Intercultural Design: Everyday Design-The Blades

15.3.2025

WANG JINYI / 0374697

Intercultural design  GCD 61304/ Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media  

Everyday design | The Blades 

Group 30 

Table of Contents

-Lectures

-Instructions

-Tasks

-Feedback

-Reflection

LECTURES

In recent years, designers need to understand how culture and design are heavily intertwined with each other. By being able to incorporate culture context that is meaningful through visual expression, it provides an inclusive space that resonates with multicultural audiences. 

As seen in figure 1, it reveals that in today’s society, 90% of information is transmitted visually and processed 60,000 times faster than texts. 

Fig1.1 study reveals

Definition and function of vision Broadly defined: all visible things (including nature). 

Narrowly defined: visual content created by humans to express intent (must have function, content and communication purpose).

Example: Tattoos (e.g. sailor tattoos, traditional Japanese tattoos) as cultural symbols that carry identity, beliefs and stories.

Design System Framework Underlying assumptions (e.g. cultural functions, symbols): e.g. the ladybird symbolises a lucky month in the West, but bad luck in Japan.

Norms and values (design language, aesthetic principles): e.g. colours, symbols are interpreted differently in different cultures.

Artefacts and products (concrete design implementation): e.g. the cultural meaning of colours in the design of the Chinese New Year Red Packet (Ang Pow) (red symbolises good luck).

Culturally sensitive design Key elements: Symbols, colours, fonts, language need to fit the target cultural context (e.g. red may represent danger in the West and joy in Asia).

Practical approach:

Inclusive design (consider multiple user needs).

User research (ethnographic interviews, cross-cultural testing).

Localisation (adapting the design to the cultural context).

INSTRUCTIONS

Task 1 Exploration

Requirements：The theme is 'Everyday Design'; please do some reading and preliminary research if you're confused or unsure of what everyday design entails.

Once you have gain understanding of everyday design, next step is to see how is everyday design translated into culture(s), if any or do a comparative analysis of it (it does not have to be Japanese culture; in the brief it only serves as an example).

Come up with initial ideas after carefully selecting areas of Everyday Design that you want to study then have a discussion with your assigned supervisor (later on) on how to proceed.

1. Background of the study and reasons for choosing the topic（p.3-4）

Key Topic:

Blades have been used for multiple centuries and eras. They are used for practical purposes such as cutting food ingredients, hunting, and weapons. Blades can be seen in different parts around the world with each of them having unique designs and functions through how human cultural developments in the world.

Rationale for choice of topic: 

The way tools are made that shows how people live and what they need to improve their daily lives

By studying blades, we can learn how everyday tools can be more efficient while also being culturally associated.

2.Everyday applications and design implications of cutting tools（p.5-7)

Here are some things you can use blades for:
-razors and eyebrow trimmers are for personal care,

-kitchen knives and fruit knives are for cooking,

-Utility knives are for the office and scissors are for handicrafts.

Design Implications:
Versatility: making things useful for different tasks (e.g. safety, durability).

Cultural expression: design elements that reflect cultural characteristics and values (e.g. Chinese broad knives vs. Japanese Santoku knives).

3. Historical evolution of tools (p. 9)

Origins and early designs (Stone Age - 3000 BC): flint knives, agricultural tools.

Material Revolution (Bronze Age-18th century): bronze knives, iron knives, folding knives.

Modern innovations and future trends (20th century - present): ceramic knives, smart knives, eco-friendly design.

4. Cultural influences on knife design (p. 10-14)

Example:

Chinese kitchen knife: wide rectangular blade, reflecting efficient cooking tradition.

Japanese Santoku knife: slim and sharp, reflecting the culture of precision cooking.

Western chef's knife: balanced design, adapting to diverse cutting needs.

Cultural symbols combined with functionality:

Chinese dragon and phoenix scissors: symbolising marital harmony (dragon is yang, phoenix is yin), both practical and decorative.

5. Dilemma of Traditional Knives (p. 15)

-  Limited use in scenarios: mostly used for weddings or collections, low daily use.

