Criteria A-Investigate

Introduction- Design Task

KC: Communication
RC: Function
GC: Personal and Cultural Expression: Artistry, Craft,
Creation, And Beauty
SOI: Functions of design can help to develop and improve
personal and cultural expression.
Task Specific Clarification
Design cycle:

Criteria A-Investigate

Inquiring and Analyzing

_____________________________________________
Identify the problem/issue/topic will you inquire?

I am addressing a topic; the topic could be called a phenomenon. In the modern day, where
there is the zeal to make everything digitized, this is where we meet technology; technology has
drastically increased in the last 2 decades. So, in the zeal to make technology the key to
luxurious and efficient lives, do our spiritual/cultural aspects have to role to play while innovating
for the future? How do our cultural roots shape our mentality to develop a product that can
make lives easier? Is the design of the piece of hardware dependent our diverse cultures? Can
we cooperate with the cultural differences to innovate? These questions form a phenomenon
which talks about the merging of culture into the daily lives of technical or average people.

Task 1-Design Need

Justify the need for a solution to this problem? Explain your point of view
I think that, people are more driven towards technology and its wonders with diverse and smart
people. So I think that furbished products reflect tons of cultures. For example, while setting up
your Smartphone, the first page you would probably see is about choosing your language, this
is an example of cultural difference. It basically means that your gadgets are developed by the
intent of tolerating your culture. This includes your music, your saved places on Google Maps,
your spoken language, your photos, your contacts etc. All of this reflects your culture. And my
goal is to make the average consumer realize that their culture is also reflected across the globe.
I am planning to make a video that describes and influences people about their cultural lives
through technology. This could also solve problems regarding personal/religious/cultural
differences.

Specify your client/target audience.

The main purpose for the solution is to address a diverse community that comprises of people
from various cultures. I want to help people use technology and also know that people who are
involved in innovating the tech are also aimed towards tolerating each individuals culture.

Criteria A-Investigate

Task 2-Research Plan (Mind map)

State a research plan to develop a solution to the problem.

What we need to learn

Secondary Research
Factual:
What is a custom?
A custom is a traditional and an accepted way to approach, experience and solve things with
respect to a community of a place and time. Different religions follow different customs to enhance
their spiritual faiths and beliefs.
What is a tradition?
The passing and inheritance of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being
passed on in this way. In other words, the passing of rituals, beliefs, mindsets etc. to stop the
extinction of the societys identity
What is a culture?
A culture is a way of identity and life of a group of people--the behaviors, beliefs, values, symbols,
rituals, and traditions that they accept, generally next without thinking about them, and that are
passed along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next.

Criteria A-Investigate
Which artefacts, customs and traditions demonstrate cultural heritage?
In a culture, the heritage is the inherited belongings regarding the ethics, believes, myths or any
other material. People inherit things from their predecessors to take the culture forward and away
from extinction. Cultural Heritage is classified into 3 types. There is built environment which consists
of the architecture which reflects the culture like buildings, monuments, archeological remains,
townscapes etc. Then there is natural environment which comprises the components of the nature
that have aesthetic, historical, scientific or social significance, or other special value for the culture.
Few examples are rural landscapes, coasts and shorelines and agricultural heritage. Lastly, there is
artefacts, which consists of the physical materials like books, documents, manuscripts, holy books,
paintings, sculptures, handicrafts etc.
How do we preserve our cultural heritage?
In a world of wars and destruction for dominance, it has become exceptionally harder to preserve a
place for the cultural and spiritual existence. With respect to religious intolerance, measures can be
taken to eradicate the destruction of a person or a religions heritage. A community thrives through
its cultural heritage, it dies without it said by IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations).
As cultural tourism is a part of the economy of a country, tourists experience other cultures. There
should be awareness about the ethics of every religion so that no religion is demoralized. Fraternity
should be tolerated with mutual acceptance and the appreciation of varied cultures. It all depends
on humanity and how they accept their spiritual differences.
Conceptual:
How does design improve communication of personal/cultural heritage?
With the growth and development of information and communication technology, relationships,
communities and cultures have been dramatically affected, especially as a result of the increasing
accessibility and speed of communication platforms. However, as people incorporate these
emerging technologies into their social interactions, there results a tendency to lose touch with
social nuances, cultural values, and the characteristics of traditional society. Because these features
merge with and influence people's social lives, developing a deeper understanding of this
relationship could serve to enrich computer-mediated communication or interaction designs in the
future. As we design and enhance the technologies of today, people can communicate better as
there is the growth of cultural innovation. Humans can take forward their spiritual beliefs and also
the latest technologies that make their life easier and tolerates your identity to the global society.
What is the functions of design in personal/cultural heritage?
With the establishment of design into the world, we can now enhance our horizons of our technical
skills to amplify the effect of technology into our spiritual words. The worlds next milestone would
probably to become a digital globe. But will religions prevail, especially fundamentalism?,
developers can build things that can make people still believe in their faiths. The functions of design
including creating apps, posters, articles, website, videos, and other kinds of media. And media can
be seen all over the world for great speeches made by people who believe in their spirituality.
Design can be the extension of the beliefs with devices that tolerate and showcase the cultures to
the world and bring out the diversity in a positive and fraternal way.

