09/17/2024-09/21/2024

Over the past few days, our focus has been mostly on the project. After discovering that the pomelo material could be molded around objects, we experimented with shaping it into a bowl and creating a larger sheet of pomelo paper. However, we quickly realized that making pomelo paper is quite labor-intensive. This led us to the conclusion that we needed a strong justification for using pomelo paper instead of regular paper—it couldn't simply be a direct substitute. This realization left us a bit stuck, as we struggled to come up with a unique purpose for it. We ended up overcomplicating things, brainstorming ideas around wellness products, intricate lamp designs, and trying to attach additional meaning where there wasn’t any. We even considered shaping the paper into a flower-like form due to its organic texture, but that approach felt limiting and didn’t take us far.

Eventually, we drew inspiration from the fact that pomelo is traditionally given during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a tradition that is slowly fading. This led us to the idea of reimagining the pomelo as a gift for the festival, breathing new life into old customs. The challenge with this, however, was that it didn’t align with the project prompt, which required a product that could sell in U.S. markets. This sparked the idea of blending our earlier wellness concept with the festival tradition. We decided to create a lamp that users could personalize by painting it with naturally-colored essential oils, which would not only emit a pleasant scent but also promote relaxation through the process. Once we had this idea, designing a simple yet elegant lamp shape became much easier, and we felt like we had finally found a direction that could work both culturally and commercially.

One of the days, we had a lecture on the metaverse. While the lecture itself was interesting, I was so exhausted from all the brainstorming the night before, and with the project weighing heavily on my mind, I found it difficult to concentrate. By the time we finished the lecture and grabbed lunch, we couldn’t really start working on our project until mid-afternoon. I felt the same way the following day after another group brainstorming session. We had a fun excursion making matcha and crafting traditional Taiwanese paper ornaments, but the project deadline was still looming over us. Since we left the university for this part of the program and still needed to fit in the critique session, we didn’t start working until around 4 p.m. This led to another late night, as we had to stay up finishing everything. I focused on the presentation while my design classmates handled the lamp construction since they were much more efficient at it than I was. By a certain point, though, my brain just stopped working. I spent about an hour blankly staring at my screen, trying to push through, but getting nowhere. Finally, I decided to take a break and walk around outside, which helped me reset. We managed to complete both the project and the presentation just in time. Honestly, I'm really happy with how it all turned out. The lamp looks amazing, the poster is even better, and I’m proud of all the hard work we put into it. Great work, guys!

09/13/2024-09/16/2024

 09/13/2024: Today we presented our early project concepts. While we were leaning towards using pomelo skin, we also had a few backup ideas in case it didn’t pan out. These included a chair attachment for holding bags, a bag with a recycled shoe sole from hotel slippers as the base, and a light display made from reused plastic bottles. The feedback we received was really helpful, and afterward, we brainstormed additional ways to work with the pomelo skin while refining our existing ideas into something more concrete.

Later, we decided to dive into experimenting with making paper from pomelo. We blended up some pomelo and created three different small sheets: one with both the pith and the peel, one with just the pith, and one combining the pith with ripped-up paper. I’ve never done this kind of self-guided experimentation before, and I really enjoyed it. The process itself, however, looked pretty gross, especially in the photos. To mix the shredded paper with the pith, we soaked the paper in water and broke it apart by hand, which was an unpleasant texture that’s now seared into my memory. In the end, we produced three sheets that we’ll leave to dry over the next few days. The sheet with the added paper seems the most promising—it’s drying well and feels the most like actual paper. The one with the peel seems a bit too watery, so I’m not too confident about that one, especially with its odd green color. We’ll let them dry and see how they turn out, but if needed, we might mix in some rice glue to give the material more structure. Even if this experiment doesn’t work, we still have our backup ideas to fall back on. I've had so much fun during this process — the thrill of experimentation, with completely unknown results, was exciting. We’re literally creating a new material, which is not something I ever expected to be doing.

09/14/2024: Today we took a boat trip through Taijiang National Park, and it was great! We got to see firsthand how they catch fish, which was something I hadn’t known much about before. We even had the chance to pull up some of the fishing nets and hold a small fish, which was pretty cool. The boat ride itself was relaxing, and I’ve always enjoyed visiting national parks—it’s amazing to witness what nature is capable of.

After, we visited Anping Old Street, a place steeped in history. Even though I’m not very familiar with the area’s background, it was fascinating to walk through such an old and lively market, situated on this small peninsula right next to the national park. It made me wonder what this area was like 300 years ago. This street has definitely been here for centuries, and I can’t help but think about how much has changed since then. As much as society progresses, our cultural roots evolve more slowly, retaining their traditional elements. Anping really got me reflecting on history and the people who have shaped who we are today. These thoughts deepened at the Anping Tree House, which was more like a house completely overtaken by trees rather than a tree house in the traditional sense. Even though the building is only 100 years old, the trees have overgrown it, transforming it into something almost unrecognizable to what it once was. It’s wild to think about how much can change in just a century.

