Intercultural Design Task 2 - Data Collection

1st Mar - 8th Mar 2024 (Week 4 - 5)

Sin Jun Ming 0364638

Intercultural Design / Design in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Task 2 - Data Collection

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INSTRUCTIONS

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Task 2 - Data Collection

We need to conduct a data gathering collection process about the culture we have chosen as our topic in this task. The research materials can be visual, oral, textual and tactile artefacts.

Here are some data collection methods mentioned by our lecturers that we can use in this task.

Data Collection Methods:

1. Observation study
2. Interview of relevant stakeholders (from the lecture series, you may approach any of the guest speakers for an interview, if you deem their presentation useful for further research).
3. Online and/or actual physical material visual research of the selected culture (the people/arts/symbols/architecture/text/calligraphy etc.)

Visiting Chica Bonita Mexican Kitchen & Bar, Publika

After group discussion, we have decided to visit a restaurant fulfilled with Mexican culture and also having Dia de los Muertos's style decoration as their specialty. 

We visited the restaurant - Chica Bonita Mexican Kitchen & Bar, Publika on 2nd March. After having conversation with the manager, Ashwini, she allowed us to take pictures and shoot videos of the decorations as our data collection process and she also agreed to have an interview with us to talk about the culture, Dia de los Muertos. 

Fig 1.1 Chica Bonita Mexican Kitchen & Bar, Publika

Data collection method used: Interview tool

Interviews offer a powerful means of gathering qualitative data and insights, particularly when exploring complex topics such as cultural traditions and perceptions. They enable researchers to delve deeply into participants' lived experiences and perspectives, ultimately contributing to a richer understanding of the research subject.

Here are some photos and videos I took at Chica Bonita.

Fig 1.2 Wall decoration

Video 1.1 Outside area of the restaurant

Video 1.2 Wall decoration with "skulls"

This restaurant is very unique in design and decoration, from lighting to wall decorations, the restaurant is fulfilled with mysteriousness from Mexican culture.

Video1.3 Close up shot on "skulls"

After we finished our dinner there, we proceeded to have interview with the manager, Ashwini to collect data about this Mexican culture. 

Video 1.4 Interview video

Fig 1.3 Group photo with the manager

Google Form Survey

Other than visiting the Mexican restaurant, we conducted a Google form survey to collect data related to people's opinions towards this culture. 

Data collection method used: Survey tool

This use of Google Forms allows the form to be easily shared with participants or respondents through a link, and the collected data would be stored on a spreadsheet. The high accessibility of Google Forms allows for a larger sample size, which in turn can help improve the reliability of the data collected. Other than that, Google Forms are also highly customizable.

Survey distribution

The survey link will be distributed through social media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) and WhatsApp.

Google survey form: https://forms.gle/dt6bXEzczFpw7Zqz6

Active period of survey distribution: 6/3/2024 (Wednesday) - 8/3/2024 (Friday)

Total number of survey responses: 53 responses

Section A: Demographic

Age Range

Reasoning: To identify the age background of the participants that might affect the answering preferences.

Analysis:  The majority of responses (84.9%) fall within the 18-24 age group. This suggests that the sample is predominantly composed of younger individuals.The smaller percentages in the 25-34 (5.7%), 35-44 (5.7%), and 45-60 (3.8%) age groups indicate a decreasing trend in participation with increasing age.

Gender

Reasoning:To identify the gender background of the participants that might affect the answering preferences.

Analysis:  From the total of 53 responses with a significant majority of responses from females, it's crucial to explore how women perceive Dia de los Muertos imagery. Consider their cultural backgrounds, experiences, and artistic preferences. 

Country

Reasoning:Understanding the participants' cultural backgrounds can provide insights into how Dia de los Muertos imagery is perceived within different cultural contexts. Cultural perspectives can influence the interpretation of symbols and themes.

Analysis:  Malaysia dominates with 75.5%, while Mexico and China contribute 3.8% each, highlighting diverse perspectives on Dia de los Muertos imagery.

Section B: Day of the dead festival movie

1. Have you ever watched the Disney movie "Coco"?

Reasoning:"Coco" is a widely known Disney movie that revolves around Dia de los Muertos. Understanding whether participants have seen it helps gauge the potential influence of popular culture on their perceptions of Dia de los Muertos imagery.

Analysis: 79.2% of respondents watched 'Coco.' This high viewership indicates potential influence on perceptions of Dia de los Muertos imagery.

2.Did you notice any specific symbols or patterns in the face paint designs of the characters in "Coco"?

Reasoning:Participants' recognition and interpretation of symbols in the face paint designs reveal their understanding of Dia de los Muertos symbolism. This information can contribute to understanding cultural nuances. 

Analysis: 77.4% noticed symbols in 'Coco.' Media influence is evident, impacting participants' awareness and preferences for Dia de los Muertos imagery.

3.On a scale of 1 to 5, how well do you think the face paint designs in the movie 'Coco' represent the cultural significance of the Day of the Dead festival?

Reasoning: Assessing participants' ratings (1 to 5) on how well 'Coco' represents the cultural significance of Dia de los Muertos aids in understanding the film's impact on perceptions and preferences. 

Analysis: Among 53 responses, 32.1% voted 2 and 3, 15.1% voted 4, 17% voted 1, and 3.8% voted 5, reflecting varying perceptions of how well 'Coco' represents Dia de los Muertos.

Section C: Familiarity with Day of the Dead

1. Have you heard about the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico?

Reasoning: Inquiring about participants' awareness of the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico is essential to assess their baseline knowledge. This insight informs the analysis of responses to Dia de los Muertos imagery, ensuring cultural sensitivity.

Analysis:Among 53 responses, 66% indicated awareness of the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico, while 34% had not heard of it. 

