Intercultural Design-Project 3

 

   ZHOU XINYI / 0378623

Intercultural Design

 Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

Table of Content

1.Instruction

2.Process Work

3.Feedback

4.reflection

1.Instruction

2.Process Work

ppt link

2.1. Introduction

This project focuses on improving accessibility for visually impaired people in urban environments. Based on our research and field study in Kuala Lumpur, especially around KL Sentral, we aim to identify the problems they face in daily travel and propose design solutions to improve their experience.

Fig2.1. Introduction

2.2. Social Problems

From our research and observation, we found that visually impaired people face many difficulties when moving around the city.

Firstly, tactile paving is often incomplete or suddenly stops, which makes it difficult for users to know where to go. In some cases, the path is blocked by motorcycles, signboards, or other objects, forcing users to leave the safe route.

Secondly, there are many hidden dangers in public spaces, such as uneven pavements, open drains, and poorly maintained walkways. These can be very dangerous for visually impaired users.

In addition, most navigation apps are not designed for blind users. They do not provide enough information about accessible paths or obstacles, which makes it hard for users to travel safely and independently.

Fig2.2. Social Problems

2.3. Public Welfare Posters

To raise awareness about these issues, our group created a series of three public welfare posters.

2.3.1Poster 1: Safe Tactile Paths

This poster highlights the importance of tactile paving. We used a visual metaphor to show that broken or blocked tactile paths can be dangerous and affect the safety of visually impaired users.

Fig2.3.1Poster 1: Safe Tactile Paths

2.3.2Poster 2: Advocating for the Blind

This poster shows a real-life hazard where a tactile path is interrupted by a dangerous obstacle. It aims to make people aware of how serious these problems are in daily life.

Fig2.3.2Poster 2: Advocating for the Blind

2.3.3Poster 3: Circle of Light

This poster focuses on hope and support. It shows how society and community can help visually impaired people, and it also connects to our design solution.

Fig2.3.3Poster 3: Circle of Light

2.4. EchoPath App Design

After identifying the problems, we developed a concept design for a mobile application called EchoPath.

The goal of this app is to help visually impaired users navigate the city more safely and independently through voice guidance.

2.4.1 App Name and Logo

The name “EchoPath” combines two ideas:

Echo – sound and voice guidance

Path – direction and movement

The logo includes elements such as a location pin, sound waves, and a path, which represent navigation and audio support.

Fig2.4.1 App Name and Logo

2.4.2 UI Design and User Experience

The app is designed with a simple and clear interface. It uses:

High contrast colors

Large text

Minimal layout

This makes it easier for visually impaired or low-vision users to use the app.

Fig2.4.2 UI Design and User Experience

2.4.3 Voice Navigation

Voice guidance is the core feature of the app. Users can:

Get real-time directions

Receive alerts about obstacles

Use voice commands

This allows them to travel without relying on visual screens.

Fig2.4.3 Voice Navigation

2.4.4 One-Tap Video Call (Become Your Eyes)

One important feature of the app is the one-tap video call function.

Visually impaired users can connect with other users for help. The helper can see the surroundings and guide them in real time. This feature helps improve safety and provides support when needed.

Fig2.4.4 One-Tap Video Call (Become Your Eyes)

2.5. Conclusion

In conclusion, this project highlights the importance of inclusive design in urban environments. Through research, visual communication, and concept design, we aim to raise awareness and provide possible solutions for improving accessibility.

We believe that design should not only be functional but also inclusive, helping everyone move through the city safely and independently.

3.Feedback

week6：During Week 6, our group focused on developing our design ideas based on the research we had done earlier. We discussed different directions for our final project and decided to create a series of public welfare posters to raise awareness about the challenges faced by visually impaired people.

We worked together in school to design the posters. Each member contributed ideas for the visuals, layout, and message. We also referred to our field photos and research findings to make sure the design was meaningful and related to real problems.

By the end of the week, we had developed the main concepts for all three posters and started refining the visual style and composition.

week7： our group focused on completing the final design and preparing our presentation. We continued improving our poster designs and made adjustments based on feedback and discussion.

At the same time, we started working on our app concept, EchoPath. We divided the work among our group members, such as logo design, UI layout, voice navigation features, and the one-tap video call function.

Everyone was responsible for different parts, and we worked together to combine all the elements into a complete design. Finally, we organized our work into a presentation and made sure everything was clear and ready to present.

4.reflection

Through the research and field observation at KL Sentral, I gained a better understanding of the difficulties that visually impaired people may face when using public transportation and moving around the city. By observing tactile paving, signage, and accessibility facilities, I realized that many small design details can greatly affect how easily visually impaired users navigate public spaces.

Based on our research findings, our group is planning to develop the final design in the form of posters together with a concept for public facilities that could improve accessibility. The posters aim to raise awareness about the barriers faced by visually impaired people, while the conceptual design will explore possible improvements to the current environment.

At this stage, we are still exploring different design directions and thinking about the most effective way to communicate our ideas visually. This process helps us reflect on how design can respond to real social issues. Moving forward, we hope to transform our research findings into meaningful visual outcomes that promote a more inclusive and accessible urban environment.