WEEK 1
BACK TO SCHOOL
INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY IN CLASS
School has officially started again, and as a part of our introductory activity, we each made a mind map with a brief overview of our current topic. Viewing my mind map, you can see the importance of accessibility in design, hence why this will be one of my main focus points.
Mind map. The pink stickers indicate what my peers think is interesting about my topic.
Using this information, I can get an overview of what aspects of my project might pique the interest of someone with a different perspective from mine.
“Exploring the creation of design tools can assist designers in gaining a deeper understanding of visual impairments and promote empathy in design.”
Change of Topic?
In all honesty, the selection of my research topic was rushed. I opted for a disability-related topic due to prior exposure to it during my interdisciplinary project back in January. Now, I find it less interesting and wish to explore other topics, which I believe I would enjoy more.
My new idea is the kidcore aesthetic – the trend that’s taking Gen Z back to their childhood. Why do I find it interesting? During my internship at SMRT, I worked on this topic for my art installation, Our Playful Garden, at Woodlands MRT Station. Not specifically kidcore, but the notion of childhood nostalgia. I aimed to further research this trend out of curiosity about its underlying reasons. I encountered an article explaining that the phenomenon of “kidcore” is associated with age regression, which occurs when individuals mentally revert to a younger mindset as a coping mechanism, often triggered by trauma, mental health challenges, or the need to temporarily escape adult responsibilities and stressors.
During childhood, we yearned for the freedom of adulthood without fully understanding its actual cost. Now, as adults, we want nothing more than to escape it because we spent so long trying to act grown up in a way. We find ourselves missing the innocence and carefree nature of our lost childhood, which we didn’t fully appreciate during this period of time.
1.
Do people turn to kidcore as a coping mechanism?
2.
Is it a form of escapism rooted in childhood nostalgia?
3.
What drives people to experience nostalgia for their childhood?
PREPARING FOR NEXT WEEK'S PRESENTATION
As of now, I feel that I have a firm grasp on all the necessary details Andreas provided us in the presentation template. My current project statement is self-explanatory and doesn’t require much refinement at this stage, as I will present what I researched during summer break.
WEEKLY ROUNDUP
I didn’t do much research on visual impairments this week since I expect myself to work more on my new topic. To be honest, I feel both relieved and anxious. Relieved because I find Kidcore to pique my interest more, but anxious because it shows that I would rather work with something I like instead of challenging myself with working for a community to improve their future. Changing topics also contradicts what I wrote was my talents in the slides: Being empathic and patient.
