Poster session
Navigating Design Education: Using Co-Design for Student Engagement and Inclusivity View Digital Media
Poster Session Jessica Freire
Design education is in a constant flux of innovation and growth. As our students adapt to a world of ever-changing technology, wicked problems and global policies, as educators, we must also shift and change with them. At Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, by applying Co-design methods to our First Year Design curriculum I’ve been able to build coursework that is organic, fluid, and versatile. First Year Design students must be introduced to foundational skills that teach them how to tackle the issues our future will present. While Bauhaus methods are still very much ingrained in our ways of western education, we must open the door to approaches that are culturally inclusive and forward-thinking. A Co-Design mindset can be utilised to give our students agency over their studies and facilitate new pathways for creativity and involvement. Co-design can be used to build community among students, enhance student engagement and give students a sense of ownership over their learning. This approach can provide the platform to instill Te ao Māori values, such as - Whanaungatanga (Collaboration), Whai Mātauranga (Intellectual Curiosity) and Rangatiratanga (autonomy and leadership). To build students who are engaged and excited. He waka eke noa (We are all in this together). Education is not a ‘one size fits all’ and by recognising this, we can build meaningful and equitable learning environments.
Citizen Participation Design Innovation and Citizen Science Program for Solving Marine Litter Problem: Five Years Practice with Three Local Governments in Japan View Digital Media
Poster Session Tomomi Sayuda, Maximilian Fischer, Fumitoshi Kato, Miles Pennington
The field of design has expanded across different disciplines in recent years, extending into areas tied to community, government, and science. However, there is still a lack of research on how to design programs in which designers become catalysts over a long period of time, enabling communities to be a part of addressing the international problem of marine litter and implementing it through design. Over the past five years with three Japanese local governments I have led and worked with my team to conduct program design research and implementation, engaging governments, scientists, local businesses, and residents in design-driven, community-participatory solutions and observation to the marine litter problem. My design team comprises people with diverse backgrounds, including experience in design, product design, and engineering. The design team has produced a wide variety of program activities and outputs for the communities, including workshops, litter pickup products, visual guidelines, and videos. A review of the programs included interviewing the various stakeholders, to explore the elements of design that were effective or not. In our analysis, we focus on the differences in design perspective solutions from the activities conducted in the three municipalities, according to the characteristics of each region. This work contributes to academic research and public knowledge by presenting our findings from design-driven programs that involve the community, government, and academic researchers in solving the marine litter problem in Japan.
Featured Augmented Environmental Graphics in Healthcare View Digital Media
Poster Session Aprille Chua
Healthcare employees spend a significant amount of time in the workplace, and their wellbeing is often neglected. An excess of job demands and limited resources can negatively impact their physical and psychological wellbeing, ultimately affecting patient wellbeing. Research has shown that Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) or Augmented Reality (AR) technologies can improve the patient experience in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. However, no existing research has explored how these two elements – EGD and AR – might be used to enhance healthcare employees' wellbeing in this context. To address this gap, this design research has evolved into a multidisciplinary approach. By embracing cross-professional contributions, we explore a series of work recovery interventions (prototypes) that can be effectively implemented to enhance the well-being of healthcare employees in the healthcare context. This research is also relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlights the urgent need to prioritise our well-being. By focusing on the intersection of environmental design, technology, and employee wellbeing, this study aims to unlock new possibilities for enhancing healthcare employees' well-being. The findings of this study have the potential to shape the design and improvement of healthcare environments, focusing on interventions that promote work recovery and communication platforms and, ultimately create a positive work environment that benefits both employees and patients.
