Major Project
23.04.2024 ~ 23.07.2024 ( Week 01 ~ Week 14)
Lum Qian Tong 0344309 Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Major Project
Instruction
Week 01 (23/04/2024)
During our first lesson, we were provided with an in-depth guide to the
topic, which involves either an independent or collaborative assignment.
The totality of our projects may include the following options:
- Our dissertation projects focus on design research.
- Client Work
- Any selected subject matter that we will discuss:
a. Goal
b. People who will benefit
c. Strategies for fixing problems
Creating a project proposal is our assignment during Weeks 1–5. In
the first week's module briefing, Mr. Asrizal mentioned that we have
three options for beginning our project: finding a client, starting
from scratch, or connecting it to our thesis.
Week 02 (30/04/2024)
Idea proposal slides. I have made the decision to do prepare for
Floods, survival, and Recover After Disasters in Malaysia.
Feedback: My aim to prepare people for floods, raise awareness, and address
specific challenges faced during and after floods. These challenges
include a lack of basic necessities and temporary shelters during
floods, and messy, uninhabitable homes afterward. My solutions include
creating self-rescue kits, interactive maps, and data visualizations.
This week, focus on identifying specific problems in both urban and
rural areas through research. Develop practical solutions such as
designing self-rescue kits, collaborating on interactive maps, and
creating visual stories to communicate risks. Brainstorm campaign
ideas to raise awareness, including educational materials and guides
on flood preparedness. Collaborate with your team, assign tasks, and
schedule regular check-ins. Prototype and test your solutions,
gathering feedback to make improvements. This approach will help you
effectively address the needs of people affected by floods using your
graphic design skills.
Week 03 (07/05/2024)
In Week3, my project now focuses on addressing the challenge of
surviving floods when network connectivity is unavailable. My
developing a self-rescue device, an evacuation route map, and
strategies to reduce psychological distress. My role involves
promoting the app and creating a campaign about floods and the mobile
app. This week, focus on researching offline data solutions,
developing user-friendly tools, and planning an awareness campaign.
Additionally, consult with an advisor to refine my approach and
collaborate with my team huilin and weijie to ensure everyone is
aligned and tasks are distributed effectively.
Despite feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the project and the
critical feedback, committed to finding practical solutions that can
make a real difference. Balancing the technical and creative aspects
of the project while addressing real-world needs is challenging, but
with focused effort and collaboration. However, if these challenges
prove too difficult to overcome, I might need to consider changing the
topic to ensure the project's feasibility and impact.
Week 04 (14/05/2024)
Wei Jie proposed an innovative idea for our new topic designing a
stray cat rescue system. Inspired by a social media post on adopting
stray cats, he suggested solutions such as smart feeding stations,
adoption platforms, and fundraising for spaying and neutering. This
approach aims to reduce the stray cat population, prevent disease
spread, and minimize ecological disruption while raising public
awareness and involvement.
I believe this idea has great potential to make a positive impact by
addressing the immediate needs of stray cats and promoting community
engagement. I support Wei Jie's proposal and am excited to contribute
to developing this humane and sustainable solution for managing the
stray cat population.
Week 05 (14/05/2024)
In the 5 week, we faced challenges in coordinating effectively, as you aimed to leverage each member's strengths while ensuring a cohesive project. I realized that my task wasn’t just about creating an app or logo, but about delivering a unique user experience that combines both online and offline elements.
Market research revealed competitors with similar offerings, prompting me to think about how to differentiate my product with innovative solutions. Additionally, we planned to conduct field research, such as interviewing a stray cat cafe, to better understand user needs and refine the approach.
Finally, we discussed using a flowchart to clarify the project’s structure and user journey, which would help in presenting the project more effectively. These challenges, though difficult, provided valuable opportunities to enhance the project.
Week 06 (28/05/2024)
So after the meeting on 28/5 , we decided to meet together to solve the
problems and also the design on next three day. In the sixth week, our efforts were concentrated on refining our
questionnaire to ensure it would gather meaningful feedback from users,
which is essential for guiding our design decisions. Wei Jie also worked on
creating clear and visually appealing mockups of our app interfaces to help
respondents better understand the project during interviews.
Additionally, she focused on improving the flowchart, while I worked on the
customer journey map, addressing real-world concerns like the mobility of
stray cats and the security of feeding stations. These refinements aimed to
ensure that our app's functionality aligns with the actual user
experience.
I also worked on the overall art design direction for the app and the
design of the SMART house, ensuring that both elements are cohesive and
visually appealing. Before heading home, we also planned our interview
design. My task included emailing NGOs and stray cat cafés that had agreed
to participate in the survey, coordinating with them to ensure the
interviews could be conducted smoothly.
