INTERCULTURAL DESIGN TASK 3 - FINAL PROJECT & PORTFOLIO

 

3.02.2026 - 20.03.2026（Week 1 - Week 7）

ZHANG QIYU / 0384019

Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Project 1&2 Recap

2. Final Outcome

3. Design Details

4. Reflection

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Project 1&2 Recap

Project 1 (Proposal)

1.1 Subway&Busstation direction signs

1.2 Intelligent Classification Trash Can

1.3 Remote Quantitative Feeding Device

Project 2 (Field Study)

• i. Observation 
• The photographic field study aims to document the existing urban wayfinding system in Kuala Lumpur city centre. By capturing real spatial conditions, visual hierarchy, multilingual presentation, and environmental context, the research moves beyond theoretical assumptions and grounds the project in observable urban reality. The findings will serve as visual evidence to inform the development of a clearer and more intuitive metro directional signage system. ·To document the actual condition of existing wayfinding systems outside subway stations in downtown Kuala Lumpur. ·To analyze the information structure of wayfinding signs in terms of direction guidance, distance indication, and route

• ii. Visual findings 
• The visual findings aim to examine the pedestrian route between Setia Jaya BRT station and the PJ611 bus stop in Petaling Jaya. Through on site photographic documentation, the study records key points along the route, including intersections, turning points, and surrounding spatial conditions. By observing the presence or absence of wayfinding information, the research identifies locations where pedestrians may experience confusion during the transfer process. · To document the actual walking route from Setia Jaya BRT station to the PJ611 bus stop. · To identify locations where pedestrians may experience confusion due to unclear or missing signage. · To analyze how the spatial environment and route structure influence pedestrian navigation.

• iii. Interview 
• The purpose of this interview is to understand users’ real experiences when transferring from the subway station to the PJ611 bus stop in Petaling Jaya. Through interviews with four participants, the study explores their navigation behavior, moments of confusion, and emotional responses while locating the bus stop after exiting the subway. · Understand the real experiences of pedestrians transferring from the subway station to the PJ611 bus stop · Identify potential problems in the existing wayfinding system, including direction guidance, distance information, language, and visibility

i. Observation 

Observation 1– Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) 

KLCC is a major commercial and tourist area in Kuala Lumpur, located near the Petronas Twin Towers. This station mainly serves tourists and visitors travelling within the city centre. The surrounding environment is well developed, with clear station entrances and several urban facilities nearby. However, although basic signage exists around the station, connections between different transport points, such as nearby bus stops, are not always clearly indicated.

Observation 2– Masjid Jamek Station 

Masjid Jamek is an important transfer station with a high passenger flow, mainly used by local commuters. The station provides several transfer signs and route maps that help passengers navigate between different lines. However, the surrounding streets are relatively complex, and some areas lack clear signage, especially for pedestrians approaching from nearby streets. This can make it more difficult for first-time visitors to locate the station entrance.

Observation 3– Bukit Bintang 

Bukit Bintang is a busy tourist district with heavy pedestrian traffic and many commercial attractions. The streets around the station contain multiple intersections and complex traffic flows. In this area, several directional signs provide information about nearby malls and station exits, helping pedestrians understand the surrounding environment. Compared with other areas, the signage here appears more organized, although some exits still provide limited route information.

ii. Visual findings 

Route 

The observed route begins at the exit of Setia Jaya BRT station and leads to the PJ611 bus stop in Petaling Jaya. The path includes several key segments such as a connecting pedestrian walkway, a fork in the road, multiple zebra crossings, and a staircase leading down toward the bus stop area. Although the walking route is relatively short, the spatial layout contains several decision points where pedestrians need to choose directions or cross busy roads. Due to the limited presence of directional signage along the path, pedestrians may rely mainly on personal judgment or mobile navigation to reach the bus stop. 

Problem Locations 

During the observation, several locations along the route were identified as potential points of confusion. These include the station exit where no sign indicates the bus stop direction, a fork in the road where existing signage points to the wrong direction, intersections with heavy traffic and unclear crossing guidance, and a staircase that lacks directional information. The absence of clear wayfinding cues at these key decision points may cause pedestrians to hesitate, make wrong turns, or feel uncertain while navigating the route

iii. Interview 

Four participants were interviewed about their experience transferring from the subway station to the PJ611 bus stop. Three out of four participants reported having difficulty locating the bus stop, indicating that navigation challenges exist along this route, while only one participant had no such experience. 

However, all four participants mentioned feeling confused at a turning point along the route, suggesting that this location lacks clear directional guidance. One participant suggested that adding a small route map between the subway station and the bus stop would help users better understand the path. The three participants who had experienced difficulty supported the addition of directional signage, and the participant who had not gotten lost also agreed that signage would make the journey easier. 

