3.2.2026 - 20.2.2026/ Week 1 - Week 3
Aida Tan Jie Fei / 0385645
Intercultural Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 1: Proposal
LIST
INSTRUCTION
Figure 1.1 Module Information
LECTURES
Culture & Design
Visual:
- The concept of visual is very broad, it includes everything we can see. Nature counts too, but it only becomes culture when it’s given meaning and a way to express it.
- The visual includes everything created by humans that we can see, all of which has a function, content, and a purpose to communicate.
Design Significance
Figure 1.2 Design System
Design System
Figure 1.3 Design System
Design SensitivityCultural Sensitivity Awareness
Symbols & Images: Symbols and images can mean different things in different cultures, so designers should be careful to avoid misunderstandings or offense.
Color: Colors have different meanings across cultures, and understanding these associations helps make appropriate choices.
Typography & Language: Use fonts and text styles that are culturally appropriate, and pay attention to language differences and accurate translations to communicate effectively.
Addressing Cultural Sensitivity
Inclusive Design: Create products and experiences that consider people from different cultures and abilities.
Localization: Adapt designs to fit specific cultural contexts for better relevance and acceptance.
User Research: Study and test with diverse groups to understand cultural preferences and behaviors.
Cultural Training: Train design teams to better understand different cultures and sensitivities.
Impact vs Decoration
Problem of Student Work
- Visually appealing but shallow in content
- Focused on “likes” rather than deep analysis
- Catering to fleeting wants, not real needs
- Images are shown briefly and quickly scrolled past
Decorative design focuses on appearance rather than real user needs
- Tech-Solution Decoration: Ignores the elderly or people who are not familiar with technology.
- Contextual Neglect: Does not consider local climate and culture.
- Conclusion: Designed for display, not for society.
Impact = Behaviour
Impact can be small, local, temporary, and behavioural.
Figure 1.4 Decoration vs Impact
PROCESS WORK
This task requires us to conduct research under the title Design Urban Futures and propose three ideas focused on urban mobility, specifically addressing where existing systems fail to meet the needs of different communities, and developing human-centered design interventions that respond to real urban challenges while aligning with principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and community impact. Our team has chosen Kuala Lumpur as the city for research and has proposed three solutions targeting specific gaps in its urban mobility system. Each solution focuses on improving accessibility, inclusivity, and efficiency for different user groups, such as pedestrians and public transport users. Through research, observation, and design experimentation, we aim to create human-centered interventions that not only enhance daily mobility experiences but also promote sustainable practices and generate positive community impact. Each concept will be supported by a rationale and visual exploration to clearly communicate its purpose and potential benefits.
After receiving the task, we decided to use Kuala Lumpur as the city for our research. At first, we came up with four ideas.
Idea 1: Redesign maps and routes for tourists
Idea 2: Localised mobility support system for the blind community
Idea 3: Directory concierge at public transport stations
Idea 4: Improve pedestrian walkways/sidewalks to enhance access to public transport
I am responsible for Idea 3: Directory concierge at public transport stations.
Directory concierge at public transport stations
Problem
Public transport in Kuala Lumpur can be confusing, as it is often unclear where each route or exit leads. This creates difficulties for commuters, especially elderly passengers and tourists.
Solution
Installing directory concierge kiosks at stations can provide on-the-spot guidance to help users find directions and access information when staff or digital resources are unavailable.
Benefits
The directory concierge kiosks provide convenient and immediate guidance for pedestrians and tourists, making it easier for them to navigate the station. They also reduce reliance on staff assistance or mobile devices, ensuring that users can access information quickly and independently.
One potential drawback is the risk of intentional damage or vandalism. The kiosks may be exposed to misuse or destruction in public areas, which could lead to maintenance costs and temporary service disruptions.
- Elderly commuters
- Tourists
- Pedestrains
After receiving feedback from Mr. Fitri, below are the problems for each idea:
Idea 1: The problem statement and target users are inconsistent, and the map solution does not effectively address the issues identified.
Idea 2: Needs to be more design-focused rather than just a community service.
Idea 3: Seems like an already-implemented solution, so it cannot be used.
Idea 4: Okay to proceed; can continue to explore and develop further.
FINAL WORK
Finally, after we receive the consultation feedback from Mr. Fitir, we have decided to proceed with these three ideas.
Idea 1:The “Zero-Sweat” Seamless Link
Color-coded path system guides you along “Cool-Blue” shaded routes or “Heat-Orange” faster exposed paths. Using continuous guidance on floors and walls, it prevents taking the wrong way. With integrated text prompts, users can make quick decisions and travel comfortably under 33–35°C heat.
Idea 2:Crowd Indicator
The Crowd Level Indicator System shows real-time crowd density for each carriage using sensors, displays, and color-coded LEDs. This helps passengers see crowding before the train arrives and choose less crowded areas, reducing congestion and chaotic boarding. By improving passenger distribution and platform order, the system demonstrates how information design enhances safety and travel experience.
Idea 3:Urban canvas walkways
Road murals and pedestrian art showcase local culture and history, while supporting local artists. Vibrant colors on sidewalks improve driver visibility and can calm traffic. Creative designs and integrated text help the community feel safe, welcomed, and motivated, encouraging people to walk more and enjoy their surroundings.
I am responsible for Idea 2: Crowd Indicators.