Overall, the week involved fine-tuning our approach, addressing practical
challenges, and preparing for the next phases of the project, with an
emphasis on staying on schedule.
Week 07 (09/06/2024)
This past week, we've made notable progress in our project. We conducted
offline surveys and interviews at shelters, gathering feedback on key
concerns like stray cat safety and sterilization from SPCA and MMA. The
app's design is coming together, with foundational interfaces like
registration, login, and map features already in place. Although there was
debate over using a cyberpunk style, we're leaning towards a more
approachable, everyday design to enhance user-friendliness.
We've also tackled challenges, particularly around the safety and security
of stray cats and your app's installations. Moving forward, we need to
refine the app and the whole Meowacle 's design for consistency and further
develop the donation feature, ensuring all legal aspects are covered. Now,
we're on a solid path, with just a few key areas left to finalize.
Week 08 (10/06/2024 - 16/06/2024)
In Week 8, following a discussion with Mr. Zeon, we restructured our brand
and design concept, finalized the logo, and selected our color palette. We
clarified the brand story, focusing on the name's significance and the
brand's goals, and simplified our values to be more memorable.
We decided to emphasize a softer, more approachable visual style, with
subtle cyberpunk elements. We also ensured originality in our design,
showcasing the creative process. For offline promotion, we designed a
simple, engaging pop-up store and considered integrating online and
offline activities to boost user engagement. Lastly, we continued refining
the app's core features based on user feedback.
Figure 1.0 Changing the Previous Brand Values
Mr. Zeon suggest us use short form to make people easier to remember so
we came out an idea called CIA. C for Care , I for Innovations and A for
Awareness. We also add more pages for the slide.
Update Slide in Week 8
Figure 2.0 Drawing
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Figure 2.1 Logo Drafts from Lum
I also explored designing our Meowacle logos in different ways.
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Figure 2.2 Logo Drafts from Wei Jie
Figure 2.3 Final 3 logos been selected
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Figure 2.4 1st Draft of Loading Page
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Figure 2.5 1st Draft of Cat Design
Reflection on Professional Development Week
During the Professional Development Week, I had the opportunity to
engage in various sessions that significantly enhanced my
understanding of digital transformation, social commerce, and career
development tools such as Shine, LinkedIn, and GSC. These sessions
were instrumental in broadening my perspective on how to navigate the
evolving landscape of technology and business.
The Shine Portal session was particularly enlightening. Shine is
designed to support holistic personal and professional growth by
offering various activities that students can engage in to earn Shine
points. These points help students unlock different levels of Shine
awards, ultimately contributing to their overall development. The
process of submitting reflections on the Shine Portal, as demonstrated
in the session, emphasized the importance of self-assessment and
continuous improvement. This tool is invaluable for students like
myself who are eager to track our progress and ensure that we are
developing skills that are not only relevant but also aligned with our
career goals.
The LinkedIn session reinforced the importance of building a strong
professional network. I learned how to optimize my LinkedIn profile to
make it more appealing to potential employers. Key takeaways included
the significance of having a professional profile photo, a
well-crafted summary, and detailed experiences that highlight my
skills and accomplishments. LinkedIn is not just a platform for job
searching but a powerful tool for networking and personal branding.
Understanding how to leverage LinkedIn effectively has motivated me to
be more proactive in connecting with industry professionals and
engaging with content that aligns with my career interests.
The session on GSC was equally informative. It provided insights into
how professional conferences can serve as platforms for presenting
research, networking with peers, and gaining visibility in one’s field
of study. Participating in such conferences is crucial for anyone
pursuing an academic career or even for those in industries where
staying updated with the latest research is important. This session
highlighted the need to be actively involved in the academic community
and to continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth.
The presentation on navigating the new era of social commerce by Mars
was a deep dive into how businesses are adapting to digital
transformation. I learned about the growing importance of digital
commerce (DCOM) and how companies like Mars are utilizing
"shoppertainment" to engage consumers in innovative ways. The
discussion on the Mars Leadership Experience (MLE) Program and
internship opportunities further emphasized the value of gaining
real-world experience in a fast-paced industry like FMCG.
Understanding the intersection of sales, marketing, and digital
platforms was a key takeaway from this session.
Overall, these sessions provided a comprehensive understanding of how
to effectively utilize digital tools like Shine and LinkedIn for
personal development, the importance of academic conferences like GSC
for professional growth, and the strategies companies are employing to
thrive in a digitally-driven market. I have learned that continuous
learning, effective networking, and staying adaptable to new
technologies are crucial for success in today’s competitive
environment. These experiences have not only broadened my knowledge
but also equipped me with practical skills that I can apply in my
academic and professional journey.