- Disconnected design: complex traditional patterns do not match modern aesthetics and the knives cannot be used in a everyday scenario in present times.

- The younger generations perceive traditional knives as “Outdated Heritage”

6. Innovative solutions (p. 16-18)

A fusion of urban culture with modernity:

Designs that incorporate significant cultural symbols (e.g. the Forbidden City, Suzhou Gardens) that can be used as souvenirs of the place.

Sustainable design:

Replaceable blade system, maintaining the handle with traditional patterns as an heirloom carrier.

Child-friendly products:

Safe design (blunt head, cartoon elements) and Educational (paper-cutting tutorial, parent-child interaction).

7.Summary and Outlook (p. 20-21)

Conclusion:

Blades design should have a balance between traditional symbols with modern functionality that enhances the beauty of cultural heritage through innovation such as localisation or sustainability

Specific topics to investigate in the future : smart knives, environmentally friendly materials, cross-cultural design integration.

Task 2 Data Collection

Requirements:Bring together all the data/information/artifacts/printed materials/interview responses/photographs/videos etc. that you have collected (which can be anything depending on your group's topic) in a Google Drive folder.

Prepare a ‘Data Collection’ presentation. The presentation should include (but is not limited to): a brief description of your group's approach to data collection and a presentation of the data/information collected.

1. Review of tasks and research objectives (p.3) 

Task 1 Summary: To investigate the evolution of blades and their everyday applications (kitchen, workplace and lifestyle) with a focus on practicality and cultural relevance.

The supervisor pointed out the need to go back to the basics of "blades", emphasizing their physical qualities (sharpness, durability and aesthetic appeal) and spiritual meanings (toughness, determination and independence). The original focus was on the Chinese dragon and phoenix scissors.

Task 2 Aim: To rethink the cultural significance of blades and, based on the research, to create three everyday objects with cultural significance. 

2. Research Methodology (P. 4)

Blades-related behaviours and preferences of users (sharpness, material, safety, etc.) will be collected through an online survey (Google Form).

Literature review: To compensate for the inability to conduct fieldwork, the craftsmanship and symbolism of Japanese samurai katana and ancient Chinese swords, such as the Yuewang Goujian sword, will be studied.

3. Analysis of the research data (p.5-11) 

-76.2% of the respondents are between the ages of 19 and 29; the majority are females (65%)

-The most used of blades are: kitchen (46.9%), craft (31.3%) and office (12.5%)

-Factors to consider when purchasing a new blade: Material (25%), Sharpness (33.3%) are the most factors to think about, followed by the price, safety, and aesthetic

-35% of the responds reveal that they purchase a new blade because they got rusty or blunt, which highlights the need to improve the durability of blades.

4. Blades craft and cultural symbols (p. 12-16) 

 Cultural significance: Blades represent honor (family heritage), power (e.g., King Arthur's "the sword in the stone"), conflict, and resolution.

Craftsmanship details: Shape (double-edged, scimitar), engraving (names, symbols), and material (steel, damascus pattern) all represent cultural identity.

The tassel on the hilt stands for the four elements—fire, earth, water, and wind—or symbolizes good luck.

Case Study: China's King Yue's sword ( Yue Wang Gou Jian Sword)
Historical Context: These bronze swords, made in the late Spring and Autumn period, show the advanced metalworking skills of ancient times.
Design Highlights: The sword features a blue glazed grille, a dark diamond pattern, and maintains its sharpness.

5. Innovative Design Suggestions (p. 17-22)

King Yue's Sword Bookmark:

A cultural aspect can be seen through the bronze tone and tassel of the sword. When putting the bookmark in the book, it holds the page without the bookmark folding or misplaced. This is thanks to the transparent detailed cut on the bookmark with paperclip concept where the page is in the middle. The tassel on the sword handle depicts the cultural significance of the Chinese culture, where the material of the bookmark protects the book. 

