Week 3: Critical Journal Seminar by Gideon:

The Critical Journal seminar proved to be an invaluable experience, offering me a profound insight into the world of design and research. Under the guidance of Gideon, I not only gained a deeper understanding of the subject matter but also picked up practical skills and a broader perspective that I know will significantly impact my project in the future.

One of the key takeaways from the seminar was the importance of critical thinking and reflection in the creative process. Gideon emphasised the need to question assumptions, challenge conventions, and constantly evaluate our work. This emphasis on critical analysis underscored the idea that design is not just about aesthetics; it's about intention, impact, and the power to convey meaningful messages.Moreover, the seminar exposed me to a wide range of design methodologies and research techniques. We explored various existing projects and examined how these approaches were applied in real-world projects. Gideon's own projects served as powerful examples, showcasing how theory could be translated into practice.

Another crucial lesson was the significance of documentation and journaling in the creative process. Keeping a well-maintained journal not only aids in tracking progress but also becomes a valuable resource for reflection and ideation. It's a practice I'm now eager to incorporate into my own workflow. Furthermore, the seminar fostered a sense of community and collaboration among participants. Engaging in discussions, sharing ideas, and providing feedback on each other's work was an enriching experience that expanded my horizons and encouraged me to embrace diverse perspectives. In essence, the Critical Journal seminar was not just about acquiring knowledge; it was about nurturing a mindset—an approach to design and research that is analytical, reflective, and deeply engaged.

At the end of the session, we were task to head into the portal to select one reading from the list and we had a group discussion about critical journaling. The one i read was by lim Zegerng about implementing design friction for mindful mealtimes.

2. Case Studies by Vikas

In our research exercise, we utilized one of the research methods from the provided case studies to investigate our respective topics. By employing these methods, we ensured comprehensive coverage of essential aspects in our research that includes: - Identifying the unit of analysis -Determining the scope and defining boundaries -Incorporating sensitizing concepts -Selecting appropriate methods -Utilizing secondary and tertiary sources -Incorporating primary sources where relevant In this Zoom call, Vikas mentioned the Singapore Collection Archive. The website holds past projects from the past in Singapore. When he mentioned this, I realised I came across this website when I was researching something for a project. This is a good research tool for case studies especially for people who are doing soemthing more culturally based focused in Singapore.

I've gained an appreciation for the significance of posing insightful queries, navigating through data, and articulating the results in a manner that conveys a coherent narrative. It's not solely about obtaining solutions; rather, it involves comprehending the complete picture. This approach has equipped me with a valuable skill in my repertoire, enhancing my ability to unravel intricate situations and communicate insights in a clear and direct fashion.

Dissertation

In continuation of last week's talk, I developed three pillars that would serve as the framework for my project and idea: interactive, generative typography, and texture research.

Following the solution of the software problem and the decision to concentrate on P5.js experimentation. I made the decision to concentrate on the idea of texture studies. Texture studies: what are they? The word "texture" caught my attention since, as I got older, I realised that I didn't like to touch things like grass, plants, or anything else connected to nature; instead, I would just observe. My sense of the things is that they are unfamiliar and dirty, which may seem peculiar to others. However, I have discovered that not everyone shares my perspective of not being able to touch plants. This own obervation about myself made me curious and intrigue in the term textures and what is stopping me from touching such items.

Spo, what is texture studies? Examining and analysing textures in terms of their physical characteristics as well as how they are perceived through touch and vision is the focus of texture studies. Texture studies in art and design frequently centre on comprehending the tactile properties of various materials, investigating the possibilities of digitally simulating or reproducing these textures, and analysing the impact these textures have on a design's overall aesthetics and user experience. Experimenting with various methods to generate or modify textures, such as using digital tools like p5.js or manual procedures like stamping or embossing, can also be a part of texture studies. All things considered, texture studies are a crucial component of design research that aids in the creation of more captivating and sensory experiences for designers.

**Texture Studies** by Courtney Mattison