Common Module - AY25.26 CTS B

My artistic vision has always centred on the belief that design should create meaningful difference. To inspire, communicate, and cultivate authentic connection. In Week 10, I wrote that I want my designs to " make a difference to inspire, communicate and create connections in a meaningful way.” After reading my classmates’ comments, I recognised the importance of expanding this vision. Their feedback encouraged me to consider stepping into larger design environments such as major companies or organisations, where the ideas I believe in could reach broader communities. This pushed me to refine my vision so that it not only focuses on meaningful design, but also on applying my skills with confidence in impactful, large-scale contexts.

To reflect on design lineages and connect with my aspirations, I selected the Rimowa × Robbe & Berking Cocktail Case, featured in the Wallpaper article on the best design-led cocktail shakers. The piece immediately resonated with me because of how it merges craftsmanship, heritage, and modernity. As the article outlines, cocktail shakers have existed since at least the 1500s and have continually evolved alongside cultural practices (“The Best Design-Led Cocktail Shakers”). This case represents a continuation of that lineage: Rimowa contributes its contemporary, travel-oriented aluminium shell, while Robbe & Berking brings its long-standing expertise in handcrafted silverware.

This fusion reflects a key theme discussed in CTS B, the idea that design traditions are never frozen in time. They evolve, adapt, and reinterpret themselves according to cultural, social, and technological shifts. The Cocktail Case is not simply a luxury object; it embodies an ongoing dialogue between past and present. Its form honours the ritualistic history of cocktail mixing, while its design language speaks to today’s culture of mobility, luxury, and experience-driven living.

The object also aligns closely with my own vision. I aspire to create designs that foster connection, and cocktail shakers inherently represent social interaction, hospitality, and shared moments. By elevating a familiar object through thoughtful design, the collaboration turns an everyday ritual into an experience, something I hope to do in my own practice. It communicates a story, preserves tradition, and inspires new forms of engagement, much like what I aim to achieve with my work.

Studying this design allowed me to understand how lineage can be respected without being imitated, and how innovation can still remain grounded in cultural history. As I continue developing as a designer, I want my work to similarly bridge meaningful traditions with contemporary relevance, creating designs that connect people, communicate values, and inspire thoughtful interaction.

(414 words) “The Best Design-Led Cocktail Shakers.” Wallpaper, 2025, www.wallpaper.com/entertaining/best-cocktail-shakers.

Our group’s CTS B manifesto presents a shared philosophy of what it means to design thoughtfully and responsibly. The visual illustration shows the side profile of a head filled with interconnected ideas, symbolising how design thinking is layered, iterative, and continually evolving. Each point appears within a cloud-like form, representing thoughts that shift as designers develop reflective and critical insight.

The first section of our manifesto emphasises responsibility, inquiry, and engagement with complexity. Statements such as “Design is responsible to the world,” “We refuse to create without questioning,” and “We do not avoid problems, we create through them” articulate the ethical and analytical foundations central to CTS B. These points remind us that design is never neutral, it carries intention, consequence, and cultural meaning.

This is reinforced by Reflection in Design Education (Lousberg, Louis, et al. Reflection in Design Education, 25 June 2019), which argues that reflective practice enables designers to move beyond immediate solutions and understand the broader implications of their decisions. Their findings show that structured reflection strengthens awareness of context and enhances the quality of design outcomes. This directly supports our manifesto’s emphasis on questioning and responsibility, demonstrating how reflection produces more intentional and socially attuned design work. 

The next set of manifesto points highlights the relationship between thinking and making. “I design to think, and I think to design” and “Design is where ideas meet reality” align with Studio and Materiality, where ideas are tested and transformed through sketches, models, and material exploration. The statement “My artistic vision is not fixed, it grows as I do” acknowledges the evolving nature of design identity, echoing CTS B’s focus on personal development and positionality.

My personal core lies in the principles “Think deep, create wider” and “Think. Solution. Make. Reflect.”. These statements encapsulate my design approach. “Think deep” encourages critical examination beyond the surface, while “Create wider” motivates expansive ideation before refinement. The second manifesto mirrors the reflective cycle discussed by Lousberg, Louis, et al., who distinguish between reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action. Their study shows that cultivating both forms strengthens designers’ decision-making and improves the coherence of their work, validating the iterative rhythm that shapes my process across modules.