Samurai Katana Chandelier:

Inspired by European chandelier and samurai swords, this design is a fusion of both Asian and western cultures. This chandelier depicts a sword that emits an aura. The choice of the crystal material used for the chandelier is that light will reflect of the crystal, creating a mystical atmosphere. The piece represents the tenacity and self-control of the samurai spirit.

Samurai Katana Ruler:

This ruler is made with Japanese sword metal. This material can be often seen in samurai swords, the engraving on the ruler incorporates the traditional Japanese floral patterns. 

6. Outlook and Conclusion (p. 23) 

Key findings:

-The product must be balanced between functionality and cultural expression, with a focus on sharpness, durability, visual aesthetics; based on survey responds.

-Blades are not only tools, but they also symbolize one’s strengths and perseverance.

Design Goal:

Incorporating spiritual symbols such as “bushido” and historical heritage places with the material and craftsmanship of knives to improve functionality that also celebrates different cultures.

Task 3 Final Project

Since our project theme is “The Blades”, we decided to present our research and designs through a handicraft tutorial format. While guiding the audience through a paper-cutting process, we gradually introduce key aspects of blade design, including its applications in daily life, historical significance, and cultural symbolism.

The video begins with the use of scissors, a common household tool, and slowly expands into a broader discussion of blades in everyday design. As viewers engage with the paper-cutting activity, they also learn about the inspiration behind our three modern designs: the bookmark, chandelier, and ruler—each infused with blade-like qualities in form and function.

By combining hands-on learning with storytelling, our TikTok video makes the research more engaging and accessible, allowing the audience to both experience and understand the essence of blades in design.

TikTok link：The Blades Group 30

Literature reference

Ceramic knife santoku black. (n.d.). NITORI RETAIL (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 202001008423 (1364743-W)). Retrieved 20 February 2025, from https://www.nitori.my/products/ceramic-knife-santoku-black

Hybrid Silver Titanium Gyuto Knife hf-22 21cm. (n.d.). Ebematushoji. Retrieved 20 February 2025, from https://ebematsushoji.com/products/hybrid-silver-titanium-gyuto-knife-hf-22-21cm

I tested 11 Carbon Steel Chef’s Knives—Almost all of them were fantastic. (n.d.). Serious Eats. Retrieved 20 February 2025, fromhttps://www.seriouseats.com/why-buy-carbon-steel-knives-best-kitchen-tools

Masaru knives | Japanese Knives | 45 Layered Damascus | Santoku 180mm. (n.d.). Masaru Knives Malaysia. Retrieved 20 February 2025, from https://www.masaruknives.com/products/45-layered-damascus-santoku-180mm

Medieval Knives. (2021, September 17). Arms & Armor. https://www.arms-n-armor.com/blogs/news/medieval-knives

Messermeister Meridian Elite Chef’s Knife—6". (n.d.). Cutlery and More. Retrieved 20 February 2025, fromhttps://cutleryandmore.com/products/messermeister-meridian-elite-chefs-knife-6308

Stainless steel knife set 3pcs(Free pp handle scissors). (n.d.). Samaria Cutlery. Retrieved 20 February 2025, from  https://samaria.my/shop/stainless-steel-knife-set-3pcs-free-pp-handle-scissors/

Tujuh wali di tanah melayu, fadhilat doa nurrun nubuwwah. (n.d.). Keunikkan Dan Maksud Lok Keris Melayu. Retrieved 20 February 2025, fromhttps://pecintawarisanmelayu.blogspot.com/2017/03/keunikkan-dan-maksud-lok-keris-melayu.html

Vlasatý, T. (2020, August 24). Evolution of Scandinavian long knives—Projekt Forlǫg.https://sagy.vikingove.cz/en/evolution-of-scandinavian-long-knives/

Zwilling pro chinese chef’s knife—7" vegetable cleaver. (n.d.). Cutlery and More. Retrieved 20 February 2025, from https://cutleryandmore.com/products/zwilling-pro-chinese-chefs-knife-32186

Excellent collection - National Museum of China (馆藏精品-中国国家博物馆). (n.d.). Retrieved 20 February 2025, from https://www.chnmuseum.cn/enlarge.html?path=/tilegenerator/aggregate/004/004/004.xml

