Technology Creativity vs Cultural Creativity [duplicated from Episodic Episteme]

I have read Han’s (2012) Design Thinking. I found is meaningful for the context in Malaysia. Thus I translated some of the texts for my teaching and sharing purposes.

Technology creativity	Cultural creativity
Aims to improve the quality of living through the enhancement of the performance of products.	Aims to improve the quality of living through the enhancement of spiritual fulfillment.
Grounded on technology.	Grounded on feeling.
Need knowledge as the basis, hence the notion of knowledge economy.	Need pleasure feeling as the basis.
The field of technology requires continuous innovation through in-depth R&D of knowledge.	Cultural innovation occurs through imagination.
Reply on relatively young PhD holders who are graduated from world leading universities to lead high-tech industry. Those who reach the age of 40 might have lost their innovative capability in R&D, thus they have to move into managerial positions.	Rely on heart-touching new styles to lead the creative industry, which might be started who one reaches the age of 40.
Intellectual property (IP) is the substance (本体) of civilization	Cultural creative industry is the appearance (外衣) of civilization
Need to go through vertical, inferential design thinking process within the profession, i.e. a R&D process.	Not limited to a specific boundary or profession, but requires a complete design process to integrate multiple resources, in order to achieve the purpose of commercialization. The commercialization process is alien to literati.

In the minds of agencies which manage culture-related affairs, particularly when they think about nurturing cultural creative industry, the prime focus is creative talents, i.e. those literati who are creative and innovative. Therefore the agencies thought this could be achieved by organizing some training courses or by inviting several world-renown speakers to talk about creative industry. These efforts are merely depleting budget and yet failing to nurture true creative talents, thus leaving the problem of revitalizing cultural creative industry unsolved. This is due to the fact that the actual dilemma is the absence of a creative environment; while the barrier to having the creative environment is a general lack of design thinking capability and habits in the society.

For example, in recent years, for the sake of enhancing the quality of architecture, public and private sectors are keen to hire foreign renowned architects to design, mainly through organizing international competitions. Does it mean there is no creativity in the field of Taiwanese architecture? Of course, judging from the existing buildings in Taiwan, there is hardly any recommended designed by Taiwan masterpiece, but is this solely caused by the tack of architectural skills or talents? No. We all know that the performance of architecture standards can only be achieved through mutual cooperation between architects and property owners. What are the owners? They are the combination of the socio-cultural environment. If there is no vision that can uncover architectural talents in this society; if there is no tolerance that can indulge architects to show off their creativity; if there is no sufficient resources to support architects, we should not blame Taiwan for not having creative talents. In contrast, the required vision, tolerance and resources have been allocated to satisfy the sense of worshiping foreign renowned masters—how would such attitude establish the competitiveness of cultural creative industry in Taiwan?

Therefore for the future of creative industry, we must first recognize and comprehend the barriers in our cultural environment, particularly those irrational factors, in order to identify the thinking method that can generalize all requirements for development. If everyone in the country is geared towards enhancing the attainment of the sense of aesthetics, while recognizing the importance of systematic thinking, then we can truly move forward to a highly developed society, where everybody takes the initiative to be a sensible person.

Glocalization and Design Aesthetics

My experience of living, working and traveling in UK, US, China and Southeast Asia remind me to always keep the need of glocalizing creative contents and products in mind. There was one economist who used the price of McDonald's meal to determine the cost of living in a particular city. I mimic this approach and captured the screens of McDonald's website around the world and showed them to my students, trying to explain the need of glocalization. Herewith the printscreens of McDonald’s homepage in different countries on 24 May 2012:

McD China 

McD India

McD Japan

McD Korea

McD Malaysia

McD Taiwan

McD Thailand

McD US

I referred to a paper I wrote in 2006, titled “Globalization, e-Learning & The Art of War” to explain what I believe globalization is:

Tight economic definition: a catchall phrase for growing world trade, the growing linkages between financial markets in different countries, and the many other ways in which the world is becoming a smaller place.