If I were to refine the group manifesto further, I would add “Design communicates,” as clarity, visual and conceptual is essential for effective design across Studio and Design Skills. CTS B has ultimately taught me to question, contextualise, and articulate my thinking. It shaped my understanding of design not only as creation, but as a reflective, ethical, and culturally grounded practice.

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Lousberg, Louis, et al. Reflection in Design Education, 25 June 2019, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10798-019-09532-6?utm_source. 

I learned how useful the discover, define, develop, and deliver process can be when looking at design critically. We focused on a signage for a mobile phone shop, and at first glance, I thought it looked rushed and not very appealing. The tagline “Awesome Intelligence” was supposed to highlight AI features, but to me it felt a bit misleading and disconnected from the product. The colours were weak, the warped text effect didn’t help, and compared to other shops, it just didn’t stand out.

As I moved into the define stage, I realised the real issue was balance and clarity. The words didn’t work well together, and the imagery didn’t reinforce the brand’s values. It wasn’t hard to read, but it was hard to remember. That showed me how important it is to make sure the visuals and the message support each other.

When we started to develop solutions, I saw how small changes could make a big difference. Darker or bolder colours, adding shadows, or curving the text more naturally around the phone would have instantly improved the design. It reminded me that even simple tweaks can bring a concept to life.

If I were to do this again, I’d spend more time experimenting with visuals and maybe asking classmates for feedback. This exercise taught me that design isn’t just about making something look nice it’s about clarity, consistency, and connecting with people. Those lessons are definitely ones I can carry forward into future projects.

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In today’s tutorial, I learned how to take a local issue and translate it into a visual story. Our group chose the topic of cutting queue, something that often happens around campus and can be frustrating for students. We filmed at a crowded vending machine, which gave us a real setting where this issue happens naturally. This activity helped me see how everyday problems can be turned into meaningful stories when framed with the right structure.

The key discovery for me was understanding that a short video needs a clear direction. By planning an opening, middle, and closing, we were able to shape a simple event into something with a message. The opening set the scene with the crowded machine, the middle captured the actual moment of someone cutting the queue, and the closing gave space for reflection. This process showed me how important it is to think like a storyteller, not just someone holding a camera.

If I could do this differently, I would try to capture more perspectives maybe interviewing students or showing reactions to the behavior. That would add depth and balance, instead of only focusing on the problem. Other references that are noteworthy include short social awareness videos or campus campaigns that use relatable moments to spark discussion.

I can apply what I learned by being more intentional in how I capture everyday scenes. Even small details, when framed thoughtfully, can communicate larger social issues and encourage reflection within the community.

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Week 2, I learned about self-expression and perception. Through the activity of creating a digital collage with pictures I found online, I learned how to describe myself visually and also reflect on how I see my classmates. This exercise helped me recognize that identity can be communicated not only through words, but also through the choices we make in selecting images, colors, and symbols. The key phrases that stood out to me are “self-representation” and “visual storytelling,” since they capture the essence of what we were exploring.

The evidence of my class activity is the digital collage itself, which represented my individuality and personal interpretation of identity. By comparing my work with that of my classmates, I also realized how everyone sees themselves in different ways, and how our identities are layered with unique experiences and perspectives. This broadened my understanding of both myself and others in the classroom.

If I could do this activity differently, I would spend more time experimenting with images that reflect not only how I see myself now, but also how I aspire to be. I think this would create a more complete and thoughtful representation of my personality.

One noteworthy reference is how this process allows me to see and learn about myself more deeply. The lesson can be applied in future creative projects, presentations, or even personal growth exercises. It reminds me that visuals are powerful tools for communication, helping bridge personal expression with cultural understanding.

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Over the past few weeks, I’ve come to see design in a whole new light. We started with Materiality, where I realised that objects aren’t just made of materials as they hold memories, emotions, and cultural meaning. Simple things like a leather wallet I made or a coaster from Vietnam helped me appreciate how materials can tell personal stories.

When we explored Cultural Materialism, I learned how design is shaped by society and power structures. Creating a fictional medical ad set in The Hunger Games made me think about how access and inequality can be reflected through something as simple as a poster.

Postmodernism pushed me out of my comfort zone. I used to think design had to be neat and polished, but working on the Eclipse mints poster taught me that clashing colours, strange layouts, and unexpected choices can make something stand out and feel exciting.

During the Aesthetics activity at the hawker centre, I noticed how a straightforward sign could influence people’s behaviour through smart use of colour and layout.