The findings indicate that the current wayfinding environment lacks sufficient guidance at key decision points, particularly at turns, highlighting the need for clearer directional signs or simple route maps to support smoother transfers.

Problems Summary

1. Confusion at turning points along the route

Pedestrians often become uncertain when reaching forks or turning points, as there is no clear indication of the correct direction toward the bus stop.

Solution: Install clear directional signage with large arrows indicating the correct path toward PJ611 bus stop, helping pedestrians quickly confirm the correct direction.

2. Lack of spatial understanding of the route

Many users cannot clearly understand the overall route between the station and the bus stop, especially first-time visitors or tourists.

Solution: Add a simplified route map with a "You Are Here" indicator on the signage so pedestrians can quickly understand their current location and the remaining path to the bus stop.

3. Unclear information about bus routes

Passengers are often unsure whether the bus stop serves the bus routes they need, which creates hesitation during the transfer process.

Solution: Display bus route numbers (750, 751, 772) on the sign so pedestrians can confirm that they are heading to the correct bus stop.

4. Uncertainty about walking distance to the bus stop

Without distance information,pedestrians may feel unsure about how far they still need to walk, which can create anxiety and reduce navigation confidence.

Solution: Include distance indicators such as "200m to PJ611 Bus Stop" to give users a clearer sense of the remaining walking distance.

5. Language barrier for local users

During the interviews, we found that several participants mainly use Bahasa Malaysia in daily life and are not fully comfortable with English. This can make it harder for them to understand English-only signage.

Solution: Introduce a bilingual signage system using both English and Bahasa Malaysia so that the information is accessible to a wider range of users, especially local commuters.

2. Final Outcome

3.Design Description

Design Point 1

Directional arrow

Function：Point out the direction of the bus stop to pedestrians

Before improvement：Pedestrians can't find direction on the way or at corners

After improvement：Pedestrians can simply follow the arrow direction without needing to open a map.

Design Point 2

Bilingual system

Function：Offered in both English and Malay

Before improvement：Many locals who only speak Malay cannot understand it.

After improvement：Improved the experience for both English and Malay speakers.

Design Point 3

Route numbers

Function：Provides the exact bus routes that stop at this station, marked with their respective route colors.

Before improvement：Passengers are often unsure whether the bus stop serves the bus routes they need.

After improvement：Passengers can confirm that they are heading to the correct bus stop and take the line they want to take.

Design Point 4

Distance indicator

Function：Provide the remaining distance from your current location to the station.

Before improvement：Without distance information, pedestrians feel unsure about how far they still need to walk.

After improvement：Give users a clear sense of the remaining walking distance,so that they won't get confused along the way.

Design Point 5

Simplified route map

Function：Provides a panoramic view of the entire route and your current location, with a QR code connected to digital map.

Before improvement：Many users cannot clearly understand the overall route between the station and the bus stop, especially first-time visitors or tourists.

After improvement：Passengers can clearly see their current location and the route they need to take. If they are still unsure, they can scan a QR code to view an electronic map for navigation.

Design Point 6

Malaysian Cultural Element

Function：The floral element incorporated is inspired by the Hibiscus (Bunga Raya), the national flower of Malaysia.

Before improvement：A simple sign, no regional characteristics.

After improvement：By integrating this floral motif into the wayfinding signage, the design introduces a subtle local cultural identity.Instead of using purely generic signage, the inclusion of the hibiscus helps the system feel more connected to the Malaysian cultural experience.

4. Reflection

From the initial three-concept proposal to the focused fieldwork on wayfinding and finally to the complete signage system for the Setia Jaya to PJ611 route, we experienced a full user-centered design process. On-site observations and interviews revealed pedestrians’ real confusions and needs, and the final solution genuinely addresses these issues, reinforcing that design must be grounded in real contexts.

Each team member grew in their own area: some learned to translate abstract problems into design solutions, others deepened their understanding of universal symbols and bilingual signage. Cross-cultural design taught us that inclusive language (English+Malay) and cultural motifs (like the hibiscus) are not mere decorations but essential elements for serving a diverse society.

Coming from fashion design and creative media backgrounds, we learned to respect differences and integrate our expertise through collaboration. More importantly, we redefined the essence of design: not a sudden spark of inspiration, but a systematic process grounded in research, iteration, and empathy. This experience will long influence our future design practices.

Final Project LINK

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rfj-EEul9he-jPUbSvRgN4ANLlJ1rx8m/view?usp=sharing