47 research outputs found
The viability of an integrative framework for urban design and regional environmental justice
No full textEnvironmental justice is an increasingly problematic proposition, as the clash of political, economic, social and community interests invariably occur. The purpose of this research is to examine the viability of an integrated framework that establishes environmental justice from economic, social and cultural development perspectives in Malaysia. Case studies analysing Iskandar Low Carbon Blueprint (LCB) 2025 and the River of Life Project (ROL) are presented. Findings suggest that clear national policies on urban transformation is an increasingly important environmental justice issue in Malaysia, but sustaining liveability is a challenge in the face of more critical decisions on infrastructural and resource management and energy use, resulting in a lack of attitudinal and behavioural change in urban planning programmes. This suggests that meaningful stakeholder engagements and collaborations contribute in planning economically and ecologically viable solutions and initiatives for liveable and resilient cities
Typography Inspirations In 21st - Century: Social and Cultural Roles of Modernist Bauhaus in Graphic Design
No full textFrom tubular steel to flat pack: a case study comparison between Bauhaus and Ikea innovation leadership in contemporary design
No full textModernisation of Graphic Design: The Possibilities and Challenges of Digitalisation
No full textAs inventions go, the contrivance of design as a dynamic, fluid, operational vehicle of human technology has always been subject to arguments and debates. The digitalisation of graphic design is a comparatively new field of research, a progressive process that evolves with technological developments. Undoubtedly, the evolution of design practices has transformed the entire design process in ways not deemed possible in the past. The advantages of digitalisation are particularly tangible in the range of possibilities generated by computer-based design tools. The main argument for the increase in “design capital” has been the accessibility of modern art tools to both design practitioners and the wider society, through mass digital culture absorption and the emerging technologies of production and reproduction. In presenting the fundamentals of digitalisation in design practices, this paper retraces the key cornerstones in the evolution of graphic design as an aesthetic medium from the 19th - to 21st -century, while pointing out the expanding, reflexive relationships between design and our environment. The researcher’s aim is to connect the socio-historical developmental frames of social progress and the practical uses of digitalisation in art and design today. The innovations in computermediated design work today grew from experimental platforms in the 20th -century, inasmuch as technological diffusion in the 21st -century Information Age derived from the widespread global embrace of the World Wide Web, multimedia and graphical computing systems. As a result of this development of the technological ‘canvas’, the production of design, aesthetic and cultural objects has shifted from the traditional artist-craftsman-specialist paradigm to reflect a more encompassing, diverse scope of ideas fostered by the exposure to different facets of creative capital and inspirations
Conceptual Gaps in the Issues to Resolve Visual Complexities: A Contextual Evaluation of the Inspirations and Motivations in Enhancing Perceptions and Practices of Creative Thinking
No full textThis study addresses issues related to conceptual development of visual literacy skills, through a critical examination and evaluation of the role of effective visual design and its ideation through art and design practices. Research into the role of creative thinking as an emerging professional field of practice seeks to explore the depth of market dependence on the experiences, knowledge contribution and skills of designers for socio-economic advancement and cultural enrichment. In the broader cultural transformation marked by technological progress and a developing global marketplace, creative thinking and visual literacy are much sought after resources, be it on its own merit, as well as through collaborative ventures which incorporate insights from behavioural and marketing psychology, technology and media. As a form of cultural capital, artistic and creative resources help us understand the interrelationships between cognitive and emotional dimensions, how these factors help shape the totality of our cultural environment, innovate designers’ working practices, and engage groups in society. The objective of study is premised on understanding how visual and new media literacies develop in tangent with the complexities and challenges of answering and edifying human needs, requiring comprehension, evaluation and interpretation of information. This research study examines visual literacy’s effects on learning processes from acquiring facts, opening discussions, shaping reactions, creating ideas, reforming communities and enhancing social engagement. Qualitative interviews with practitioners establish attitudinal perceptions that the development of visual competencies must take into account socio-cultural contexts, inspirations and motivations critical to facilitate engagement in creative and market-driven environments. Findings provide pragmatic insights on how to cultivate and support improvements in ethical design practices, and in concluding, suggestions are offered for designer practitioners to discuss ways to critically use, evaluate and produce professional visual work throughout their careers. Keywords: aesthetics, creative thinking, design, socio-cultural, visual literac