And finally, with Semiotics, I learned to look deeper into images and symbols. The Dracula billboard showed me how powerful hidden messages and clever visuals can be. Overall, this journey has completely changed how I see and create design.

This week, we explored the topic of postmodernism by working on this Eclipse mints poster really helped me understand what postmodernism in design is all about. I used to think it just meant “weird” or “random,” but I now see it’s much more intentional and it’s about challenging the usual rules and mixing things up to grab attention in unexpected ways.

When designing the poster, I played with clashing styles, bold colours, and unusual layouts. The typography for “Eclipse” was the most fun to experiment with. I made it big, distorted, and kind of chaotic. At first, I was worried it looked messy, but then I realised that’s exactly what postmodernism allows freedom to be expressive, even if it breaks traditional design norms.

The whole aesthetic was deliberately loud and energetic. I added a warped, embossed version of the mint tin to reflect distortion and create a kind of surreal feel. Even though it doesn’t have a clear “purpose,” it makes the viewer look twice, and that’s the point, it makes the design more memorable.

I also learned that postmodernism embraces plurality by mixing different styles or ideas into one piece. At first that felt a bit odd, but by the end, I appreciated how fun and bold it could be.

Overall, this project showed me that design doesn’t always have to be clean or minimal to be effective. Postmodernism taught me to trust my creativity, take risks, and not be afraid to break the rules if it helps tell a more exciting story.

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This week, we explored the concept of Cultural Materialism. Cultural materialism is an anthropological framework—often associated with Marvin Harris—that focuses on how material and economic factors shape culture. In essence, it emphasises that tangible aspects of society, such as environment, technology, and economic structures, are the primary drivers behind social organisation, beliefs, and values. I learned that Cultural Materialism isn’t just about how culture reflects economic conditions — it also examines how cultural texts actively participate in maintaining or resisting dominant ideologies.

Today's activity was create an ads for fictional goods and services that might exist in a fictional world. We choose The World of Hunger Games with medication service. The reason why we choose medication service in a world of hunger games is because medication is important in survival games and war and only experts can make medicine. But the Hunger game is a dictatorship in a state of war, it is hard to become a pharmacist, they should be rich. Soonly few rich professionals will be able to make medicine. In the Hunger Games, medicine distribution reflects inequality and control, where the wealthy Capitol has advanced healthcare while the districts struggle. This highlights themes of power imbalance, survival, and societal neglect.

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Over the past two weeks, I explored the theme of Materiality by taking a closer look at handmade and crafted objects, both from shops and from my personal collection as well as my friend’s. Through this experience, I came to realise that materiality isn’t just about what something is made of. It’s also about the story it tells about culture, craft, and emotion.

Looking at our personal items made me realise how meaningful materials can be on a personal level. The leather wallet I made at a craft workshop reminded me of the hands-on joy of creating something from scratch. The coaster I bought in Vietnam holds a piece of a trip I’ll always remember, and the necklace made for me in Korea feels like a wearable memory. These objects aren’t just decorative or useful they carry stories, connections, and feelings.

I also found myself really drawn to the items in the shops like the crocheted flowers, patchwork textiles, and colourful mosaic lamps. Each one shows off a different kind of material and technique, and it made me think more deeply about how much thought goes into choosing materials. Why yarn and not plastic? Why glass mosaic and not print? Every choice tells us something and shapes the way we connect with the object.

This whole process helped me slow down and notice the little things the texture, weight, and even the shine of materials. I now see how materials speak to us in quiet ways, influencing how we feel about something’s quality or uniqueness. It’s changed the way I look at the objects around me, and I’ve developed a real appreciation for the creativity and care behind them.

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This week, we focused on topic Semiotics. The study of the use of symbolic communication. Semiotics can include signs, logos, gestures and other linguistic and nonlinguistic communication methods. An introduction of Semiotics to build visual literacy, to think about how we look at things, especially in the context of reproductions.

In this week's activity, we are supposed to pick an advertisement or poster to conduct a formal and contextual analysis of its message. We have chosen an advertisement of BBC Dracula billboard. In the daytime the poster only shows weapon and red paint, however, as time goes, in the evening, the shadow of  Dracula came out. For colours, they used white as a background, red as represents blood, and black as silhouette of Dracula. An extra small detail under the ad board, “In case of vampire, break glass”. Adds a bit of horror when walking down the streets. The poster shows balance and emphasis is because the poster is divided by 2 parts equally and this shows balance. Emphasis gives a message of that the Dracula only apprise at night. 