09/15/2024: Today I was feeling really tired, so I decided to take it easy and enjoy some much-needed "me" time. I didn’t do much, but it was refreshing to just relax and recharge. I really appreciated having the break.

09/16/2024: Today we finally got to see the results of our paper experiment! As expected, the green one didn’t turn out well; it shriveled up and had holes in it. Surprisingly, the one mixed with paper developed some brown spots and has an odd smell, kind of like feet for some reason. The best result was the one made from just the pomelo pith; it actually has a papery texture, better colour, and doesn’t smell too bad. I’m really happy we were able to create something that resembles paper this closely. The only downside is that, because we blended it, it tears way too easily. We came up with an idea to improve its strength by brushing a layer of rice glue over the pith-only paper and letting it dry. It’s currently in my room, though I want to wait until we meet with the group to test its durability. We're also trying to mold it by wrapping it around a cup, to see if it can be shaped around objects. This will help us figure out what kinds of things we can create with it.

09/10/2024-09/12/2024

 09/10/2024: Today we had a very productive brainstorming session. We came up with a wide range of ideas and grouped them into categories, from trash cans to jewelry to chairs. While we were brainstorming, we were given a pomelo to snack on. One of my groupmates cut it open in an unusual way, and we ended up playing around with it for a bit. Someone joked that we should make the pomelo our project, and that’s when we noticed the pith had a soft, almost paper-like texture. This sparked the idea to dry out the pomelo pith and create something from it. We decided to continue exploring other ideas in case this didn’t work out, but as the skin dried, it started feeling even more like paper. After doing some research, I found that people have successfully made paper from pomelo skin before, so I’m feeling optimistic. Even if the pomelo skin doesn’t end up being our final project for the program, I think it could make for an interesting side project I’d like to pursue.

09/11/2024: Today, we made our way to Taichung, stopping at several places along the journey. One of the highlights was visiting a tea museum where they explained the intricate tea-making process. Normally, I’m not the biggest fan of drinking straight tea—I tend to prefer it with milk or sugar—but today gave me a newfound appreciation for the drink. We got to sample a variety of teas, and for the first time, I could really distinguish between the different flavor profiles. One had a deeper richness compared to the others, while another had a distinctly floral and fruity taste. It’s interesting because when I usually drink tea, I don’t give much thought to these subtleties, but with the explanations provided, it became much clearer. I started thinking about tea in a way I never had before, appreciating not only the taste but also the craftsmanship that goes into producing it.

We also visited a bamboo workshop and factory, where we got to see how bamboo is turned into various products. Watching the process unfold, from raw bamboo to finished goods, really highlighted how sustainable this material is. Bamboo is fast-growing and eco-friendly, which makes it an excellent resource for creating durable products. I found it fascinating to observe the artisans at work, and I couldn't resist buying something for myself – a beautifully crafted mug made from recycled bamboo materials. However, this experience also made me think more deeply about consumerism. Even though the items were made from recycled or sustainable materials, I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact that, at the end of the day, I was still contributing to consumption. No matter how eco-friendly the process, products inevitably lead to waste at some point. I started to wonder what happens when the mug I bought breaks or is no longer useful. Can it be recycled or repurposed again, or will it eventually just add to the growing problem of waste? This thought brought me back to some of my thoughts from earlier in the week, when I was reflecting on the same question.

09/12/2024: The highlight of today was visiting the bamboo workshop and making our own bamboo mug or vase. We spent three hours working on this, carefully weaving everything by hand. It took a lot of time to create something so small and intricate, and while it took us longer since we’re amateurs, this process still requires a lot of time and skill even for more experienced artisans, especially when making larger products. Despite the challenge, it was a really enjoyable and relaxing experience. I loved having the chance to work with my hands, particularly since I didn’t get to do much of that in our last project. The more hands-on workshops we do, the more I find myself gaining a deeper appreciation for the artisans who dedicate themselves to mastering these crafts. It’s clear that this work requires immense skill and patience, and I have a lot of respect for those who do it every day.

09/07/2024-09/09/2024

09/07/2024: Today, we took the train from Taipei to Tainan to begin the next part of the program. Tainan is famous for its food, so I'm really excited to try everything. The city is known for xiaochi, small plates that let you sample a variety of dishes. We also met the students from NCKU for the first time and exchanged information about our campuses and personal backgrounds. My mother's side of the family is from Thailand, so I immediately felt a connection with the two Thai students. It’s fascinating how simply being from the same place and sharing a culture can create such a bond. Since there aren’t as many Thai people living outside of Thailand compared to other nationalities, it fosters a special sense of connection. This connection goes beyond the surface—there’s a deeper cultural understanding, and even shared values. Even though only half of my family is from Thailand, I was raised with Thai culture and values, which makes this bond feel even stronger.