Week 09 (21/06/2024)
In week 9, Mr. Zeon expressed concern about our project, noting that it was very similar to a student’s concept from two years ago involving a smart cat house and its associated features. Despite our claims of independent development, he urged them to clearly differentiate their project to avoid being accused of plagiarism. He suggested that we document the differences, revisit their research, and possibly adjust core concepts such as the smart cat house. We ended the meeting with a plan for further revisions and follow-up discussions.
After the meeting, we proceeded to compare the differences between our ideas
and those of the senior team. During this comparison, it became evident that
our purpose and approach are distinct from theirs. Below is our evidence:
Figure 3.0 Prove The Difference
Link for more details: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGI1dbkYgc/1oSLP-3nqcV9AfwKCnB6ug/edit?utm_content=DAGI1dbkYgc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
After proving our evidence, Mr. Zeon agreed that we should continue
with our project. He encouraged us to maintain our momentum and aim to
have 60%-70% of the project completed by next week in preparation for
the upcoming presentation.
Week 10 (28/06/2024)
At that day we have a meeting, I showing design work, starting with
the business card and logo. They decided on a simplified design for
the business card, preferring a cleaner look, and made the logo more
prominent. They then reviewed their social media grid layout,
agreeing to adjust the color scheme and fonts for better visual
appeal.
The conversation shifted to the app's loading page, where who
debated background colors and the use of animated elements like paw
prints. We also planned the structure of their presentation,
emphasizing the need for mock-ups, real-life examples, and clear
communication of our project’s purpose and unique selling points.
We discussed the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)
design, ensuring it was user-friendly, and decided to add a feature
allowing users to locate stray cats nearby. We agreed to meet over
the weekend to finalize all design elements and prepare for our
presentation, ensuring everything would be ready on time.
Figure 4.0 The Smart House
I had designed a SMART house for our project Meowacle, initially
exploring the use of Adobe Dimension and Blender. However, after the
project crashed, I decided to improve the house by hand-drawing more
details after presentation and using Adobe Illustrator to refine them.
Presentation Proposal in Week 10
Week 11 (05/07/2024)
We discussed design options centered around a points accumulation system
and enhanced user interaction. Our plans included allowing users to earn
points through purchases or donations, which could be redeemed for
rewards such as cultural products or pet items. As users accumulated
points, the cat avatar in the profile would change, making the
experience more engaging.
We also added an adoption feature, where the page would show whether a
cat had been adopted, and users could confirm the adoption through the
app. This information was reflected in the relevant sections.
For the interface, Mr. Zeon considered using a beige background for a
more cohesive look and ensuring consistency in font size and layout. The
cat bed design was to be accurately presented, possibly using 3D models.
I recognized the need to include questionnaire results in my
presentation to show how feedback had affected the design. I also
simplified the project goals to ensure clarity and focus.
Additionally, we incorporated a business cycle where the points users
earned through purchases and donations would encourage them to continue
participating on the platform, driving further sales and interaction.
Finally, Wei Jie planned to open up a space for volunteer groups to
initiate and display charity events and create a separate page to
showcase the platform's features. Overall, we worked to improve the user
experience by aligning functions with user needs.
Week 12 (12/07/2024)
During our discussion, we reviewed the design options for our project,
focusing on enhancing user interaction and resolving key issues. We
discussed the points accumulation system, allowing users to earn and
redeem points for rewards, with features like a changing cat avatar in
profiles as points accumulate.
We also considered the adoption feature, enabling users to confirm
adoptions through the app, and agreed on a beige background for the
interface to ensure consistency. The need to include questionnaire
results in the presentation was highlighted to show how feedback
influenced the design. We simplified project goals and introduced a
business cycle to encourage continued user engagement.
Lastly, Wei Jie planned to create a space for volunteer groups to
display charity events, and we discussed practical aspects like handling
donations and ensuring all functionalities are integrated logically.
We've scheduled a follow-up meeting to review progress and finalize
details.
Week 13
Week 14 (21/07/2024)
During our discussion, I experienced some confusion due to previous feedback
on my loading page, which was commented on as unfinished work. Mr. Zeon
advised me to avoid using PNG format and to reduce the number of colors.
Following this, we delved into various aspects of our project, focusing on
improving the design, user interaction, and overall functionality. I
reviewed and adjusted the color schemes and design details to ensure a more
cohesive and visually appealing interface. We also discussed the need for
clearer labels and buttons to enhance user experience, making navigation
more intuitive.