Crowd Level Indicator System at Public Transport
Problem
Passengers often lack advance information about crowd levels in each carriage or vehicle, making it difficult to plan their boarding. During peak hours, the absence of crowd guidance worsens overcrowding and discomfort, increasing the risk of accidents and collisions. When the vehicle arrives, passengers rush toward the doors, creating bottlenecks and slowing boarding, while also affecting overall platform order and safety. Additionally, without early crowd indicators, passengers tend to gather in the same areas on the platform, resulting in crowded, disorganized spaces and a lower overall travel experience. This uneven distribution not only impacts safety but also makes commuting stressful and tense.
Solution
The Crowd Level Indicator System is installed at public transport platforms and entrances, providing real-time crowd information before the vehicle arrives. The data is synchronized with the public transport app, allowing passengers to check in advance and plan their journey more efficiently. Using a color-coded interface, the system displays crowd density clearly: green indicates plenty of seats available, yellow signals moderate crowding, and red shows very crowded conditions. By helping passengers choose less crowded areas, the system reduces platform congestion, chaotic boarding, and enhances overall safety and travel comfort.
Benefit to Passenger
The system allows passengers to decide whether to board or wait for the next vehicle, move to less crowded compartments, and spread out along the platform in advance. By providing real-time crowd information, it helps passengers plan their journey more efficiently, avoid overcrowded areas, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance overall comfort and safety while using public transport. This also contributes to smoother boarding and a better-organized platform environment for everyone.
Interpreting Theme
The proposed Crowd Level Indicator System installs sensors and display devices at platforms and entrances to collect and show real-time crowd density data for each carriage. The system uses red, yellow, and green LED lights along with electronic displays to transform complex passenger flow information into intuitive visual cues, allowing passengers to clearly understand the crowding situation before the vehicle arrives. Research has shown that timely access to information significantly influences individual decision-making (Ajzen, 1991), while overcrowding in public transport negatively impacts passenger comfort and satisfaction (Tirachini et al., 2013). By synchronizing real-time data to platform displays and mobile applications, passengers can proactively choose less crowded areas to wait or decide whether to board the next train, reducing congestion and chaotic boarding during peak hours. This design not only improves passenger distribution within the space but also optimizes boarding processes and platform order. By integrating physical devices, data systems, and a clear visual language, the proposal demonstrates how information design can enhance safety and overall experience in real-world public transport environments.
Target User
The target users for the Crowd Level Indicator System are daily commuters using public transport, including students, office workers, and local residents. It is especially useful for those who travel during peak hours, when trains or buses are typically overcrowded. The system also benefits first-time users or tourists, who may be unfamiliar with crowded areas or platform layouts. By providing real-time crowd information, the system helps all passengers make informed boarding decisions, avoid congested areas, and improve their overall travel experience.
Visual References
Sketch
Figure 1.8 Sketch
Rationale
The design of the Crowd Level Indicator System was inspired by a parking lot we observed, where each parking space had a light: green if available and red if occupied. This simple and intuitive visual cue inspired me to apply a similar concept to public transport, using a color-coded interface to indicate crowd levels: green for plenty of seats, yellow for limited seats, and red for very crowded. The system provides passengers with real-time crowd information, helping them decide whether to board or wait for the next vehicle and choose less crowded areas, thereby reducing congestion, improving passenger distribution, and enhancing overall comfort, safety, and travel experience. Additionally, this design optimizes boarding processes and platform order, offering a more orderly and safer environment for passengers during peak hours.
SUBMISSION
Intercultural Design Group 25:
FEEDBACK
Week 2
The theme is “Designing Urban Futures”, not “Designing Urban Features”; we made a mistake in the PowerPoint. For Idea 1, the problem statement and target users are inconsistent, and the map solution does not effectively address the identified issues. Idea 2 needs to be more design-focused rather than just a community service. Idea 3 appears to be an already-implemented solution, so it cannot be used. Idea 4 is acceptable and can be further explored and developed.
Week 3
Ideas 1, 3, and 4 can proceed. For Idea 1, the “rapid-on-demand” feature can be removed, as it is more of a service offering rather than a visually-oriented solution. While the idea itself has merit, including it may unnecessarily divert us focus and make it harder to concentrate on the main proposal.
REFLECTION
At first, before I started thinking and researching ideas, I thought this task would be very simple. However, when I actually began brainstorming and gathering information, I realized it was not as easy as I had imagined. Our group initially planned to focus on special groups, such as wheelchair users or visually impaired people, but we found it difficult to come up with truly effective solutions. After receiving feedback on our first ideas, everyone felt a bit discouraged because our ideas were considered not feasible.
Later, I decided to shift my focus to public transport users and look for areas that could be improved. I started observing daily commuting situations, analyzing issues such as overcrowding, boarding efficiency, and access to information, while also referencing existing urban transport improvement solutions. Through this research, I identified a potentially viable idea—for example, providing real-time crowd information so passengers can better plan their travel times and routes. During the PPT preparation, I also faced some challenges, but my teammates helped me optimize both content and design, making the final presentation clearer and easier to understand.
Through this task, I not only learned how to identify problems through observation and research, but also improved my skills in organizing information and expressing ideas. Working together on the final product gave me a sense of accomplishment. Although our idea wasn’t perfect, the division of tasks and mutual support strengthened our teamwork and relationships, and helped me realize the importance of communication and collaboration.
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