Investigating the Effectiveness and Learner’s Perception of Scenario Based Learning View Digital Media
Poster Session Wei Xiu Sung, Yin Ni Annie Ng
Scenario-based learning has been the style of teaching employed in Nanyang Polytechnic, School of Applied Sciences, Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science for the module Pharmacotherapy. In this project, a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure approach is adopted to allow learners to make decisions in a virtual environment without challenges present in a physical consultation session. As learners progress through the video scenarios, they will be prompted to ask questions and make decisions during patient consultation. Based on the decisions made, they will be led to different outcomes and feedback. This allows learners to receive timely feedback which may be tedious to achieve in a physical setting due to the high instructor to learner ratio. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and learner’s perception of scenario based learning in the applied science context through an education design research approach, employing a mixed methods methodology. Intrinsic Motivational Inventory was used to measure aspects such as interest, perceived competency, pressure, value and effort. Results show that there was statistical significance in areas such as interest, competency and pressure. These results are supported by students’ positive qualitative feedback. Based on the encouraging results, such an approach can be considered and employed in other disciplines.
Evaluation of Arrangement of Sign Systems to Enhance Wayfinding in Complex Spaces
Poster Session Eunkil Cho, Yonghyeon Park
Complex spaces are various types of spaces that are difficult for wayfinding. If visitors were to get lost in such a space, they are likely to experience stress. Furthermore, this kind of negative experience increases the likelihood that the visitor of the space will avoid returning to it in the future. It is difficult for visitors to recognize a space only by its shape and structure, making signage an effective means of assisting them in finding their destination more easily. However, signboards installed in locations where it may be difficult to recognize them, in addition to unsystematic signboards that are installed excessively, may not properly convey necessary information to visitors, leading to more confusion. The purpose of this study is to verify the utilization of signs when planning a sign system by evaluating their proper arrangement to enhance wayfinding in a complex space. Wayfinding factors can be classified into spatial structure factors and environmental design factors. Spatial structure factors, including plane composition and visual accessibility, were evaluated using space syntax. Furthermore, environmental design factors such as the sign system and spatial heterogeneity were evaluated to assess the appeal of signs using eye tracking analysis. A wayfinding enhancement and degradation model were produced to measure the stress response through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in virtual reality to verify their suitability. The theories used as existing wayfinding-related analysis methods had fragmentary limitations. However, this study applied bio signal-based methodology and thus, such limitations are expected to be significantly mitigated.
Shaping Place Identity with Storytelling View Digital Media
Poster Session Christabel Teng
This study investigates the impact of rapid urbanisation on place identity, focusing on Sembawang, a residential district in Singapore. By leveraging narrative approaches within the field of cultural geography, the intention is to uncover the stories that can shape Sembawang's identity. The findings of this research provide insights to enhance the sense of affection and attachment between the residents and the place. The study details the methodology for uncovering interconnected stories within Sembawang to shape its place identity. It acknowledges the diverse voices and tensions of the residents while exploring how their varied experiences and shared stories foster a sense of belonging and resonance within the community. Using narrative inquiry, this research surfaces the multiplicity of stories within the place to understand individuals' emotional connections with their surroundings. To capture Sembawang’s identity beyond its physicality, affective and non-representational dimensions are employed as an analytical framework. This approach investigates the interplay of emotions in shaping human experiences and interactions with the environment, portraying the nuanced, lived experience. By asserting the importance of surfacing diverse human experiences and identifying the collective resonance of these stories, Sembawang's identity can surface, fostering a sense of resonance and belonging among its residents. In conclusion, this study highlights the role of interconnected stories in shaping Sembawang's identity. It cultivates a sense of affection, attachment, and belonging among all its inhabitants, strengthening the community's overall sense of place.
Apple Philosophy 2.0: Using Service Design to Drive Service Quality Excellence at Tan Tock Seng Hospital View Digital Media
Poster Session Cheyenne Lee, Siew Yong Loh
Traditionally, hospitals have provided paternalistic care, but as patient demographics and expectations evolve, so too must our approach to service. From October 2023 to May 2024, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) embarked on a comprehensive people-centred design journey to redefine service excellence, aligning with the values of modern patients and caregivers. Leveraging existing patient feedback and various data, the hospital initiated a data-driven process to develop a preliminary patient persona, followed by interviews across various hospital settings to validate and refine these insights, culminating in the creation of the patient persona, Ashley. Ashley represents a patient who seeks a partnership with healthcare professionals, valuing recognition, proactive care, and personalised interactions. To ensure that Ashley's values are reflected in every aspect of care, TTSH developed a service persona named PaCEy, embodying the core values of Care, Empathy, and Professionalism. PaCEy serves as a guide for staff, shaping their interactions and ensuring consistency in the delivery of patient-centered care. This persona is not merely conceptual but is integrated into actionable strategies through workshops, communications, and training sessions that have equipped staff with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to personify PaCEy in their daily work. Furthermore, TTSH has refreshed its service philosophy—Apple Philosophy 2.0—which encapsulates the hospital's commitment to delivering "Care. Best For You. With You." This philosophy, supported by the PaCEy persona and a structured framework, ensures that all staff are aligned in their mission to uphold and enhance service standards across the hospital through a design-led approach.