Sentindo-se em forma e com bom aspecto: O Impacto do Materialismo, da Aprovação pelos Pares e da Apelação Sexual na Percepção do Consumidor Jovem em relação à Publicidade em Estúdio de Aptidão Física
No full textThis paper addresses young Malaysian consumers’ perceptions and marketplace behaviour through advertising for aspirational and lifestyle consumption. The aim is to study the impact of aspirational advertising on materialism, peer approval, sex appeal, and body image. The literature review uses marketing and social theories, while the appeals of emotional advertising will be discussed through a case study analysis examining how Malaysian fitness advertisements on digital and social media impact youth attitudes towards physical appearance and through capturing emotional experiences and their association with materialistic values, peer approval and self-image. Findings present a cultural perspective in understanding the current standards of ethical decision-making and what factors are relevant as lifestyle aspects of ethical choices and decision-making for fitness brands among youth consumer market segments. It was found that aspirational advertising for fitness brands in Malaysia is designed to build perceptions that personal consumption choices represent values such as social and peer approval, with less emphasis on materialistic values and body image. This demonstrates that advertising may influence some aspects of materialist, aspirational consumption choices, but peer pressure and cultural values have strong implications on youth consumption behaviour. Some practical recommendations are suggested for marketing practitioners and consumer behaviour researchers to invest, in optimising the power of social media marketing and advertising.Este trabajo aborda las percepciones y el comportamiento en el mercado de los jóvenes consumidores malayos a través de la publicidad de consumo aspiracional y de estilo de vida. El objetivo es estudiar el impacto de la publicidad aspiracional en el materialismo, la aprobación de los compañeros, el atractivo sexual y la imagen corporal. La revisión de la literatura utiliza teorías de marketing y sociales, mientras que los atractivos de la publicidad emocional se discutirán a través de un análisis de caso que examina cómo los anuncios de fitness de Malasia en los medios digitales y sociales impactan en las actitudes de los jóvenes hacia la apariencia física y a través de la captura de experiencias emocionales y su asociación con los valores materialistas, la aprobación de los compañeros y la imagen de sí mismo. Los resultados presentan una perspectiva cultural en la comprensión de las normas actuales de la toma de decisiones éticas y qué factores son relevantes como aspectos del estilo de vida de las opciones éticas y la toma de decisiones para las marcas de fitness entre los segmentos de mercado de los consumidores jóvenes. Se descubrió que la publicidad aspiracional de las marcas de fitness en Malasia está diseñada para crear la percepción de que las elecciones de consumo personal representan valores como la aprobación social y de los compañeros, con menos énfasis en los valores materialistas y la imagen corporal. Esto demuestra que la publicidad puede influir en algunos aspectos de las elecciones de consumo materialista y aspiracional, pero la presión de los compañeros y los valores culturales tienen fuertes implicaciones en el comportamiento de consumo de los jóvenes. Se sugieren algunas recomendaciones prácticas para que los profesionales del marketing y los investigadores del comportamiento del consumidor inviertan en optimizar el poder del marketing y la publicidad en las redes sociales.Este documento aborda as percepções dos jovens consumidores malaios e o comportamento do mercado através da publicidade para consumo aspiracional e estilo de vida. O objetivo é estudar o impacto da publicidade aspiracional sobre o materialismo, a aprovação dos pares, o sex appeal e a imagem corporal. A revisão da literatura utiliza teorias de marketing e sociais, enquanto os apelos da publicidade emocional serão discutidos através de uma análise de estudo de caso examinando como as propagandas de aptidão física na mídia digital e social da Malásia impactam as atitudes dos jovens em relação à aparência física e através da captura de experiências emocionais e sua associação com valores materialistas, aprovação de pares e auto-imagem. As descobertas apresentam uma perspectiva cultural na compreensão dos padrões atuais de tomada de decisão ética e que fatores são relevantes como aspectos de estilo de vida das escolhas éticas e tomada de decisão para marcas de fitness entre segmentos de mercado de consumo jovem. Descobriu-se que a publicidade aspiracional para marcas de fitness na Malásia é projetada para construir percepções de que as escolhas de consumo pessoal representam valores como a aprovação social e de pares, com menos ênfase nos valores materialistas e na imagem corporal. Isto demonstra que a publicidade pode influenciar alguns aspectos das escolhas de consumo materialistas e aspiracionais, mas a pressão dos pares e os valores culturais têm fortes implicações no comportamento de consumo dos jovens. Algumas recomendações práticas são sugeridas para que os profissionais de marketing e pesquisadores de comportamento do consumidor invistam, na otimização do poder do marketing e da publicidade nas mídias sociais