Criteria A-Investigate
Debatable:
Should we be concerned about losing our cultural identity as we become global citizens?

No, because
we are living in a flat world where any geographical separation becomes irrelevant. Under global
forces, societies are on the way to transform to be closer together and to share many things in
common. A new style of fashion in a Korean movie is quickly adapted in Vietnam and several other
cultures. Western civilization is sweeping over developing countries, affecting the surface of culture
and leading to remarkable changes in the behavior and thinking of a certain number of people.
It is understood to see that a cultural loss seems to be apparent in some of communities where the
cultural main stream is so weak. Many communities living in Africa and South America abandon
their mother tongues to speak English or another language of the dominant culture. Many are far too
pessimistic to think that if this trend keeps going on, the global diversity of cultural identities will be
lost forever. To me personally, globalization is natural evolution of mankind and cultural identities
are as present as ever.
Cultural identity or cultural main stream is established upon core values that are shared and
improved for a long time of development of a society. These values include language, system of
belief, genetic traits, literature, customs and habits and many other values that make one
community different from the others. Cultural identity is formed on much more than a Hollywood film
we watch, several economic benefits we earn or a fashion trend we adapt from other cultures.
English, for example is an important and popular foreign language in my country Vietnam due to its
economic benefits it brings about to those who speak fluently. However, Vietnamese mother tongue
never disappears or because of its valuable quintessence, rich nuance and aesthetic values that
many Vietnamese generations have built. Another example can be seen clearly between American
and Vietnamese culture. Although American culture influences upon the way the young Vietnamese
behave and has some impacts on the old system of habits and customs, Vietnamese identity is still
intact. For example, American values are based on individual freedom and hard-working. The
Vietnamese, on the other hand, tend to build values on spending more leisure time for family and
taking care children and reaching a communal consensus rather than an individual decision. Says Ho Cong, MiB
Yes, because
In this globalized world, cities are becoming clones of each other, and people are converging into
fake stereotypes; gone are the unique cities that carry so much history and culture in every corner,
lost are the enriching cultural differences and specificities that make a society uniquely what it is;
London looks like Paris which looks like Madrid; Restaurants serving this or that countrys traditional
food are drowned out by the huge fast food chains, beautiful traditional clothing is lost between the
new bulk-made looks created by the big brands, people look alike, eat alike and dress alike whether
theyre in New York, New Delhi or Cairo.

Criteria A-Investigate
Were losing one of the things that count the most: our identity, the uniqueness in us, that which
makes us special and allows us to stand out from the crowd.
Again, Im all for cultural exchange and value it dearly, and I, more than anyone else, treasure the
notion of a global citizen, but still that doesnt mean letting go of our unique cultures to adopt a
unified fake money-driven one. - Said by a common man.
Globalization is the word which has managed to connect the all the parts of the world with each
other. Through its integrated network of trade and commerce and transport and communication it
has linked all the corners of the world. Though the aim behind this is to connect and merge all the
cultures of the world but unfortunately it is the reason behind the weakening of cultural bonds
between communities and also leads to the loss of cultural identity. Though with the help of
globalization people stay connected with each other 24x7 but it also makes one forget their own
values and traditions. In a country like India which is known for its rich cultural background and
traditions, the youth here are busy adopting the western traditions and are forgetting their own
values. The respect to elders, the love for family and dedication to work is missing in todays life and
everyone is buzzing with their own materialistic life. Although globalization has played an immense
role towards the economic growth of our country, but when its dark side is witnessed we get to
know that a great amount of cultural identity and traditional values have been lost, which cannot be
regained through any amount of economic prosperity. - said by Rishika Jalanr, School Student
Is the right to personal expression more important than cultural sensitivity?

