Intercultural Design-Task 1
Intercultural Design-Task 1
1.Instructions
2.Task 1 - Proposal
In this task, we are required to collaborate with students from different majors under the theme “Designing Urban Futures: Sustainable Cities & Mobility.”We need to propose three ideas that respond to real challenges existing in the city.
Through human-centred, socially responsible, and sustainable design thinking, our goal is to improve the experience of movement and mobility in urban environments.
Members(Group36):
- Zhao Jie
- ZhangSiwen
- Wang Zi Han
- ZengYiFei
- Qin Binbin
- Wang Xinyi
First, after group discussions, we developed three different ideas, each responding to a specific urban challenge.
Initial pdf of the three proposals (design thinking process)
The first idea focuses on improving pedestrian safety through ground-level signal visibility.
The second idea proposes a cooling rest network for outdoor workers under extreme heat.
The third idea integrates shading and cooling features into existing traffic signal poles to enhance pedestrian comfort.
After receiving feedback from Mr. Max, we refined our concepts and created three separate PDF documents to clearly explain each proposal in detail.
Based on further feedback, we worked together again to improve and consolidate our ideas into a final presentation slide deck.
Finally, we recorded a presentation video to introduce and explain our proposals.
In this task, I was mainly responsible for developing Idea 1. I created the initial sketches, collected relevant research and case studies, and organised them into a PDF document.
The pdf and the presentation video:
3.Feedback
1.Pedestrian Comfort Signal Pole (Shade Idea)
Mr.Max said the idea is human-centred and based on a real everyday problem — pedestrians waiting under direct sunlight in KL.However, the problem needs to be more evidence-based instead of general statements about hot weather. We should show specific locations in KL, when it is worst, and who is most at risk.
Feasibility is also a big concern. Issues like heavy rain, strong wind, maintenance, safety, and vandalism need to be clearly addressed. The design must show that it can realistically be implemented and maintained in KL.
2.CoolStop Cooling Space
Mr.Max mentioned that the topic is socially relevant and fits well with sustainable urban design.However, the problem is currently too broad. It reads more like a public health discussion than a focused design problem. We need to narrow it down and define one clear design intervention.
He also pointed out that the solution feels like a list of facilities. We need to present it as a designed system with identity, structure, and clear purpose, not just added amenities.
Maintenance and long-term practicality should be integrated into the design strategy, not just mentioned as challenges.
3.Ground-Level Pedestrian Signal
Mr.Max said this proposal is clear and behaviour-driven. The problem definition is strong and directly connected to distracted walking.To improve it further, we should localise the problem more clearly to Kuala Lumpur by identifying specific types of intersections and local traffic behaviour.
We also need to explain more clearly how the design changes pedestrian behaviour in real time.
In addition, we can strengthen the proposal by suggesting pilot locations and phased implementation.
4.Reflection
While developing the ground-level pedestrian signal idea, we did not try to redesign the entire traffic system. Instead, we approached it from a human-centred perspective — simply placing the signal where pedestrians naturally look.
This project helped me understand that good urban design needs to consider human behaviour, environmental conditions, and local context at the same time.It encouraged me to observe Kuala Lumpur more carefully and think about how design can create real impact in everyday life.
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