Typography Design’s New Trajectory Towards Visual Literacy for Digital Mediums
No full textTypographic elements have a huge impact on how designed mediums affect visual literacy. This paper reviews the principles, perspectives and approaches in the production and function of typographic design visual media (print and digital), with the aim to understand the relationship between typographic design on digital mediums, with the aim of examining its influence on people’s ability to communicate ideas, meaning and messages effectively, while reflecting on its commercial implications for brands and marketers. Research via survey and a focus group implied there is a positive association between literacy and the application of graphic design and typography on digital communication mediums. Findings revealed that type design complements textual word elements to enhance cognition and understanding of messages. The integration of visual and texts facilitates reading, and for digital mediums, both legible layout and engaging typefaces are equally crucial. Graphic typeface for digital media, from smartphones to e-texts for learning, should apply visual hierarchy arrangement to achieve these objectives. Findings show typographic design is an essential aspect of social communication today, and digital designers play a fundamental role to enable audiences to improve their economic and social participation and gain its full advantages
Feeling Fit and Looking Good: The Impact of Materialism, Peer Approval and Sex Appeal on Youth Consumer Perceptions towards Fitness Studio Advertising
No full textThis paper addresses young Malaysian consumers’ perceptions and marketplace behaviour through advertising for aspirational and lifestyle consumption. The aim is to study the impact of aspirational advertising on materialism, peer approval, sex appeal, and body image. The literature review uses marketing and social theories, while the appeals of emotional advertising will be discussed through a case study analysis examining how Malaysian fitness advertisements on digital and social media impact youth attitudes towards physical appearance and through capturing emotional experiences and their association with materialistic values, peer approval and self-image. Findings present a cultural perspective in understanding the current standards of ethical decision-making and what factors are relevant as lifestyle aspects of ethical choices and decision-making for fitness brands among youth consumer market segments. It was found that aspirational advertising for fitness brands in Malaysia is designed to build perceptions that personal consumption choices represent values such as social and peer approval, with less emphasis on materialistic values and body image. This demonstrates that advertising may influence some aspects of materialist, aspirational consumption choices, but peer pressure and cultural values have strong implications on youth consumption behaviour. Some practical recommendations are suggested for marketing practitioners and consumer behaviour researchers to invest, in optimising the power of social media marketing and advertising.Este documento aborda as percepções dos jovens consumidores malaios e o comportamento do mercado através da publicidade para consumo aspiracional e estilo de vida. O objetivo é estudar o impacto da publicidade aspiracional sobre o materialismo, a aprovação dos pares, o sex appeal e a imagem corporal. A revisão da literatura utiliza teorias de marketing e sociais, enquanto os apelos da publicidade emocional serão discutidos através de uma análise de estudo de caso examinando como as propagandas de aptidão física na mídia digital e social da Malásia impactam as atitudes dos jovens em relação à aparência física e através da captura de experiências emocionais e sua associação com valores materialistas, aprovação de pares e auto-imagem. As descobertas apresentam uma perspectiva cultural na compreensão dos padrões atuais de tomada de decisão ética e que fatores são relevantes como aspectos de estilo de vida das escolhas éticas e tomada de decisão para marcas de fitness entre segmentos de mercado de consumo jovem. Descobriu-se que a publicidade aspiracional para marcas de fitness na Malásia é projetada para construir percepções de que as escolhas de consumo pessoal representam valores como a aprovação social e de pares, com menos ênfase nos valores materialistas e na imagem corporal. Isto demonstra que a publicidade pode influenciar alguns