Intercultural design: Task 2

23/02/2026 - 08/03/2026 (Week 4 - Week 5)

Choong Yee Leng || 0381980

Intercultural Design || Bachelor Degree in Creative Media || Taylor’s University 

Task 2: Field Study

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.Instructions

2.Work process

3.Final Outcome

4.Reflection

5.Feedback

INSTRUCTIONS

Document 1.1 Module Information

WORK PROCESS

Field study

After submitting our proposal in Task 1, Mr. Fitri suggested that we focus on Idea 1 (implementing Braille in MRT stations) and Idea 3 (implementing sunshades in Titiwangsa Park). After further discussion, we decided to conduct our field study based on Idea 3. The field study was carried out on 24 February at 1:00 p.m., as this period experiences the strongest heat, making the role of sunshades particularly important.

Figure 2.1 Group photo during field study in Titiwangsa Park (24/2/2026 Week4)

During the study, we observed that there are only three sunshades with seating distributed around the park. We also noticed several structures that appear to be underutilized and do not effectively help visitors cool down and rest. For instance, some seating areas are not shaded and are constructed with high heat-capacity materials, such as stone, which retain heat and release it slowly, making them uncomfortable to use during hot periods. In addition, there are shaded areas without seating, which reduces their practicality for visitors who wish to rest and cool down.

Figure 2.2 Photos taken during field study (24/2/2026 Week4)

We also conducted interviews with the park visitors, including the local visitors and foreign visitors. From the interviews, the visitors claim that the park has uncomfortable weather and the shaded area provided are not enough to overcome the hotness. Visitor also wish that the littering issue can be overcome.

Proposal writing

After the field study, the proposal writing tasks were divided among the group members. Jia Xuan and I focused on the sunshade design modifications, Xi Tien and Xin Yean handled the research section, while Nicole and Cheyenne worked on the field study documentation.

For the design part, I modified the sunshade structure by adding several features to enhance the user experience, including tables, power plugs, rubbish bins, and a lighting system. The seating area was also redesigned into a retractable structure, which helps improve the overall appearance while allowing the space to be used more efficiently.

 

Figure 2.3 Design Process 1 (7/3/2026 Week 5)

Figure 2.4 Design Process 2 (7/3/2026 Week 5)

After the consultation, Mr. Fitri suggested that we could include the process image of retractable canopy.

Figure 2.5 Retractable canopy (7/3/2026 Week 5)

FINAL OUTCOME

Figure 2.6 Final Field Study Deck (8/3/2026 Week 6)

REFLECTION

After conducting the field study, I realized that creating a good design begins with empathy and understanding the real needs of users. By visiting the site and observing how people interact with the environment, I learned that design decisions should not be based only on assumptions or personal preferences. Instead, designers need to experience the space and consider the users’ perspective in order to identify what is truly needed. This experience helped me understand the importance of approaching users and observing their behavior, rather than simply designing based on what we think might work for them. Working in a group made the process more effective. Each member contributed different opinions and perspectives, which helped us view the problem from multiple angles. Through discussion and collaboration, we were able to refine our ideas and develop a more thoughtful design solution. 

FEEDBACK

Week 5: Mr. Fitri suggests us to proceed in idea 1 and idea 3. He also gave a few suggestions in the data collections (interviews, videos, photos).

Week 6: Mr. Fitri suggests us to provide explanations on each design features. He also suggests us to include the sketches of canopy retrace process