#design analysis framework

Be it everyday objects or an art piece, I tend to glance past them without giving much thought to how they were made. Because they are always there, doing what they are meant to, I take them for granted. I like to think of it like being in a relationship where one side gives quietly, and the other just keeps receiving without noticing. It is so easy to overlook the effort and intention behind things when you are only focused on what they do for you.

That is why I found the Design Analysis Framework not only a valuable tool, but also a reminder – to pause and think more critically about the objects around me. All the steps in the framework are useful, but the ones that really pushed me to dig deeper were “Subject Matter and Meanings” and “Context of Piece” – because I realise those are exactly what I often miss.

During the class activity, we each brought in objects that meant something to us. I remember Jon’s and He Ling’s in particular because both felt really personal.

This approach to analysis has also helped me carry it into my Studio 2 research on my chosen artist, Josef Albers.

I could easily just copy the way his work looks, but would my work then really hold any meaning? Probably not. What is the point of paying homage to someone if I don’t make an effort to understand them? This is why I want to listen to him – to understand why he made the choices he did, what he believed in, and how his ideas came through in his work. This adds so much more value to my design process and work.

That is also how I knew exactly what I wanted to look out for during the Kampong Gelam trip. Beyond just observing what things looked like, I was paying attention to the stories, materials, and intentions behind them.

I came across what I thought was one of the most striking architectural forms in Singapore – the Sultan Mosque. The structure itself got me curious, so I looked it up. It was beautiful, yes – but what I came to learn was how rich it is in heritage and history, and how it continues to serve as a place of gathering and connection for the Muslim community.

It is experiences like this that remind me – design is not just about how something looks or works – it is also about the stories held, the people it serves, and the meaning behind its creation. It is good to slow down, to notice more, and to carry that curiosity into the way I see and create moving forward. I believe this will guide me towards becoming a more thoughtful and grounded designer.

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