aspectos das escolhas de consumo materialistas e aspiracionais, mas a pressão dos pares e os valores culturais têm fortes implicações no comportamento de consumo dos jovens. Algumas recomendações práticas são sugeridas para que os profissionais de marketing e pesquisadores de comportamento do consumidor invistam, na otimização do poder do marketing e da publicidade nas mídias sociais.Este trabajo aborda las percepciones y el comportamiento en el mercado de los jóvenes consumidores malayos a través de la publicidad de consumo aspiracional y de estilo de vida. El objetivo es estudiar el impacto de la publicidad aspiracional en el materialismo, la aprobación de los compañeros, el atractivo sexual y la imagen corporal. La revisión de la literatura utiliza teorías de marketing y sociales, mientras que los atractivos de la publicidad emocional se discutirán a través de un análisis de caso que examina cómo los anuncios de fitness de Malasia en los medios digitales y sociales impactan en las actitudes de los jóvenes hacia la apariencia física y a través de la captura de experiencias emocionales y su asociación con los valores materialistas, la aprobación de los compañeros y la imagen de sí mismo. Los resultados presentan una perspectiva cultural en la comprensión de las normas actuales de la toma de decisiones éticas y qué factores son relevantes como aspectos del estilo de vida de las opciones éticas y la toma de decisiones para las marcas de fitness entre los segmentos de mercado de los consumidores jóvenes. Se descubrió que la publicidad aspiracional de las marcas de fitness en Malasia está diseñada para crear la percepción de que las elecciones de consumo personal representan valores como la aprobación social y de los compañeros, con menos énfasis en los valores materialistas y la imagen corporal. Esto demuestra que la publicidad puede influir en algunos aspectos de las elecciones de consumo materialista y aspiracional, pero la presión de los compañeros y los valores culturales tienen fuertes implicaciones en el comportamiento de consumo de los jóvenes. Se sugieren algunas recomendaciones prácticas para que los profesionales del marketing y los investigadores del comportamiento del consumidor inviertan en optimizar el poder del marketing y la publicidad en las redes sociales
Visual Communication and Design’s Role Drives Branding Innovation and Social Responsibility
No full textIn this paper, the aim of research is to analyse the theoretical principles of traditional and newer forms of branding design, and to review the visual communicator’s roles as constructed through traditional, social and postmodernist perspectives. Where designers traditionally direct their course in the branding process to solving clients’ problems through the production of symbolic icons and images, this study will place their responsibility towards understanding society’s attitudinal and behavioural change at the forefront. This paper uses case study and qualitative inquiry methods to challenge the design fraternity to see beyond the bread-and-butter work behind conceptual design development, and to find a stronger relational understanding between their life experiences, changing consumer perceptions of the world, and businesses’ ultimate goals of profit. Research shows that as the dynamics of ethical business and social purpose continue to affect the production and consumption of goods, the visual communicator’s role is to both define and empower cultural consumption as the core brand purpose of today’s organisations - five decades since Ken Garland’s manifesto; “First Things First” was proclaimed. Lastly, it shall be argued for every designer to evaluate their social responsibility in the branding execution of marketed consumer brands beyond symbolic meaning construction.
Keywords: design; postmodern branding; social innovation; social purpose
Design Emotion: Brand Images Enhance Social Value, Inspire Change and Intensify Social Transformation
No full textBrand images spanning a myriad of business applications in advertising, branding and marketing activities have surpassed functional, commercial and financial considerations. Brand image-makers and marketers foray into broader discussions to demonstrate brands’ inherent value and position as an emotional element of personal consumption and social interactions. This study seeks to understand the connection between the multitudes of conjured and perceived brand images and their unique capabilities to engage with specific consumers. Gathering survey data from the Malaysian urban consumer segment, this study aims to gain insight into emerging marketing literature, which attests to the emotional and social roles of brand image. Results reveal consumers’ increased awareness and perception of today’s successfully marketed brands, and a positive image emerges when brands visibly demonstrate target consumer engagement with emotional benefits, ideas that inspire social change and intensify social transformation. Social experiences with brands are a leading factor in enhancing marketing management strategies today, as businesses have greater opportunities to address, contribute to, and facilitate relevant social conversations through salient brand images