Yes, because
Freedom of expression outweighs the importance of religious sensitivities.Change in society can
only be brought through freedom of speech, as that is how new religions, ideas and perspectives
are born. Freedom of expression is vital to bring about any sort of change in society. People should
realise that religion is someone's relationship with God, and not something to flaunt to others. A
person belonging to a certain religious group should have enough faith and maturity, that they don't
take offence if someone contradicts their personal beliefs. In my opinion, showing offence and
aggression to people who don't share your faith and decide to question it, is a sign of weakness in
your own faith. - School Student
No, because
Freedom of expression is not more important than religious sensitivities because it is offensive.
People have a right to prove their statements and explain their stance but not on the expense of
religion. You have to respect the opinion of others and keep in mind that your argument can offend
someone in terms of religion. We all have to focus on how our freedom of expression is more
important than religion. People can compromise to solutions that are sensibly right but if you just
have the intention to express your thought to prove others wrong that cannot be done. We all have
separate beliefs and we should all respect each others in terms of those beliefs. If you think from
the perspective of those people who easily get offended by sensitive issues in religion, then you

Criteria A-Investigate
should be able to understand how they think and may be right from their point of view but if we can
explain to them politely how your point of view differs and how it is really right, then you may be
able to change beliefs. What actually matters is what you say and how you say it! - Working Man

Primary Research
(1) These days almost everybody is into technology, everybody is always interested to see,
know and experience new technologies. Although some people are in need of time and arent
in knowledge of recent technology. I can infer that people love the and want to enhance the
capabilities of technology for a better future.

(2) Due to more diversity, as more generations arise, people have started to become more
different in terms of mentality. There is more of individualism rather than the sense to be
unified. Many people pride themselves as they consider their culture to be unique but for few
people culture isnt a serious thing because of their personal reasons or ambitions for the
future. But they do consider themselves, as individuals to be unique due to what they feel
they are capable of.

Criteria A-Investigate

(3) From my research, culture does affect technology in some ways and also doesnt affect in
some of the ways. It affects technology as people from diverse cultures co-operate together
and innovate in unity for the customers present. Cultures shape peoples mentality which
indirectly gives them different angles to solve/approach a problem or a bunch of problems. It
doesnt affect technology as people think that theyre very vast and majorly different things.
Few people believe that culture has nothing to do with technology as technology is mostly
meant for the future and culture is something that we believe in for a part of our identity.
(4) Technology and culture are two forces that greatly influence one another. As new technology
is introduced into a society, the culture reacts in a positive or negative way and is thus
changed forever. Consequently, as cultures change so does the technology they develop.
The technology created to make life better often has negative effects on cultures even if it
initially appears to provide benefits. Ultimately, advances in technology directly affect how
cultures evolve; thus, when cultures evolve, they tend to create new technology.
(5) From my survey, I have found that people believe that the growth of technology has always
been linear. And so, technology does affect culture. Negatively speaking, few products might
anger few people as it might be against their beliefs or rituals. In contrast, technology also
tolerates various cultures and also is preventive about its mistakes with culture. I think that
both technology and culture affect each parallely.
(6) I think that people have no problems as culture and technology merge. I feel they still haven't
realised that culture and technology have been going hand-in-hand since the apes got to
know about using rocks. Our culture makes us know how to use and innovate technologically
for the benefit of people themselves. Technology does merge with culture and also tolerates
it. For example, on your smartphone, you are setting it up, the first things you probably would
see is the language selection and language is a major part of everyones culture as its they
way they communicate with each other. So, why wouldnt people want to tolerate their
cultures through their technology.

Criteria A-Investigate

Information Available on Internet

Task 3 Existing Solutions
List the existing products you are aware of and analyze them
I came across these videos on YouTube. There were many videos about how technology and culture
are interrelated or how they are connected. Lots of videos talked about what people think of the
merging of both of the 2 phenomenons. They were very impressive videos about my topic. I personally
think that making videos is a tough job, but the videos were actually made by professional
organizations. I am aware of few TEDx talks on the correlation of technology and culture. Here is a
picture of what I came across:
There are also few other videos I came across as I
surfed in YouTube. They are:

Informative
Influential
Well-designed
Thoughtful

Two best products that I choose:

I actually choose two TED talks which are by
Ramesh Srinivasan and Tom Hope. Their videos
were very informative as they have a similar
approach to the phenomenon. Both of them have
started with secondary research with help of
surveys and other methods. Theyre
thought-process is highly appreciated.

Links:
Ramesh Srinivasan's TED Talk
Tom Hope's TED Talk

Criteria A-Investigate

Survey Questionnaire
Note: The first question reads Are you into TECHNOLOGY?
Note: The second question reads Do you think you and your culture is UNIQUE?