Targeting Clothing Emissions for Sustainable Living: An App to Sensitise Citizens about the Emissions that Clothes Carry View Digital Media
Poster Session Bhawna Welturkar
Greenhouse gases are a major contributor to climate change. The textile industry, with significant emissions, contributes almost one tonne to every 19.8 tonnes of carbon emissions in the atmosphere (comprising almost 5% of the total emissions). Mission LiFE, launched by the Government, seeks to encourage thoughtful consumption and an environmentally conscious lifestyle. With clothing being an essential part of the lifestyle, making the right choice based on carbon emissions is critical. We adopted the double diamond design process by exploring different possibilities to address this problem and narrowed them down to an intervention. Journal papers and newspaper articles were sourced for the literature review. Data on the carbon emissions of various fabrics such as cotton, polyester, silk, rayon, linen, and fabric blends were collected. Emissions from harvesting and apparel production processes were included in the data. Following a stakeholder mapping exercise, we decided that the best way to communicate this data with the target audience is through an application. The Carbon Meter app was created to estimate the carbon emissions of a person's clothing. To drive home the point to the user, the emissions are compared with the carbon emissions of petrol cars. For instance, a person wearing a cotton shirt and pant carries 7.43 kg of CO2e emissions, whereas a person wearing linen has 4.25 kg of CO2e emissions. This is equivalent to driving a petrol car for 76.53 km and 43.78 km, respectively. This app was pilot-tested at an event in Bengaluru.
From Theory to Practice: Exploring the Intersection of Design Education and Industry View Digital Media
Poster Session Alexandra Singleton
Design, particularly through the lens of design thinking, is increasingly recognised as a strategic driver of innovation, corporate strategy, and competitive advantage with non-traditional design contexts. This shift positions designers as facilitators of innovation and digitalisation within corporate strategy, rather than solely as problem-solvers or product designers. However, this transition raises concerns about a disconnect between tertiary design education and industry demands, as well as the potential atrophy of traditional design skills due to insufficient practice in professional settings. This research seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry by offering insights into the role of emerging designers in non-traditional design contexts and the alignment of design education with current industry needs. The work presented here forms part of a larger investigation into the role of design expertise in multinational corporations, with a global automotive manufacturer. This study combines a five-month longitudinal autoethnographic investigation at a leading logistics and robotics company, with an eight-week ethnographic study of industrial design interns at a leading global automotive manufacturer. Findings reveal a strong demand for digital visualisation and 3D animation skillsets, while traditional skills like sketching, prototyping, and product development were scarcely utilised. Designers with broader generalist skill sets, often beyond the bounds of design, were perceived as more valuable due to their usefulness across diverse teams and projects. These findings enhance understanding of the evolving design profession and lay the groundwork for future research and discussions on tertiary design education.