Broader social definition: a multidimensional set of social processes that create, multiply, stretch, and intensify worldwide social interdependencies and exchanges while at the same time fostering in people a growing awareness of deepening connections between the local and the distant.

Glocalize = Globalize + Localize

Next, I began a discussion on the nature and characteristics of creative contents, which covered:
- Dynamic versus static
- Types and variety

Students should always think about what features of a product should be glocalized.

Plagiarism is an academic crime!

I kept reminding students that plagiarism is an academic crime, but unfortunately it still happened. Indeed, I rather punishing a student for not doing his or her assignment than punishing for plagiarism. I already warned the students that I would spend time reading their learning journal, word for word--despite not correcting grammar or typo mistakes as I am not their English teacher or lecturer.  

Student A

Student B

In this incident, according to testimony given by three students, a female student left her Learning Journal unattended while doing her debate in lecture hall. A male student took her journal and copied the above learning record. In fact, I had reminded all students to look after their Learning Journal and keep the journal as something private and confidential. After due consideration, the female student's score was capped at 50% of the total score for being careless; while the male student got zero for plagiarism.

List of Students' Blog (Semester 2 of 2011/2012)

Students' Name	Blog
Aila Nadirah Binti Azmi	http://ailanadirah.blogspot.com/
Aizuddin Bin Osman	http://aizuddin66.blogspot.com/
Book Changwei	http://changwei1991.blogspot.com/
Christoper Anak Ingai	http://christopheradvert.blogspot.com/
Dalila Sha'Irah Binti Abd Halim	http://dilaraaaa.blogspot.com/
Dayana Syafiqa Binti Mohd Zaid	http://advertstudent.blogspot.com/
Dianah Binti Rosli	http://dd-lite.blogspot.com/
Faez Azwann Bin Mat Jusoh	http://faeziefa.blogspot.com/
Faridatul Akmal Binti Mohamed	http://akmalcorner.blogspot.com/
Fati Isma Binti Ibrahim	http://efatiezisma-fatiez.blogspot.com/
Fatin Nur Khalilah Binti Ismail	http://sonatasolju.blogspot.com/
Fatin Zawani Binti Che Manshor	http://atenzlurve91.blogspot.com/
Hadi Farhan Bin Soetiyono	http://hadyzero.blogspot.com
Hazleen Anylia Binti Sabian	http://lynnlya.blogspot.com/
Hazwanni Binti Yusran	http://creapychips.blogspot.com
Mohamad Azkar Bin Mohamed Ghani	http://joka-ghani.blogspot.com/
Mohamad Norazlan Bin Ibrahim	http://azlan5060.blogspot.com/
Mohamad Ridhwan Bin Mohamed Nazli	http://eonenazli.blogspot.com/
Mohamad Sanazi Bin Ali	http://tojiaesthetics.blogspot.com/
Mohamed Faizal Bin Boonsoo	http://faizalboonsoo.blogspot.com/
Mohammad Ikhwan Fikri Bin Ismail	http://ewananimasi.blogspot.com/
Mohd Asrini Bin Yahya	http://asriniyahya.blogspot.com/
Mohd Faez Bin Shukri	http://yellowflash4.blogspot.com
Mohd Fakrulrozi Bin Azami	http://fakrulroziazami.blogspot.com/
Mohd Fizal Bin Omar	http://esthetice.blogspot.com/
Mohd Hanafi Bin Muhamad	http://napidesignesthetics.blogspot.com/
Mohd Hariz Bin Abdul Manan	http://harizmanan.blogspot.com/