09/08/2024: Today was a free day, so I decided to make the most of it. I visited a nearby capybara café, where I got to pet some capybaras. These animals are super popular in Taiwan and other East Asian countries, so it was fun to finally see one up close. I’m curious about why their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, given that they’ve been around for a long time and haven’t changed much. After the café, we headed to Shennong Street, known for its vintage stores and outdoor market. The vintage shops were interesting, though many featured American items, and one even had a large American flag on the wall. It made me wonder if, just as Japan and Korea are considered "cool" in the U.S., something similar is happening with American culture here. There were plenty of references to American pop culture, including a section filled with Rick and Morty figures. The market area had plenty of restaurants and food stalls, so I made sure to try something. I’ve noticed that the places with a crowd and a slightly "sketchy" look tend to have the best food, which is quite unlike how it is in the USA (besides the crowd). I still can't stop thinking about the boba I had at the Ningxia Night Market—it was leagues better than any boba I’ve had before. I tried some boba again today, but nothing has come close to that experience. The tapioca pearls at Ningxia were so fresh you could taste it. We got caught in a heavy rainstorm, which was interesting because the rain here is very different from what I’m used to back in the States. It falls much harder but stops after a relatively short time. I’ve noticed that people tend to clear the streets quickly, even when the rain doesn’t seem too bad at first, as that often means that heavy rains are about to come.

09/09/2024: Today we had a lecture on cultural differences, which I found really interesting. We discussed how culture has different levels, similar to an iceberg, with the obvious, taught aspects at the surface and the more subtle, implicit ones below. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it, but it’s not something we typically consider when discussing culture. It made me reflect on my own experiences. Growing up in a multicultural household and in a different cultural environment, my values and identity are a blend of all these influences. It’s fascinating how culture can merge in unique ways depending on your family and surroundings, especially when it comes to the deeper, less visible parts of culture. Later, we went to an indigo fabric dyeing workshop. The woman leading it was clearly a master of her craft, and it was an honor to learn from someone with so much experience. You could tell she’s spent years perfecting her skills, which says a lot about the cultural significance of this type of craft. The dyeing process was really fun, and I think my piece turned out great—though it doesn’t smell the best! Still, it’s really cool to look at.

09/04/2024-09/06/2024

09/04/2024: Today, we visited the pottery museum. It was fascinating to see the traditional pottery made throughout Taiwan's history, though I was surprised by the number of toilets and urinals on display. It must take a significant amount of time and skill to master the craft of making a toilet, which isn’t something most people envision dedicating their career to. When kids talk about their future careers, they usually mention becoming a doctor, teacher, or writer, but rarely "artisanal toilet maker." I wonder what motivates someone to pursue this unique craft and how toilets were produced before industrialization. 

Afterward, we got to design our own mugs, which are currently being fired in a kiln. This experience gave me a whole new level of respect for ceramic artists—it was much harder than I expected to keep the lines even and choose the right colors, knowing they’ll become more vivid after firing. I attempted to create a sunset scene, but I’m not sure if the colors blended well. It was a relaxing experience and a nice break after being on my feet all of yesterday. The place where we did this produces a vast array of handmade pottery, which was incredible to see. Each piece was so intricate and beautifully detailed, meticulously crafted with care. It felt like the tradition was visible in each one, and I was truly amazed by the artistry in every piece.

Next, we visited DOT Design, where they showcased various products made from recycled materials. While Trash Kitchen had already given us a glimpse into creating modern items from plastic waste, DOT Design demonstrated a wider range of possibilities. They used a greater variety of materials, from plastic waste to old McDonald's crates and even pineapple leaves. It was interesting to learn that they keep their materials at 50% recycled and 50% new to balance costs and ensure stability. I had assumed that using waste materials would make the products cheaper, but I noticed in their shop that prices were still relatively high, even with the 50/50 ratio. One thing I forgot to ask was how recyclable their products would be in the future. The presenter mentioned that manufacturers should design with sustainability in mind, so I’m curious about the steps they take to ensure their own products can be recycled down the line.

Original lantern design idea

After this, we began brainstorming for our project. We had bought the materials yesterday, grabbing a few random items in the 30 minutes we had—choosing things that seemed interesting and unlike anything we’ve seen in the USA. This brainstorming session was challenging. We had bought several tubes and an intriguing rubber tile, but we got fixated on using the tile, which ended up limiting our ideas and making it difficult to settle on a project. We had to learn to stay flexible and not get stuck on one concept, in our case a lantern inspired by traditional Taiwanese red lanterns. Drawing inspiration from the DOT Design and Trash Kitchen workshops, as well as a traditional chair design, we decided to create a comfortable chair using recycled materials. Ironically, the final design didn’t even include the rubber tile we were so focused on earlier.