The typographic letters “DRACULA” . They signify the shadow illusion showing a vampire, which suppose to signify the character “Dracula”. This advertisement gives a mysterious horror feel, which is what the audiences should expect from the upcoming show. The use of shadows, fog, and dramatic lighting further enhances the allure of the unknown. 

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This week, we went out to a hawker centre using what we had learnt about aesthetics, and we were asked to take a photo and interpret it based on those concepts. When I saw this sign at the hawker centre, it immediately struck me as a great example of how design can influence behaviour. The message, “No Table Littering,” is clear and direct, and the image really helps reinforce what it means. Even if someone didn’t read the words, the crossed-out figure with leftover food on a tray sends a strong, visual “don’t do this” message that is easy to understand.

What stood out to me the most was how simple the sign is, yet how effective it can be. The use of red draws your eyes straight to it, almost like it’s saying, “Hey! Pay attention!” It’s a great reminder that when designing anything meant for the public, clarity is key. People usually don’t have time to stop and figure out a complicated message especially in busy and fast-paced environments like hawker centres where they’re focused on eating or finding a seat.

This sign really reminded me that good design is about more than just looking nice it’s about making information accessible, quick to understand, and hard to ignore. It’s a small thing, but when done right, it can have a big impact on everyday behaviour. Even something as simple as where text is placed can change how people react to it.

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1. We have brainstormed on the projects which we would like to collaborate on and listed them into 3 broad groups. Fine Arts, Animation and Broadcast media. Under Fine Arts, we can collaborate projects on print making and exhibition posters. We are also interested in developing projects such as commercial photography and videography. We have agreed that social media projects such as music videos and short films using photography and videography would satisfy both our creative desire and also allows us to make a living by being commercial viable.

2. Since young, I have taken a liking to pets but have seen one too many abandoned animals. Therefore, I would like to create a communication campaign on raising awareness for pets especially on negligence and abuse.

3. Amongst many possible community engagements to raise awareness, acceptance and donations, promoting support for giving second chances to former inmates (Yellow Ribbon). I would like to work on “Second Chances for the former inmates.” I hope to work with the relevant Governmental bodies such as Yellow Ribbon Singapore, Singapore Prison Service or other community partners such as the Halfway Houses.

4. After learning about CTS, I believe that I am able to approach challenges and make decisions systematically and effectively. Instead of finding solutions when facing challenges, I will find and analyse relevant information from possible sources before considering the possible solutions and communicating them to the different stakeholders before rolling out an implementation plan. My desired job position would be a videographer. I have previously interned at a Media company, NoonTalk Media and see at close distance how an experienced videographer can bring out the life of a video and also clearly transmit the intended message to its viewers. Rather than just being skilful in the equipment, he/she also needs to have a strong understanding of the plot, storyline, personalities of the characters.

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In the Studio module, we have learnt about data space and its collaborative nature to integrate and consolidate data from different sources which is essential for good analysis and decison making, which are essential part of the CTS. One good platform is using the internet resources and also through personal interaction and our own experience with different media eg. Social media, books and understanding stories through films, videos and art festivals. All these are applicable in the use of photography and videography. Organising these data and information are critical in achieving a good result for the final work. It is also important is to credit the original source of data and information. CTS is also applicable when performing rotoscoping and typography through observing what's happening, being proactive, and asking questions when appropriate before making decisions.

In the Digital module, we will need to make decisions about color schemes, layout, and visual hierarchy when using Adobe. Thus, CTS will be useful in helping us to make those decisions in a more sytematic and a better way. It is sometimes challenging to navigate some of the software which I am unfamiliar with but we will need logical thinking and confidence to overcome the initial hesitation.

In crafting, we will need to explore new designs by using our imagination. Although sometimes it is difficult to find subjects with similar colour, but as part of critical thinking skills, we will still bank on the various sources of information and choices opened to us for selection and application.

In the photography module, CTS helps me to understand perspectives, compose shots, and predict how lighting or angle changes will affect the image. We are also introduced to the history of photography and how it can be applied to our compositions. By observing, questioning and analysis, we will understand our subject, find unique perspectives, and prepare for photoshoots.