Mohd Hasri Hasyimie Bin Mohd Arshad	http://hasrihasyimie.blogspot.com/
Mohd Khuzaini Bin Yahaya Arif	http://mikiya91.blogspot.com/
Mohd Muzaime Nor Bin Mohhajir	http://muzaime91.blogspot.com/
Mohd Nazri Bin Idris	http://rahasiadewa.blogspot.com/
Mohd Nazrizam Bin Mat Nawi	http://nazrizam1991.blogspot.com/
Muhamad Nabil Fikri Bin Abdullah	http://abilcore.blogspot.com/
Muhammad Affifuddin Bin Md Ibharim	http://disambiguationinme.blogspot.com/
Muhammad Amirulhaleem B Za'Ba	http://seuntaikatapohto.blogspot.com/
Muhammad Hairul Anuar Bin Aziz	http://hairulanuar-aesthetic.blogspot.com/
Muhammad Safwan Bin Tahir	http://aestheticdesign91.blogspot.com/
Muhammad Syauqi Bin Muhammad Sophie	http://aseriouslifeonseriousearth.blogspot.com/
Muhammed Sharkhan Bin Sarapudin	http://doublesdesign.blogspot.com
Mutiaah Binti Mat Zain	http://mutiazain.blogspot.com/
Nabilah Binti Sihar	http://nabilah1992.blogspot.com
Nasiruddin Bin Muharam	http://adribleofink.blogspot.com/
Nazirul Izzuan Bin Zul Akmar	http://www.naz89upsi.blogspot.com/
Nik Norsuziana Binti Nik Ibrahim	http://suziana91.blogspot.com
Noor Baizura Binti Zainal	http://aruzazura.blogspot.com/
Noor Fazilah Binti Jamaludin	http://ilahone.blogspot.com/
Noor Syakilla Binti Rozhak	http://deliciakilla.blogspot.com/
Noor Zalika Binti Shamsuri	http://zazabellarossa.blogspot.com/
Nor Adila Binti Azmi	http://www.arteisbeautties.blogspot.com/
Nor Husna Binti Wahid	http://thepiecesofjoy.blogspot.com/
Norliza Binti Untam	http://lizanimation.blogspot.com/
Norsyafikah Binti Mohd	http://eykaamuhamad.blogspot.com/
Nur Amira Binti Yahya	http://mimiyamiyaya.blogspot.com/
Nur Hanisah Binti Zakaria	http://cahayahanisah.blogspot.com/
Nur Intan Atika Rosmimi Bt Mazlan	http://rosmimi-advertisingblog.blogspot.com/
Nur Nasyrah Binti Ahmat Daud	http://anurnasyrah.blogspot.com/
Nur Sahira Binti Mohamed	http://a3st3ticd3sign.blogspot.com/
Nur Zuhairah Binti Mohd Noor	http://zuhairah92.blogspot.com/
Nurshaffika Binti Abdul Hamid	http://nurshaffika.blogspot.com/
Nurul Farhana Binti Mahadzer	http://studentnurul.blogspot.com/
Nurul Shuhaila Binti Mohd Nor	http://q-bicgegerl.blogspot.com/
Qurratu 'Ain Binti Baharudin	http://qainb.blogspot.com/
Rivadavia Anak Josept	rivadaviatesalonikajosept.blogspot.com
Samad Bin Abd Aziz	http://samadanimasi.blogspot.com/
Serinah Anak Sin Liang	http://myavill-cupid.blogspot.com/
Siti Afifah Binti Imran	bigbamb0obeast.blogspot.com
Siti Aisyah Binti Zainal	http://theaestheticeducation2012.blogspot.com/
Siti Juliana Binti Ismail	http://yana-ynaismail.blogspot.com
Siti Maryam Binti Ahmad	http://maryamad.blogspot.com/
Syazana Binti Idris	http://syanasyn.blogspot.com/
Wan Noor Amarini Bt Wan Deris @ Ab Aziz	http://liyniey.blogspot.com/

“Blank Blue Paper” Quiz as the Memory Challenge (adapted from Episodic Episteme)

Today, I returned from my consultation job in San Francisco. Without rest, I game a talk on on “How to prepare for your doctoral study” to fifty over colleagues in UPSI who are getting to embark their doctoral journey. And then I administer a quiz for my Design Aesthetics students using “blank blue paper” self-learning reflection method.