Exploring Future Scenarios of Sustainable Food Design: Simulating Dietary Lifestyles through Serious Tabletop Game View Digital Media
Poster Session You Qin Fang
With the promotion of the 2050 net-zero carbon emission policy, sustainable diets have garnered increasing attention. Among the four key pillars of sustainable diets—environmental protection, health and nutrition, economics, and socio-cultural aspects—the socio-cultural dimension remains underexplored despite being a critical factor in advancing sustainable dietary behaviors. This study aims to design scenarios for future sustainable dietary lifestyles and to explore how sustainable food design can foster behavioral shifts towards sustainable eating. Targeting individuals with sustainability awareness who frequently dine out, this research employs serious tabletop games as a medium and adopts qualitative research methods. The game design, based on preliminary investigation, centers on scenario simulation. The study investigates participants' perceptions and imaginations of future sustainable diets by engaging them in food choices, scenario interactions, and responses to challenges. Data collection encompasses game process observations and focus group interviews, followed by thematic analysis to identify key insights. Ultimately, the research will construct three distinct future scenarios of sustainable dietary lifestyles. These scenarios will provide novel perspectives and methodologies for sustainable food design, highlighting how scenario design can facilitate sustainable dietary transitions and inspire new directions for the field of food design.
A Framework for Visual Analysis of Public-Interest Advertisement in China
Poster Session Allana Gama
Invisible, strong, and ubiquitous, National Identity is a concept that permeates and shapes modern life, yet its significance often goes unnoticed and underappreciated. The necessity of studying it as a powerful communication tool is often not considered when we talk about graphic design heritage. This research proposes a framework where design acts as a tool for nation-building processes, translating its sociological concepts into graphic features and using it as part of a visual analysis of graphic artifacts and its proper archival. Using these concepts, a method for cataloging public-interest advertisement signs was proposed. The catalog register includes informational, graphic, and symbolic content, such as location, color dominance, and style of the message. A mix of qualitative, visual and historical research was used to validate this framework. We collect information on how Chinese citizens and foreigners living in China react to public-interest advertisement signs and their graphic features. The results suggest that when analyzed as symbolic content, National Identity has the same functions as the graphic elements of Visual Literacy. The results also suggest that foreigners also present National Identity ideas and feelings towards their host nation, as they often recognize themselves as the receptors of the visual messages contained in the street signs.
Featured Volumisation as a Methodology: Towards Innovation in 3D-printing and Graphic Design
Poster Session Darius Ou
3D printing has revolutionised various design disciplines such as product, fashion, and industrial design. However, its impact on graphic design remains largely unexplored. Despite the component word “print” in 3D-printing and graphic design’s pedigree in print, both fields have seemingly no direct involvement or overlap in development. This presents a unique opportunity to explore innovations in both fields, whether by reimagining the 3D printer as a printing press or integrating graphic design’s print-craft sensibilities into additive manufacturing. This paper investigates methods that reveal parallels between object-making and mark-making workflows, while also exploring how these seemingly orthogonal approaches can converge within a unified framework. It presents various experimental methods and strategies that interrogate the dimensional-biases associated with various design disciplines and expand the notion of "print" in relation to additive manufacturing.
Featured Traceability by Design: Designing Transparency for Biofuels’ Regenerative and Net Positive Impact on Southeast Asia's Market
Poster Session Sheng Jin Ang
Used cooking oil (UCO) can be our carbon handprint, helping to reduce our carbon footprint. Transitioning to low-emission biofuels is crucial for achieving Net Zero 2050 objectives. However, gaps in traceability, ineffective UCO collection systems, and outdated sustainability practices impede genuine reductions in carbon footprints. This study examines how regenerative and traceable systems can validate biofuels while advancing sustainability across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. This research addresses critical challenges through extensive ethnographic fieldwork across the lifecycle of used cooking oil (UCO) to biofuels, gathering valuable insights from industry stakeholders, street food vendors, and UCO collectors. By integrating systems, service, and strategic design with approaches from the digital and circular economy, the study establishes a framework that optimises UCO collection, enhances transparency and traceability through innovative solutions, and encourages public participation in sustainable recycling initiatives. Applying various design frameworks reframes sustainability principles, enabling more efficient and scalable implementation. The outcome proposes a structured, transparent, and accountable UCO collection and validation system that fosters behavioural and cultural change while aligning with policy incentives, business viability, and community-driven action. By bridging technology, behavioural shifts, and industry regulations, this research illustrates how UCO can transition from waste to a regenerative energy resource, actively reducing emissions and restoring ecosystems. Ultimately, this research redefines UCO biofuels as a low-emission catalyst for net-positive environmental and social transformation, driving the shift toward a regenerative future.
