Design and Creative Industries (DM504-4-M-DCI) ASYNC Master Folder

Analyzing Case Studies of Successful Global Design Projects

Objective:

To enable participants to analyze successful global design projects, understand best practices, and identify challenges in cross-cultural design.

Materials Needed:

• Laptops or tablets
• Case studies
• Internet access for research

Activity Outline:

1.      Introduction

• Welcome and Introduction: Briefly introduce the importance of cross-cultural design and the objectives of the activity.
• Overview: Explain the concept of cross-cultural design, highlighting key considerations such as cultural sensitivity, user needs, and local context.

2.      Case Study Overview

• Provide participants with handouts describing various successful global design projects, such as:
• The Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) in China
• The Sydney Opera House in Australia
• The Louvre Abu Dhabi in the UAE
• The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain
• Each case study should include background information, design process, cultural context, and outcomes.

3.      Group Formation and Assignment

• Divide participants into small groups (3-4 members each).
• Assign each group a different case study from the handouts.
• Each group is tasked with analyzing their assigned case study to identify best practices and challenges in cross-cultural design.

4.      Research and Analysis

• Groups research their case study in-depth, focusing on:
• Design concept and vision
• Key stakeholders and collaboration
• Cultural considerations and adaptations
• Challenges faced during the design and implementation process
• Best practices that contributed to the project’s success
• Groups use whiteboards to organize their findings and prepare for the presentation.

5.      Strategy Presentation Preparation

• Each group creates a presentation summarizing their analysis.
• Presentations should include:
• Overview of the project
• Analysis of cultural considerations and challenges
• Identified best practices
• Lessons learned and recommendations for future cross-cultural design projects

6.      Presentations and Feedback

• Each group presents their analysis to the class (5-7 minutes per group).
• Allow time for questions and feedback from other participants and the facilitator after each presentation.

7.      Comparative Analysis and Discussion

• Facilitate a class discussion comparing the different design projects.
• Discuss common challenges faced in cross-cultural design and how they were addressed.
• Highlight best practices that emerged from the case studies and their applicability to future projects.
• Encourage participants to reflect on how these insights can inform their own design practices.

8.      Reflection and Wrap-Up

• Participants share insights gained from the activity and discuss how they can apply these best practices in their work.
• Summarize key takeaways:
• Importance of cultural sensitivity and local context in global design projects
• Role of collaboration and stakeholder engagement in successful cross-cultural design
• Strategies for overcoming challenges in cross-cultural design
• Conclude with a brief discussion on the future of cross-cultural design and its impact on global communities.

This activity not only educates participants on cross-cultural design but also provides practical experience in analyzing and deriving insights from real-world case studies. It emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, collaboration, and adaptability in the global design landscape.