#animaltestingbans

Reflecting on my Week 1 sharing about animal-testing bans and the rise of non-animal methods, I realized my presentation leaned heavily on global institutions and scientific facts. While this structured the discussion, the feedback highlighted that I needed to take greater ownership of the reflection by framing my key themes clearly and integrating visuals intentionally with text. Thoughtful imagery—such as contrasting caged laboratory animals with organ-on-chip systems—can both illustrate concepts and evoke an emotional response, bridging analytical and affective modes of understanding.

This reflection became more personal when I considered insights from my brother, who used to work in biomedical research. Learning about his experiences with lab practices and alternative testing methods helped me understand the practical and ethical implications in a tangible way. Situating the discussion in Singapore further enhances relevance, particularly under the Biomedical Sciences Initiative, where institutions like A*STAR develops alternatives such as human-cell models and organoids. Incorporating these examples makes the reflection more contextually grounded and evidence-based.

Expanding the lens to Asia strengthens the argument. Countries like India, South Korea, and Taiwan have already banned cosmetic animal testing, demonstrating that cruelty-free innovation is part of a broader regional movement. By combining research, ethical reasoning, and personal insights from my brother’s past experience, I was able to draw independent conclusions about the challenges and opportunities in transitioning toward non-animal methods. This process has deepened my understanding of how design communication—through careful framing, visual support, and narrative context—can clarify complex issues and engage audiences meaningfully.

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References:

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). “Animal‑Free Reprogramming Improves Safety.” A*STAR Research, 12 Aug. 2014, research.a-star.edu.sg/articles/highlights/animal-free-reprogramming-improves-safety/.

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). “An Animal‑Free Prediction Model.” A*STAR Research, 1 June 2016, research.a-star.edu.sg/articles/highlights/an-animal-free-prediction-model/.

Teo, Josiah. “Local Start‑Up Launches Animal‑Free Cosmetics Testing Platform.” The Straits Times, 21 Mar. 2023, straitstimes.com/tech/local-start-up-launches-animal-free-cosmetics-testing-platform.