Criteria A-Investigate

Inquiry Questions
1) Age
a) Kid ( 7 - 12 years old)
b) Adolescent ( 13 - 18 years old)
c) Young Adult ( 18 - 30 years old)
d) Middle-Aged (30 - 50 years old)
e) Old (50 above)
2) Are you into Technology?
a) All the time
b) Occasionally
c) Sometimes
d) Hardly
e) Never
3) Do you think you and and your culture is unique?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Other: - ___________
4) Do you think culture affects technology in the modern era?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
5) Is there a mutual impact or a single-sided impact between technology and
culture?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
6) How do you think either of them have affected each other?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Criteria A-Investigate
7) Any problems with both of these phenomenons merging together? (Yes/No)
(Justify your answer)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Task 4 Design Brief

I am going to make and design a product that showcases the mutual
phenomenon of technology and culture. The design cycle is a handful procedure
of approaching and solving a problem of an individual or of a society. The bold
letters signify and showcase the skills required to achieve the optimal
satisfaction for the client(s)/customer. The design cycle also consists of the tasks
that need/have to be done for an organized and structured manner of work.
The first stage is Inquiring and Analyzing, in which the problem is studied and
investigated. The freelancers would get into the roots of the problem with deep
inquiry and analysis.
The second stage is Developing Ideas, where the freelancers brainstorm to
develop solutions for the problem. They infer the design specifications and
present it depending upon the inquiries in the previous stage.
The third stage is Creating the Solution, where the freelancers get to practical
work and bring the chosen solution from virtual places to a reality. The product is
unleashed in this stage.
The fourth is Evaluation, in which the satisfaction, effect, and the success on the
client(s). It is tested with evaluative methods like surveys, inquiry etc. This stage
acts as a reflection in which the limitations, strengths, and weaknesses are
recorded and documented.

Criteria A-Investigate

Bibliography -MLA
[1] "Culture and Technology." Culture and Technology. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts,
1996. Web. 28 Dec. 2016.
[2] Cong, Ho. "Does Cultural Identity Get Lost Due to Globalization?" Linkedin Pulse. Linkedin, 6 Aug.
2014. Web. 6 Jan. 2017.
[3] "Globalization vs. Culture: The Loss Of Identity." Subzero Blue. N.p., 29 Jan. 2007. Web. 06 Jan.
2017.
[4] Jalanr, Rishika. "Globalization Will Inevitably Lead to the Total Loss of Cultural
Identity."Globalization Will Inevitably Lead to the Total Loss of Cultural Identity. Career Ride, Nov.-Dec.
2014. Web. 06 Jan. 2017.
[5] Sabaj1, and STMCHS. "Is Freedom of Expression More Important than Religious Sensitivities?"
Debate.org. Debate.org, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2017
[6] Burley, Alyssa. "Technology and Culture: A Circle of Influence." Global Studies. Word Press, 20
Sept. 2011. Web. 06 Jan. 2017.
[7] Shrivastava, Dhruv. "Introduction." Dhruv's Gaming Journal. Tumblr, 23 Nov. 2015. Web. 10 Nov.
2016.
[8] Huang, Ko-Hsun, and Yi-Shin Deng. "Social Interaction Design in Cultural Context: A Case Study of
a Traditional Social Activity." International Journal of Design. Creative Commons, 2 Nov. 2008. Web. 06
Jan. 2017.
[9] "What Is Cultural Heritage." Culture in Development. Footsteps, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2017.
[10] "9 Heritage | 1 Introduction | 1.2 Types of Heritage." Department of the Environment and Energy.
Commonwealth of Australia, 2011. Web. 06 Jan. 2017.
[11] Milano, Politecnico Di, Polo Regionale Di Mantova, Best Department, and Doctoral Program In.
"Communication as Effective Tool for Heritage Conservation and Enhancement."Communication and
Cultural Heritage (2012): 1-190. Politesi. PhD. Web. 1 Dec. 2016.

Criteria A-Investigate
Understanding of Inquiring and Analyzing

Justify:
Inquiring and Analysing is the first stage of the design cycle where the investigation takes place
for either a topic/problem/issue.
I think I fall in the 7-8 strand because I have justified and explained everything, I have
constructed a detailed research plan independently, I have mentioned about the existing
products and I have analysed them based on my standards. And I have developed a clear
design brief which is easy to understand and it presents the analysis of my relevant research.
Although, I still need to work upon my time-management skills, especially when it comes to
submitting work.