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I would imagine critical thinking as navigating a maze. First, I will need a flashlight to light up my surroundings. In critical thinking, careful observation allows me to notice important details and patterns that help you make decisions. Next, I will need a compass to help me check my direction and question whether I am moving closer to my goal. Third, I will need a map to understand the structure of the maze. Critical thinking involves analyzing information to break it down into manageable parts, helping me to see how things connect and identify the best path forward. Fourth, I will need a marker to make notes on the map to remember which paths led to dead ends. Similarly, critical thinking requires evaluating information and think logically to separate useful facts from distractions and biases. Fifth, I will need an Exit Strategy to find the maze’s exit. It requires applying all the skills I have learnt so far to make informed choices. In critical thinking, applying what I have learned to solve problems and reach sound conclusions. In this metaphor, critical thinking is like a maze navigation toolkit: each tool helps me make my way forward, avoid traps, and find my way to a clear, well-reasoned outcome.

My favourite is redesigning logos where we were given a task to go out of the classroom to take pictures of different graphics or logos which we were to eventually redesign.

I feel that it will be faster and more efficient to work in a group than alone. In a group, there are more diverse view and ideas. As there are more people in a group, more can shared the workload.

With reflection, I would have like to be better in my time management. This will apply to both my classroom tasks and homework/projects. I also hope to be be more confident when communicating ideas to others.

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Critical Thinking | Flinkliv. 20 Mar. 2020, flinkliv.com/pages/critical-thinking.html.

During the class, we were given a task to go out of the classroom to take pictures of different graphics or logos which we were to eventually redesign. We had a fun time wandering around the campus in groups and it was during this time, that I discovered a shop selling vintage Vinyl records and this piqued my interest as I am into vintage stuff.  

Then we had to use our left hands to redesign 15 new logos/graphics. Because I have never written or drawn with my left hand, I think it was quite an experience for me. Everyone thought it was an impossible task. However, after the experience, everyone feels that the activity was very good and fun. During the drawing process, everyone was very focused on thinking about how to design and racked their brains over it. After the drawing session, we need to choose a design that we like and dislike.

The design which I like most is Design 8. I like it because it has a 3D effect. This stood out to me as compared to the 2D ones. In addition, it not only show the peanut shell but also show the peanut within the shell and emphasises that this is a peanut from the brand Camel. 

The design which I like the least is Design 7. To me, the object does not really depict a peanut well. It may actually looked like a hairy person who has fallen onto the floor, drunk and asleep.

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In Emotional Intelligence, I think I am strongest at relationship management, which is the ability to effectively build and maintain positive relationships with others, crucial for both personal and professional success. In today’s activities, we are required to perform and then critique on a sketch based on a certain theme. Although my teammates and I have only been studying together for barely a month, we managed to foster trust and understanding. Based on this trust and understanding, I am able to gather them for a quick discussion on the assignment of roles, communicate on how the various scenes are to be performed and agreed on the contents of the script. It helped that I was already on good terms with some of them. I feel that this has led to improved teamwork, increased engagement, and a more harmonious environment which helped to achieve shared goals. As for which component I should be focusing on improving, it will be “Self Management”. Self-management is the ability to manage and control one’s emotions, particularly in stressful situations. As I am prone to be nervous in situations unfamiliar to me, my emotions may affect my ability to perform tasks to my fullest potential. I was to role-play one student who hated a particular classmate who was trying to ‘curry flavour’ with the teacher. As I am normally the one behind the lens and not in the limelight, this actually stressed me. If I can manage my emotions better, I am sure I can perform better.

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Before I attended the class, my idea of Critical Thinking is basically to look at a specific issue/matter and think hard about it. It can be a problem waiting to be solved or to evaluate a certain perspective or position. It is to think of everything I can about the main issue/matter and also any related concerns or implications. It can also mean questioning what the issue means to me and questioning how the world at large looks at it. 

Through my exploration of mindfulness, I have learned that it is the practice of being fully present in the moment, fostering awareness without judgment. This approach helps reduce stress and enhances emotional well-being by encouraging a non-reactive attitude toward thoughts and feelings. I’ve discovered that mindfulness techniques, such as focused breathing, can improve concentration and promote clarity. Additionally, incorporating mindfulness into daily activities, like eating or walking, enriches my experiences and cultivates gratitude. Overall, mindfulness has become a valuable tool for enhancing my mental resilience and fostering a deeper connection with myself and the world around me. 

I remembered that I was a bit bewildered during my first week in Lasalle. I was surrounded by an unfamiliar environment and there were many unfamiliar faces around me, whom later on became known to me as my classmates and lecturers.

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