Intercultural Design | Project

05/02/2024 - 27/03/2024 (Week 1 - Week 8)

Yong Xiao Tong / 0368290
Information Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media 

Project: 1 Proposal, 2 Field Study, and 3 Final

---

LECTURES

Week 1

Week 2

---

INSTRUCTIONS

Task 1: Proposal

The general theme for this project is "Cultural Sensitivity in Design". Our focus will be on exploring a particular cultural phenomenon or subculture that is often considered "sensitive". Our goal is to frame our study within this chosen theme carefully, ensuring that we approach our subject with respect and understanding.

After thorough discussion, our group explored several preliminary concepts and ideas that are often misunderstood or hold different meanings across cultures. These included:

1. The cultural nuances of dining utensils (chopsticks)

2. The perception of certain numbers in different cultures (number 4)

3. Historical symbols that have been repurposed or misinterpreted over time (swastika).

We have decided to focus our project on the swastika. The swastika was chosen due to its profound historical significance and the wide range of emotions and meanings attached to it across different cultures. This symbol, originally a sign of good fortune and well-being in various ancient cultures, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, has been overshadowed by its appropriation by the Nazis, leading to a significant shift in its perception.

Our aim is to recontextualize and showcase the swastika within its original significance, with a particular emphasis on its role and meaning in Buddhism. 

Fig 1.1 Group 43 Proposal: Swastika - PDF

Fig 1.2 Group 43 Proposal: Swastika - Presentation

Task 2: Field Study

We are required to conduct a field study to collect data about the relevance of the swastika in Buddhism. Therefore, we have chosen to visit some temples to conduct interviews with relevant individuals. Hoong Yuen has compiled the interview questions. Sze Hao, Hong Bin, and ZiAng will be visiting the temples and taking on the role of interviewers. The questions are aimed at collecting the necessary data and are also relevant for our final project.

Fig 1.3 Subang Jaya Buddhist Association

The final location chosen for the interviews is Wisma Fo Guang Shan in Petaling Jaya.

Fig 1.4 Wisma Fo Guang Shan Petaling Jaya

Fig 1.5 Interview with the Buddhist Nun - Part 1

Fig 1.6 Interview with the Buddhist Nun - Part 2

Fig 1.7 Interview Transcript

Executive Summary:

According to a monk we interviewed in Wisma Fo Guang Shan in Petaling Jaya, the Swastika symbol in Buddhism is seen as a sign of auspiciousness and prosperity. In the Buddhist scriptures it mentions that the symbol shines so everyone who sees it feels auspicious. However, since Hitler used the swastika symbol in Nazism, the symbol’s meaning has been misunderstood and people have a wrong perception of the symbol. Buddhism used the swastika symbol before the Nazis, although unsure if the Nazis copied the design from Buddhists. Hitler was advised to use the symbol according to his autobiography book and used it regularly to make people remember him. Although Hitler used it for evil, Buddhism has always been about spreading peace and unity among races. This misunderstanding needs clarification to restore the original meaning of the Buddhist swastika, especially clarifying it to those in Western countries.

Task 3: Final Project

For the final submission, our group has decided to create a propaganda poster on Buddhism featuring the swastika symbol. Therefore, each of us will develop our own propaganda poster, incorporating references from our previous research.

Moodboard

Fig 1.8 References 

Fig 1.9 Final Propoganda Poster - Path to Spiritual Wisdom

For the propaganda poster design, I replicate the style of the Nazi postcard I analysed, but with a Buddhist theme focusing on spiritual wisdom. I incorporate elements of Buddhism, such as the lotus flower, symbolising purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth, to visually represent the journey of personal development and the unfolding of inner wisdom. To maintain a minimalist aesthetic, I depict only the hand of Buddha in the Gyan Mudra gesture, embodying wisdom and knowledge central to Buddhist meditation practices. Integrating the swastika within the palm of the Gyan Mudra hand is a way to reclaim its original meaning and showcase its significance in Buddhist tradition. Additionally, the choice of a calming and balanced colour palette, reminiscent of spiritual colours including serene blues, tranquil greens, radiant yellows, and deep reds, reflects the serenity and enlightenment sought in Buddhist practice, further enhancing the spiritual essence of the artwork.

Fig 1.10 Group 43 Final Submission - PDF

Fig 1.11 Group 43 Final Submission - Presentation

---

REFLECTION

Experience

Working on our project about the swastika taught me a lot about the importance of teamwork and communication, especially from the viewpoint of someone who is usually more on the shy side, like myself. Isaac played a crucial role in this dynamic; he was always the one to step up, explaining things clearly and assigning tasks. This was incredibly helpful because many of us, including me, tend to be quite passive. Isaac’s initiative in organising and clearly defining our roles made the project flow smoothly. However, it wasn’t just about getting tasks done. Researching the original meaning of the swastika, particularly its roots in Buddhism, presented a unique challenge. Also, it was hard to find instances of Buddhist propaganda, as this religion tends to emphasise personal exploration and individual understanding rather than actively seeking converts through evangelism or leafleting.

Observations

Witnessing our group’s dynamics unfold, I’ve come to understand how essential it is for everyone, particularly the quieter members, to talk and listen to each other. Isaac did an outstanding job ensuring everyone was informed and on board with their assigned roles. This approach significantly contributed to the project’s success. Observing how clarity in our roles encouraged even the most reserved among us, including myself, to engage and share thoughts was enlightening. This experience has shown me the powerful role that effective communication plays in uniting a team and ensuring everyone feels their contributions are valued.

Findings

From this project, I’ve learned that clear communication and well-defined roles are foundational to a group’s success. Isaac’s method of leading not only made the project more manageable but also demonstrated how understanding our tasks and being comfortable discussing them leads to better outcomes for the group. As someone who typically keeps to themselves, this project was a stepping stone for me, highlighting how I can be more active and contribute more effectively when the expectations are clear. It has motivated me to work on becoming less passive and more engaged in future group endeavours. This experience has confirmed that effective communication is not only crucial for completing tasks but also for making every team member feel they play an essential part in the group’s achievements.