Intercultural design | Everyday design-The Blades

15.3.2025

ZHOU YUTONG / 0378676 

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

Everyday design | The Blades 

Group 30 

Table of contents 

- Lecture 

- Instructions 

- Task 

- Feedback 

- Reflections 

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

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 thin 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 blades 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 Blades (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

Requirements:Bring together all the data/information/artefacts/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", emphasising 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 knives 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 swords 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 knife: 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 "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 hilt tassel represents the elements of nature (fire, earth, water, and wind) or good fortune.

 
Case study: China's King Goujian's sword Historical context: Bronze swords made in the late spring and fall, which demonstrate the advanced forging techniques of antiquity.
Highlights of the design include the blue glazed grille, dark diamond pattern, and sharpness as always. 

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 craftmanship of knives to improve functionality that also celebrates different cultures.

TASK 3

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, from https://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, from https://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

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:

Sir's advice was that we don't have to design new ‘knives’ or ‘objects’, 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:

Through the consultation with our professor, he suggests that we focus on the sharpness, safety and aesthetic of blades as they are the top three characteristics our responders pay most attention to. As we mentioned the Chinese dragon and phoenix scissors in our initial presentation, he suggests that we should further explore the cultural context of blades in Chinese traditions. For example, by describing a person as a blade, it means that the person is ‘sharp’ and quick witted which is associated with Chinese swordsmanship culture.

Reflections

Experience:We searched for a lot of information, because the blade is widely used in all aspects of life, we initially wanted to focus on scissors, but after communication, we found that it was difficult to highlight the integration of culture and daily life in this theme, so we urgently revised our content in task 2, focusing more on the embodiment of culture in the blade, the blade is a very important cultural symbols in East Asian culture, so we started from the cultural resonance of the blade in the values of culture, and in order to better continue this spiritual embodiment, we also came up with three ideas to make the cultural characteristics better integrated in daily life. 

Observation:Material innovation: High-performance, corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel and damascus composites are needed to address the problem of rusting and dulling blades, which leads to 35 per cent of users replacing their blades.

Cultural Narratives: Incorporating historical stories, such as sword legends or the spirit of the samurai, can enhance the emotional impact of a product. For example, the openwork design of a bookmark combines modern functionality with historical aesthetics.

Gender: Based on women's preference for comfort and aesthetics, soft textures, portability, and decorative elements such as tassels and engravings are preferred.

Findings:In the process, I discovered that the blade has a long history, and by combining practical needs with symbolic narratives, the blade can transcend the physical meaning of a tool and become a vehicle for cultural continuity and individual expression, and that in the future, through continuous innovation, the cultural significance of the blade will be even stronger!