The quiz, which is happening now in front of me, is quite interesting to both the students (I believe) and me. I split the students physically into two groups—Bachelor of Design in Animation and Bachelor of Design in Advertising, in Dewan Kuliah (Lecture Hall) H. To avoid them cheating, i.e. submitting what they have written in advanced, I prepared blue colour papers for the quiz instead of the conventional white A4 papers. Also, to save the consumption of papers, I encourage them to write or draw things in relatively smaller scale. The only question I asked them, and I actually told them before I left for my US trip, is to flush out whatsoever things that they have learned themselves through three sets of notes I prepared for them upfront. I also request them to scan what they have written and post it on their individual blog. Erm…let’s see how it goes. It’s time to collect the outcomes.

A Grand Day Out for Design Aesthetics

Fig 1: Having a photo with a fine artist at he gallery of Malaysia Tourism Centre. Image source: Thinking about)

I booked a UPSI bus to take students to join the Batik Fun Walk in Kuala Lumpur. I make it compulsory to all students as the mid term quiz will be carried out during the trip. I rejected a request for not joining the trip because the student should know that this course is four credit hours and they cannot afford to skip the mid term quiz.

We arrived after the Batik Fun Walk was started. I felt annoyed because the delay was caused by the driver who insisted to have breakfast in R&R Rawang. I saw disappointing in the students particularly those who actually got themselves readied for the walk. However, I guided them to practice James-Lange theory by altering their physical look of emotion. It worked and the negative feeling of being late was overwritten by the good mood of joining batik mosaic painting.

Herewith the first two questions I asked with selected answers from the students:

Q1. How do you feel when you miss opportunities to join Batik Fun Walk event.

I really feel disappointed because it’s should be my new experience, walking around the city while wearing batik. It’s also a rare opportunity because it’s hard to find this event in my place. I really feel upset. Furthermore, it’s also a big miss for me because I can’t spend my time with my friends doing this activity."

Regret. Because of only half an hour late, missed a wonderful event. It tells us should develop a good time sense. Sometimes missed a small step, we missed a lot of things. Just like this morning, we missed a junction, have to around a big circle to make up." 

I feel so sad and disappointed when I and my group can’t join this event because we came so late. But I happy because I here right now for looking this event. I really disappointed when I can’t feel wear sarong batik and walk together with my friend for this event. This people wear sarong batik with their creativity and style for wear sarong batik. I can see Malaysia culture wants improve batik to international level for this event."

Q2. How can you apply the theory to utter or modified your feelings. 

I will think positive because maybe if I miss the opportunity, who knows I will get a better opportunity next time. Other than that, I should be grateful because at least I arrived at the event. I can feel the environment and enjoy the situation.

Even if we missed the event time makes us disappointed. We still can find other fun. Such as we see someone wears the Batik whole body around us, she makes us laughed. And at same time, we admire her courage. There are so many people coming and going. They come from different places and gather here. They chat with new friends and walking. Their happiness has infected me."

What I feel right now. Actually I feel disappointed but I change and control my emotion with smile to other people at “Batik Fun Walk” event. I just set my mind I come here because I want finish my midterm. When people see me and my group I try to smile and make happy face.

We visited the art gallery in the Malaysia Tourism Centre, and I spent some time talking with Mr. Ismail Baba, the artist who had his exhibition with his son Iszuan Ismail in the gallery:

Fig 2: Video taken by Muhd Asyraf Muhammed Arshad, original source: Da eYezz' design

Next I asked the students to choose one artwork that they like most and one artwork that they hate most and justify why they like and hate. Herewith some answers given by the students:

The artwork that I most like is “Pasar Tani di Ampang” by Ismail Baba year 2011 use acrylic on canvas, size 61 cm x 92 cm. I like because it first capture my eyes with the environment. In that painting I can feel like true Malaysian value. It seem like all people happy at there and it’s more like sale local vegetables and fruits. The painting so colourful and can touch my heart, love at the first sight. The environment really local Malaysian and it’s make with full attention.

