Intercultural Design-Task 2

Zhao Jie,0387076

Intercultural Design GCD61304

Week 04 – Week 05 

1.Instructions

2.Task 2 - Field Study

We were required to complete the Field Study during Week 4–5.

The task involved collecting visual, verbal, textual, and physical artefacts related to our topic and research objectives. Data was gathered through observation, interviews, and both online and on-site research methods. All collected materials were documented and accompanied by clear descriptions.

The purpose of this field study was to develop our research skills through real-world experience, explore different cultural contexts, and properly document our findings. Ultimately, the collected materials demonstrate our ability to observe and analyse, while presenting our research in a clear and well-structured format.

Members(Group36):

• Zhao Jie
• ZhangSiwen
• Wang Zi Han
• ZengYiFei
• Qin Binbin
• Wang Xinyi

During this field study, we first looked at real-world examples of ground-level pedestrian signal systems from different countries and regions, such as Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Dublin.Through these cases, we learned how this type of design is applied in real situations and the types of environments where it is typically implemented.

We found that these systems are usually installed in areas with high pedestrian density, such as commercial districts, transport hubs, school zones, and busy streets—especially in places where smartphone use while walking is common.

Based on these insights, we conducted our own field study.We worked in groups and carried out observations at different locations and at different times of the day.The locations included residential areas, BRT stations, school zones, and commercial areas.We conducted observations in the morning, afternoon, and evening to compare traffic conditions and pedestrian behaviour across different contexts.

During the observation process, we identified several recurring patterns.

For example, many pedestrians were looking at their phones while waiting or crossing the road. Under heavy traffic conditions, pedestrians often hesitated or made riskier decisions due to limited safe crossing gaps. Motorcycles were also frequently observed encroaching into pedestrian crossing areas. In addition, strong sunlight reduced the visibility of traffic signals, and push-button signals often lacked clear feedback, which caused confusion among pedestrians.

These observations helped us better understand the existing issues within the current traffic system and provided valuable insights for our research.

Finally, we selected six representative photos to present our field study outcomes.These photos were taken at different locations and times, including residential areas, BRT stations, school zones, and commercial districts, across morning, afternoon, and evening periods:

1.Time:8:30 a.m.
Location:Near GEO mall

2.Time:11:00 a.m.
Location:Near Sunway University

3.Time:6:00 p.m.
Location:PJ178 BRT Mentari

4.Time:6:30 p.m.
Location:PJ178 BRT Mentari

5.Time:10:00 p.m.
Location:Jalan PJS 8/10 Near residential areas

6.Time:11:00 p.m.
Location:Jalan PJS 8/6 Near residential areas

From this field study, we summarised the following key research findings:

• Distracted pedestrian behaviour is highly prevalent

• Pedestrians face high decision-making pressure when crossing

• Infrastructure visibility issues exist (e.g. faded zebra crossings, strong sunlight)

• The current signal system lacks responsiveness and clear feedback

For this task, I was responsible for observing the intersection near Jalan PJS 8/10, compiling all the photos and video materials collected by the group, and summarising the research findings into a PDF document.

Below is our PDF:

3.Feedback

Mr Max mentioned that our Task 2 report is strong overall, especially in terms of the detailed images and clear descriptions. He approved our Task 2 and confirmed that we can proceed to Task 3.

He also pointed out that our project direction should mainly focus on Idea 1 — Ground-Level Pedestrian Signal Design, as it has the strongest potential in terms of urban mobility, pedestrian safety, human-centred observation, and intercultural behaviour in Kuala Lumpur.

According to his feedback, one of our strengths is that we successfully documented real distracted pedestrian behaviour, such as phone usage, and clearly explained how it increases crossing risk.
We also identified important issues related to visibility and maintenance, such as faded zebra crossings, sunlight glare, and damaged signals, and linked them to pedestrian hesitation and judgement-based crossing behaviour.

Another key point he highlighted is that we recognised the importance of system trust and responsiveness, for example, how push-button delays and lack of feedback can cause pedestrians to ignore the system.

He mentioned that our “Research Findings” section is already a strong foundation, especially in identifying patterns like distracted behaviour, decision pressure, visibility issues, and system limitations.

For Task 3, he suggested that we should:

• Select one main intersection in Kuala Lumpur as our key case study

• Create a simple site map to analyse traffic flow, pedestrian movement, and conflict areas

• Convert our research into clear insights and design requirements

• Develop 2–3 design iterations, supported by our findings

4.Reflection:

[In this task, I was responsible for observing the intersection near Jalan PJS 8/10, compiling all the photos and video materials collected by the group, and summarising the research findings into a PDF document.]

This project was my first time observing, recording, and analysing everyday environments from a designer’s perspective. It made me realise how important site visits are in the design process. Without actually going to the location, many problems are difficult to notice through online photos alone. For example, we observed how pedestrians hesitate when signals are unclear, and sometimes end up ignoring the signal and crossing directly.

Through these real observations, we were able to identify actual problems and discuss possible solutions as a group. This was a new and meaningful experience for me.

After collecting a large amount of visual materials, organising and summarising the data helped me improve my ability to structure information more clearly. As I was organising the materials, my thinking gradually became clearer and my design direction more focused. In the future, I will pay more attention to organising and analysing research materials.

This project also helped me understand that design needs to consider human behaviour, environmental conditions, and local context at the same time. It gradually helped me build a designer’s mindset, where I start to look at everyday environments and ask myself: is this actually a good design?