2. Do you think the face paint designs in "Coco" accurately represented Mexican traditions, especially during the Day of the Dead?

Reasoning:Do you think the face paint designs in "Coco" accurately represented Mexican traditions, especially during the Day of the Dead?

Analysis:Among 53 responses, 94.3% affirm that face paint designs in "Coco" accurately represent Mexican traditions, with 5.7% expressing disagreement.

3. Have you ever participated in or attended a Dia de los Muertos celebration or event?

Reasoning:Asking about participants' involvement in Dia de los Muertos events gauges firsthand experience, influencing perceptions of imagery and providing nuanced insights into cultural understanding.

Analysis:Among 53 responses, 90.6% haven't participated in or attended a Dia de los Muertos event, 1.9% have, and 7.5% are undecided.

4.If yes, please share your experiences. If No, what do you feel about the face paint from the event?

Responses:

Yes fun and interesting Very vibrant It is unique I actually feel warm-hearted because these face paintings are meant to represent the loved ones that have passed away. It’s a special event that representing the soul its cool and holds deep meanings I think it's very unique as their face paint designs will always be different which makes it interesting I think the face paint looks amazing. A but scary but I want to try one time also because I have never tried face painting before Symbolising image of skull and death but in an artistic way As a Mexican, experiencing Dia de los Muertos holds a special place in my heart and identity. I anticipated the arrival of Dia de los Muertos each year as it is a very meaningful thing to let our family members and friends to come together and celebrate to remember our loved ones who have passed away. This experience can actually give us a sense of connection to our ancestors and the spirit world, reminding us of the continuity of life. I think they celebrate the people dying which doesn’t really pay respect to them No No, i feel quite amusing and interesting as its just like Halloween from the western country It's look scary for me i felt like the face paint a bit scary, and the way they celebrate using face paint looks like they are way too happy which is a bit inappropriate Although it might frighten me for the first time, I feel that it is an honourable day as people won't be afraid of death and they won't think that spirit is a scary thing. Unique but cringe I’m afraid to join as the event mostly happen at night and the skeleton the face paint look scary’ special and curious A special culture that I rarely met Representing the Mexico’s culture

Analysis:

participants who have attended or participated in Dia de los Muertos celebrations generally find the experience fascinating, unique, vibrant, and emotionally meaningful. They appreciate the artistic face paint designs, associating them with warmth and the representation of loved ones. For some, it holds deep cultural and personal significance, fostering a connection with ancestors and the spirit world. However, one respondent expresses reservations, feeling that the celebration doesn't pay proper respect to the deceased. On the other hand, those who haven't attended or participated cite concerns about the event being scary or inappropriate. These varied perspectives highlight the complexity of individual reactions to Dia de los Muertos, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and cultural understanding in portraying related imagery.

5. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being highly acceptable and 5 being not acceptable at all , how would you rate this traditional face paint design?

Reasoning:Asking participants to rate traditional face paint designs on a scale of 1 to 5 gauges acceptability, guiding culturally sensitive portrayals.

Analysis:The analysis of 53 responses regarding the rating of traditional face paint design reveals varied perceptions. While 34% voted 5 (not acceptable at all), 39.6% chose 4, 13.2% selected 3, 7.5% opted for 2, and 5.71% favored 1. These results suggest a spectrum of acceptability, highlighting the necessity for nuanced understanding and sensitivity in portraying Dia de los Muertos imagery. 

6. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being highly acceptable and 5 being not acceptable at all , how would you rate this redesign face paint design?

Reasoning:Asking participants to rate redesign face paint designs on a scale of 1 to 5 gauges acceptability, guiding culturally sensitive portrayals.

Analysis: Among 53 responses, the rating for the redesigned face paint design shows a strong preference for acceptability. Specifically, 62.3% rated it at scale 1 (highly acceptable), 26.4% at scale 2, 7.5% at scale 3, and only 1.9% at both scales 4 and 5 (not acceptable at all). 

7. Would you personally prefer significant a redesign face paint design over a more traditional for the Day of the Dead?

Reasoning:Asking participants about their preference for a significant redesign or a more traditional face paint design gauges individual inclinations, guiding culturally sensitive portrayals for Dia de los Muertos imagery.

Analysis: Among 53 responses, 75.5% expressed a preference for a redesigned face paint, while 24.5% favored a more traditional approach.

8. In your opinion, can a significant redesign face paint design still maintain respect for the cultural significance of the Day of the Dead?

Reasoning:Asking participants about the compatibility of significant redesigns with respect for the Day of the Dead's cultural significance gauges cultural sensitivity and preferences.

Analysis:From 53 responses, 90.6% believe that a significant redesign face paint design can maintain respect for the Day of the Dead's cultural significance, while 9.4% disagree.

9. Would you be interested in trying or witnessing significant redesign face paint designs during Day of the Dead celebrations?

Reasoning:Asking participants about their interest in trying or witnessing significant redesign face paint during Day of the Dead celebrations gauges cultural acceptance and receptiveness for innovative portrayals.

Analysis:From 53 responses, 90.6% express interest in trying or witnessing significant redesign face paint during Day of the Dead celebrations, while 9.4% decline.

10.Do you believe that a significant redesign of face paint design could attract a broader visitor to know more and participate in Day of the Dead celebrations?

Reasoning: Asking participants about the potential of a significant redesign attracting a broader audience gauges perceptions, guiding efforts to enhance cultural inclusivity and engagement.

Analysis: From 53 responses, 94.3% believe a significant redesign of face paint design could attract a broader audience to Day of the Dead celebrations, while 5.7% disagree.

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FEEDBACK

We showed the google drive link of data collection progress to Dr. Charles in Week 5 and he was satisfied with it and look forward to our final presentation. We booked the time for the physical presentation in Week 8 to show Dr. Charles our unique face paintings.