countries, we ultimately decided to use Malaysia's batik culture as the theme for our project.

Research
Once the theme was decided, we began conducting more in-depth research. Based on our research we found that batik is a traditional textile art deeply rooted in Malaysian culture, symbolizing heritage, identity, and craftsmanship. It reflects the country’s multicultural influences, blending indigenous, Malay, Chinese, and Indian artistic elements. The intricate motifs often carry symbolic meanings, representing nature, spirituality, and social status. Batik also fosters a sense of community, as its production involves skilled artisans passing down techniques through generations. In modern times, batik remains a vital cultural expression, balancing tradition with contemporary innovation.

From this we come with 3 ideas

Batik in Fashion
Fusion of Batik with modern cloths.

Journal
A Journal about Batik
In order to better present Batik, we can express it in the form of a journal. Its interior is composed of collages, incorporating various patterns and styles through patchwork, allowing readers to appreciate the beauty of Batik in an engaging way.

New Batik Design
By mixing different cultural art styles, the new batik designs can help people understand and appreciate the various cultures in Malaysia. Besides that, this can be a visual representation of Malaysia’s multicultural identity, highlighting the religious and spiritual importance of each culture.

Final proposal Submission


Fig 2.0 Proposal Presentation slide pdf

Fig 2.1 Proposal Presentation Video Record

TASK 2 FIELD STUDY / DATA COLLECTION

Move to task 2 we start our data collection

Bellow is our Research Objective during this task
  • Understand how Batik can connect past traditions with modern design.

  • Identify ways to make Batik appealing to younger generations.

  • Identify ways to merge traditional Batik motifs with contemporary aesthetics in fashion, design, and daily life.
Data Collection Methods

On site visit NATIONAL TEXTILES ART MUSUEM

-During our site visit to the National Textile Art Museum, we will collect data through direct observation of Batik exhibits, analyzing traditional techniques, patterns, and tools used in its creation.

Experience Batik Coloring

-The purpose of experiencing the coloring process in Batik is to gain hands-on understanding of the dyeing techniques used in traditional textile art. By participating in this process, we can learn how different colors are applied

Photo that taken during our trip
Fig 3.0 Additional Info

Final Submission

Fig 3.1 Final Submission

TASK 3 Final Project / TikTok Page

During the Final task we decided to create a real zine and this is our concept

Exploring Batik in Everyday Life.

Through photography, sketches, and creative layouts, we explore Batik in modern fashion, home decor, public spaces, and digital design. By blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics, we aim to connect the past with the present, making Batik more relevant and accessible. 

TIKTOK Page Concept
To showcasing Batik as a vibrant and evolving art form that goes beyond traditional fabrics. By combining cultural heritage with modern creativity, we aim to make Batik more accessible, engaging, and relevant to younger audiences. Through visually compelling and informative content, we bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary trends, demonstrating how Batik can be integrated into everyday life in fresh and exciting ways.

Zine Making Progress
Fig 3.0 Photo editing

Fig 3.1 Layout Draft

Fig 3.2 Zine Final Outcome


Final TIKTOK PAGE

Fig 3.3 TIKTOK page


Presentation

Fig 3.4 Presentation Record 
Fig 3.5 Presentation Slide pdf

REFLECTION

Throughout this project, I have gained valuable insights into the significance of Batik in Malaysian culture and its potential for contemporary reinterpretation. From the initial brainstorming phase to the final execution, our team worked collaboratively to explore and present Batik in innovative ways.

The museum visit and Batik coloring really helped me understand how much effort and skill goes into making Batik. These activities provided a deeper appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship behind Batik and reinforced the importance of preserving and modernizing this traditional art form.

Creating the zine and TikTok page was fun but also challenging. We tried to mix tradition with modern ideas, so more people, especially younger ones, can appreciate Batik. Editing photos, designing layouts, and making videos taught me how design can tell a story.

Overall, this project has been an enriching learning experience. It has strengthened my ability to conduct research, collaborate in a team, and use design as a storytelling medium. More importantly, it has deepened my appreciation for Batik as a living art form that continues to evolve and inspire.