Chair project

09/05/2024: I biked to class today, which was a nice way to see more of Taipei, though the heat and unreliable navigation made it a bit challenging. Most of the day was spent preparing our product for the final presentation. While I would have preferred to do more hands-on building since that’s the fun part, as the only non-design student in the group, I took on the task of working on the presentation. I left the building to the design students, who clearly knew more about what they were doing. Although it wasn’t as immediately enjoyable for me, it helped the group work more efficiently, and I’m glad I could contribute in that way. We finished just before the deadline, and it was incredibly satisfying to see and hold the completed product. I'm so proud of what we accomplished, and this project brought me much closer to my groupmates.

Hakka rice noodles

09/06/2024: Today was a free day, so I decided to take a cooking class, which was great because it focused on traditional Hakka cuisine. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about a culture and its traditions that I previously knew little about, especially through conversations with the instructor. The class was small—just me and a friend from the program—so we were able to learn a lot from her. I also visited the Taipei 101 observation deck and spent some time wandering around the city, which was a nice way to explore the local architecture.

09/01/2024-09/03/2024

09/01/2024: Today, we arrived in Taiwan. I ended up on the same flight as eight other students from the program. Navigating our way together from the airport to our hotel in Taipei turned into a great bonding experience, as we all got to explore Taiwan for the first time as a group. The view from the train, with mountains rolling by, offered a breathtaking glimpse of the adventures that lie ahead. Once we arrived, we had a welcome dinner as a class. This was our first taste of traditional Taiwanese cuisine, and the family-style setting allowed us to share the meal in a way that's unique compared to individual portions. Family-style dining is very common in Taiwan, so sharing food with my classmates provided valuable cultural insight into the local way of life. I could even taste some of the influences from other cuisines which melded together to create something uniquely taiwanese. We finished the day by checking out the bustling Shilin night market, which had a lot more clothes and games shops than I expected. I am curious as to the reasoning for the abundance of said shops, though, especially since a lot of the games were the same with similar prizes but just in multiple locations. 

09/02/2024: Today was much more eventful as it was our first full day of class. We began with a tour of the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI) and learned about their mission. TDRI not only hosts design events and exhibitions but also integrates design into various aspects of life, such as the Taipei stadium, courtrooms, ships, and more. This highlighted how design is relevant in so many areas of life. I was particularly struck by how the projects seemed to revive the space, as evidenced by the photos in their presentations. The redesign of courtrooms stood out to me the most—they worked to make them more accessible to the general public, with accommodations for physical and mental disabilities. It’s fascinating how design can have such a significant impact on these areas. They also mentioned using generative AI to enhance the design process. As a computer science student with a strong interest in AI, this caught my attention as a potential application I hadn’t deeply considered before. 

Later, we visited the Trash Kitchen, a workshop that creates upscale items from recycled materials. This was definitely a highlight of my day, as I had never seen anything like it. The entire room was furnished with items made from recycled materials, from chairs made with recycled jeans to stylish sunglasses crafted from various pieces of plastic waste and even coffee. They focused on reusing these materials in a non-toxic way. We even got to make a pair of sunglasses, which made me wonder if there could be ways to make this process more accessible to the public beyond just workshops. If people could create their own unique items from recycled trash, it could lead to a reduction in overall waste. However, there’s also the possibility that interest might fade over time as people run out of ideas or lose enthusiasm.

09/03/2024: Today, we had a lecture from a professor at Shih Chien University that I found particularly fascinating. He showcased a variety of projects, including printing photos onto vases and designing shoes that can’t pass through certain magnetic barriers, along with other intriguing ideas. What stood out to me was how much his work is driven by personal interest, which is a refreshing approach. His talk emphasized the importance of being true to yourself in design, rather than trying to conform to predefined norms. It made me realize that even if the practical application of a creative project isn’t immediately clear, it can still have valuable real-world implications. And even if it doesn’t, you’re left with something cool and unique.

He also discussed how people from different backgrounds can view the same object in entirely different ways, highlighting how culture and upbringing shape our perceptions. This reinforced the importance of collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, as it brings perspectives you might not otherwise encounter. Learning about other cultures fosters mutual understanding while allowing us to maintain our unique viewpoints.

The other highlight of the day was exploring the Ningxia Night Market. This market offered more—and better—food options than the others I’ve visited, allowing us to experience a wide range of flavors. Wandering through the market felt like the city was revealing its culture to me, and I felt a deeper connection to Taipei than before. The food here carries a rich history, influenced by neighboring countries, and you can taste that history in every bite. Learning about food is one of the best ways to begin understanding a culture, as it’s a daily part of life and reflects the heritage of the people who came before.