I like artwork “Blue Wave” because this artwork very fantastic to me. I like this artwork because the color using blue color and purple color for combination color. This artwork as one wave purple occurs in blue wave (it as sea). I really interest this artwork. If I have the money RM1300 I want get this artwork for inspiration.

I don’t like the work named Bersemuka. I don’t like colorful, distorted faces. This is just out of my personal preference. For art, there are no absolute beauty and ugliness.

I dislike an artwork title muddy in the morning 2. This is because in my opinion this artwork can be done by kindergarten kids. It been called an art because the painter has a name. I also can create this type of art.

Fig 3: In the galley of Malaysia Tourism Centre with students. (Source: Rumah Kayu & Thinking About)

We then walked to Suria KLCC to have lunch before visiting Petronas Gallery. I saw the work of Assoc Prof Zulkifri in the gallery and felt really proud with his work. Next we took a long and tiring walk to National Visual Art Gallery. I admitted that I misjudged the distance between KLCC and the gallery. By the time we reach the gallery, the students were really tired. I tried to motivate them by guiding them along the visit. They were asked to answer quiz questions in the gallery.

To me it is a fruitful visit but I can see students were trying to cope with the physical deficiency. Perhaps designers should work out and make themselves fit!

List of Students' Blog (Semester 1 of 2011/2012)

Students' name	Blog titile	URL
Mohd Fadhli Bin Ghazali	My Design Aesthetic 2011	http://mydesignaesthetic2011.blogspot.com/
Wan Shairazi Bin Wan Shahrin	Diseno Estetico	http://estetico-onezshy.blogspot.com/
Mohd Khalid Bin Kasim	aestheticinteresting	http://aestheticbest.blogspot.com/
Ag.Nasaruddin Shah Bin Pg.Najirun	art lover	http://fanatical-artlover.blogspot.com/
Tao Rui	Cat's nest	http://334297067.blogspot.com/
Muhammad Fariq Diin Bin Jamaluddin	Aesthetic soul	http://rid-aesthetic.blogspot.com/
Rosilawati Bt Mohd Roslan	Sepatu Ungu	http://rosilawatiroslan.blogspot.com/
Dahlan Bin Ladandu	Bhat'S21	http://bhat-s21.blogspot.com/
Nik Mohammad Alif Bin Azlan	aliff azlan	http://aliffazlan.blogspot.com/
Mohamad Sapuin Bin Mat Radin	DESIGNepull	http://designepull.blogspot.com/
Tuan Mohd Syakir Bin Tuan Mohd Ariffin	break the night with color	http://tuansyakir.blogspot.com/
Abdul Kalaam Bin Pp Abdul Kareem	Rumah Kayu	http://rumahkayu89.blogspot.com/
Florina Jumil	Design aesthetic	http://sumandakarsenal.blogspot.com/
Nor Adibah Bt Muktar	design aesthetic	http://www4eva.blogspot.com/
Sharifah Zaharah Bt Syed Hashim	Design Aesthetics	http://iefa-zarra.blogspot.com/
Mohamad Azrul Bin Othman	Design aesthetic	http://designaethetic.blogspot.com/
Muhd Asyraf Bin Muhammed Arshad	Da eYeZZ' design	http://daeyesaesthetics.blogspot.com/
Nuradira Binti Nordin	aesthetic.ART.design	http://ayaaphotographic.blogspot.com/
Ummul Hussna Bt Mohamed Salleh	… write here …	http://pawapikirwabikin.blogspot.com/
Siti Nur Hazwani Bt Ibrahim	Thinking about	http://duplicatename.blogspot.com/
Nurasilah Bt Abd Majid	DeSIGN AeSTHeTiCs	http://kasihlaila1990.blogspot.com/
Siti Nurnajihah Bt Abd Saman	In The Design @esthetics Class	http://designaestheticsnor.blogspot.com/
Mohamad Azizul Bin Haron	hearts of art	http://heartsofart.blogspot.com/
Muaz Bin Ali	Muaz's Aesthetics	http://muazaesthetics.blogspot.com/