I recognized the importance of adding features like a back button for easier
navigation and providing clear instructions for actions like donations and
event registration. We also planned to integrate animations and
instructional videos to guide users through the app's features effectively.
Overall, our goal was to ensure that every feature is well-integrated,
making the app both user-friendly and engaging. This involved refining the
project’s branding and communication to create a seamless and intuitive
experience for users.
Besides that, my teammate Wei Jie also helping me to contact the seller in Taobao. So some of details need to adjust so that I teach her some technic to use Adobe Illustration and adjust the size and design. Thank to my partner our merchandise can order in time.
Week 15 -16 (26/07/2024 -08/08/2024)
In our recent conversation, I covered multiple projects and tasks. I
discussed the design and dimensions of the cat house I'm working on,
planning to showcase it on Instagram and using the sizes of cat houses
available on the market as a reference. We also debated whether to include
additional information in the second poster and how best to present it.
When working on the app design, I focused on creating a merchandise page,
user profiles, navigation buttons, and other elements. I analyzed and
revised the logic of each page, ensuring that the layout, button placement,
text size, and color coordination were all optimized for a smooth and
consistent user experience.
Additionally, I mentioned the progress of our physical products, including
masks, bags, and mosquito repellent patches, and we planned to ship the
items as soon as they arrive. I also updated on my personal tasks and
discussed plans for the weekend.
Overall, I covered a range of topics, from design projects to physical
products, with a focus on making sure every detail is taken care of to
achieve our goals. This conversation reflected my commitment to ensuring
everything runs smoothly and successfully.
Figure 4.4 Explore Standard Cat House Size
After that, I also prepare 9 Instagram stickers before the showcase and
keep posting our poster to show people our showcase. On the day of the exhibition, we earned RM85, which means we got back RM85 of
our investment. Our total cost was RM150 including postage for 6 merchandises.
It was a pity that no one bought the tissue box. It might be because no one
needed it. Even if the price was reduced from RM25 to RM 15, no one bought it.
Our working files & Every Week Recording[Progression] :
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L5SZdn-agz7UT10P2uA-gFMqPcKQDkta?usp=sharingFinal
Final Presentation Proposal
Figure 5.1
Even though people were just trying to promote their pets’ profiles, we still managed to attract people’s attention, so I’m grateful for that.
Reflection
Experience: During the showcase of the Meowacle project, Wei Jie and I, as the graphic designer, successfully presented our concept to an audience. We worked meticulously to ensure that the visual aspects of the project were engaging and that our core message was clearly communicated. The showcase was well-received, and it was rewarding to see our hard work pay off as people showed genuine interest in our idea. Even though some attendees were primarily interested in advertising their own pet profiles, we still managed to capture their attention with our project.
Observation: I noticed that the audience was particularly drawn to the simplicity and effectiveness of our design, which played a key role in making our project stand out. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with several people expressing that they could see Meowacle being implemented in real life. It was also evident that our collaborative efforts, especially in the seamless integration of design and functionality, made a strong impact.
Finding : The success of our showcase reaffirmed the importance of clear, user-centered design in attracting interest and potential investment. It highlighted the potential of Meowacle not just as a concept, but as a viable branding project that could be brought to life. Moving forward, it's clear that securing the copyright and finding the right partners to produce Meowacle in real life will be crucial steps. Additionally, I appreciate that despite some attendees' focus on their own pet profiles, we were still able to engage them effectively. This experience has also reinforced the value of teamwork and collaboration in achieving our goals.
Experience: During the showcase of the Meowacle project, Wei Jie and I, as the graphic designer, successfully presented our concept to an audience. We worked meticulously to ensure that the visual aspects of the project were engaging and that our core message was clearly communicated. The showcase was well-received, and it was rewarding to see our hard work pay off as people showed genuine interest in our idea. Even though some attendees were primarily interested in advertising their own pet profiles, we still managed to capture their attention with our project.
Observation: I noticed that the audience was particularly drawn to the simplicity and effectiveness of our design, which played a key role in making our project stand out. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with several people expressing that they could see Meowacle being implemented in real life. It was also evident that our collaborative efforts, especially in the seamless integration of design and functionality, made a strong impact.
Finding : The success of our showcase reaffirmed the importance of clear, user-centered design in attracting interest and potential investment. It highlighted the potential of Meowacle not just as a concept, but as a viable branding project that could be brought to life. Moving forward, it's clear that securing the copyright and finding the right partners to produce Meowacle in real life will be crucial steps. Additionally, I appreciate that despite some attendees' focus on their own pet profiles, we were still able to engage them effectively. This experience has also reinforced the value of teamwork and collaboration in achieving our goals.
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