Introhttps://www.seriouseats.com/how-japanese-knives-are-made-8766218

Youthful Cultural Narrative Ideahttp://find.nlc.cn/search/showDocDetails?docId=5592985570632204012&dataSource=ucs01&query=%E6%9D%AD%E5%B7%9E%E5%BA%9C%E5%BF%97

Chinese Scissorshttp://find.nlc.cn/search/showDocDetails?docId=8122678735344646569&dataSource=cyfd&query=%E9%BE%99%E5%87%A4%E5%89%AA

Zhang XiaoQuan’s Scissorshttps://www.hzarchives.org.cn/info/6932

Kapp, L., Kapp, H., & Yoshihara, Y. (1987). The craft of the Japanese sword. Kodansha International.https://books.google.com.my/books?hl=zh-CN&lr=&id=CGZPvLkmP3IC&oi=fnd&pg=PA7&dq=Tang+sword&ots=NVPBPZWSoM&sig=CkLVy79k6EGQZtauWY3YCLMqUW8&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Tang%20sword&f=falsehttps://books.google.com.my/books?hl=zh-CN&lr=&id=CGZPvLkmP3IC&oi=fnd&pg=PA7&dq=Tang+sword&ots=NVPBPZWSoM&sig=CkLVy79k6EGQZtauWY3YCLMqUW8&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Tang%20sword&f=false

Yumoto, J. M. (2013). Samurai Sword: A Handbook. Tuttle Publishing. https://books.google.com.my/books?hl=zh-CN&lr=&id=yTvRAgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP10&dq=Japanese+Samurai+Sword&ots=OwKxCoRUUt&sig=g6G6iQv7DIUIAqxfkt3ObsnktsY&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Japanese%20Samurai%20Sword&f=false

Alves, M. (2015). Historical Notes on Words for Knives, Swords, and.http://mksjournal.org/mks44alves.pdf

Sohu. (2021). King Goujian of Yue’s sword: Known as the “world’s number one sword,” still sharp after over 2000 years. Sohu. https://www.sohu.com/a/513124871_120099902

FEEDBACK

TASK 1

Specific feedback:

Our supervisor advice was that we don't have to design new ‘blades’ or ‘knifes’, but to base our research on the historical evolution of blade culture on the function and impact of blades on human life.

TASK 2

Specific feedback:

In consultation with our supervisor, he advised us to focus on the sharpness, safety and aesthetics of the blades, as these are the three characteristics that our responders are most concerned about. Just as we mentioned the Chinese dragon and Phoenix scissors in our initial introduction, he suggested that we should further explore the cultural background of the blade in the Eastern tradition. For example, describing a person as a "blade" means that the person is "sharp" and quick-witted, which is also related to Eastern swordsmanship culture.

REFLECTIONS

Experience

From the start, our team divided tasks based on strengths. Some focused on research, some on design, and others on content creation. We started with exploring different types of blades and their cultural meanings. Initially, we planned to redesign the Dragon & Phoenix scissors, but after receiving feedback, we realized we were focusing too much on scissors rather than the blade itself. This led us to rethink our approach and shift towards integrating blade characteristics into everyday objects. Throughout the project, we communicated mostly online, which had its challenges, but we managed to stay organized and meet deadlines.

Observation

One key takeaway was how cultural symbols evolve. Traditional items like the Dragon & Phoenix scissors hold deep meaning but aren’t widely used today. We noticed that practicality and modern aesthetics matter a lot in design. Our biggest challenge was balancing cultural heritage with contemporary functionality. Another observation was that feedback played a crucial role—our initial concept had flaws, but constructive criticism helped us refine our ideas.

Findings

Through this process, we learned that good design isn’t just about appearance but also about meaning and usability. Blades aren’t just tools; they represent precision, resilience, and craftsmanship. We also realized the importance of flexibility in creative projects—our final outcome was quite different from our original plan, but the changes made it stronger. Overall, this project taught us how to merge cultural storytelling with everyday design in a way that feels relevant today.