INTERCULTURAL DESIGN

7 February 2025 - 21 March 2025 // Week 1 - Week 7

Racheal Tan Tze Rou // 0381005

Intercultural Design // Bachelor of Design (Hons) // Creative Media 

Intercultural Design

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LECTURES

Lectures ; Week 1

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INSTRUCTIONS

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PROJECT 1 (Proposal)

For this project, we had to choose a topic related to design in everyday life. After discussing various options, all our group members voted and decided to explore Sarawak's cultural heritage, Pua Kumbu. We conducted research before working on our PowerPoint slides:

Figure 1.1 ; Research ; Week 2

Figure 1.2 ; PowerPoint (Proposal) ; Week 2

Figure 1.3 ; Presentation (Proposal) ; Week 2

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PROJECT 2 (Data Collection)

For our data collection, we went to three places for field visits: Museum Craft Kuala Lumpur, National Textile Museum and Kedek Kamek Restaurant. 

Figure 2.1 ; group photos of field visits

To gather public perceptions about Pua Kumbu, we also did survey on it.

Figure 2.2 ; Data Collection ; Week 4

Figure 2.3 ; PowerPoint (Data Collection) ; Week 4

Click here to see the photos and videos taken

Figure 2.4 ; Presentation (Data Collection) ; Week 4

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PROJECT 3 (Final Project)

@puakumbu_14

We vlogged our visits to Museum Craft Kuala Lumpur & National Textile Museum, did two informative videos explaining about Pua Kumbu in detail, and filmed two fun TikTok trend videos during our field visits. 

Link to our TikTok page 

Figure 3.1 ; PowerPoint (Final Project) ; Week 7

Figure 3.2 ; Presentation (Final Project) ; Week 7

We designed packaging for Kek Lapis Sarawak inspired by traditional Pua Kumbu motifs. We simplified selected “natural element” motifs and adapted them to suit a modern aesthetic. Additionally, we incorporated contemporary colors to give the packaging a fresh and updated look while maintaining the essence of Pua Kumbu’s heritage.

Figure 3.3 ; Sketch ; Week 7

Figure 3.4 ; Final Design ; Week 7

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REFLECTION

Experience
Engaging in this project was an eye-opening journey that expanded my perspective on cultural diversity and design. At first, I felt quite confused because I had never heard of Pua Kumbu before. However, as I explored more, I became fascinated by its rich history and significance. Learning about something so deeply rooted in Malaysian heritage was both exciting and meaningful.

Besides that, this project was especially fun because we got to blend traditional culture with modern design. Seeing how the past can be reimagined in contemporary ways gave me a new appreciation for both heritage and creativity.

Observations
Through this project, I had the chance to observe everyday design more closely. In the past, I often ignored small design details in daily life, but now, I have started paying more attention to them. This has allowed me to discover and appreciate many outstanding designs that I had previously overlooked. I realized that inspiration can be found everywhere if we take the time to look.

By closely observing the culture, I also gained a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance. Every pattern, color, and symbol in Pua Kumbu tells a story, and I was amazed by the depth of thought behind these traditional designs. This experience has taught me to be more mindful and appreciative of the cultural elements around me.

Findings
From this project, I learned that it is not necessary to preserve traditions in their original form to keep them alive. Instead, we can integrate cultural elements into modern life in creative ways. This approach not only helps preserve the Sarawak culture we studied but also ensures that other valuable cultural traditions continue to thrive in today’s world.

This experience has reinforced the idea that tradition and innovation can coexist. By blending old and new, we can keep cultural heritage relevant for future generations while also celebrating its uniqueness. I now see the importance of not just learning about culture but also finding ways to keep it meaningful in a changing world.