At the beginning of this semester’s design studio, I felt a sense of uncertainty, as I had no prior experience in experience design. However, I chose to challenge myself and dive into it. Throughout the semester, I participated in an international online memory group project, contributed to the exhibition design and setup, and extended the group project into a personal video piece. These experiences not only enriched my design practice but also deepened my understanding of design methods, collaboration, and multimedia storytelling.

How my project demonstrates key methods, principles, and approaches.

In the international collaboration project, our team explored the abstract concept of “data.” Using a design thinking approach, we worked through phases of theme exploration, collaborative research, ideation, and video production. We referenced the work of artists and designers to better understand “data” as a sensory experience, combining sound, visuals, and digital technologies. Using headphones as a medium, we aimed to express the flow and perception of data. This taught me that design is not only about visual outcomes but also about interdisciplinary exploration and problem-solving.

Key moments and insights from the studio.

Collaborating with students from different countries was both a challenge and a breakthrough. Time zone differences and cultural barriers pushed me to improve my communication, planning, and spoken English. During the exhibition phase, I took on responsibilities such as testing poster and sticker printouts, learning how to use printers, and selecting materials. I also worked closely with team members from the promotion, event, and coordination groups. These collaborations taught me the importance of communication, resource management, and the integration of visual outcomes within a physical space.

What I learned from challenges and mistakes.

In the printing process, I encountered issues such as color inaccuracy and sizing problems. Through testing and iteration, I learned how materials affect visual presentation. During the video editing process for my personal project, I had to rework rhythm, music, and pacing several times, which taught me the value of refinement through feedback and trial-and-error.

Insights and understandings gained.

This studio experience revealed that design is an interdisciplinary practice that bridges theory and application, expression and interaction. I came to understand that impactful design connects emotionally with an audience and considers experience, not just appearance. I also realized that design is a process of ongoing collaboration and adaptability.

Influential ideas, theories, and practitioners.

Artists like Golan Levin and Ryoji Ikeda inspired me with their use of sound, data, and visuals in immersive and abstract ways. Their work demonstrated how data can be poetic and emotionally resonant, encouraging me to explore deeper meanings in experiential design.

What I now understand and how it affects my practice.

I now understand that successful design must balance concept, experience, and execution. As I continue developing my practice, I aim to focus more on teamwork, iterative feedback, and cross-media storytelling, to create works that are not only visually engaging but also intellectually and emotionally meaningful.

• Hinds P, Liu L and Lyon J (2011) ‘Putting the Global in Global Work: An Intercultural Lens on the Practice of Cross-National Collaboration’, The Academy of Management Annals, 5(1):135–188, doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/19416520.2011.586108.

• Gibson, C.B. & Gibbs, J.L. 2006, 'Unpacking the Concept of Virtuality: The Effects of Geographic Dispersion, Electronic Dependence, Dynamic Structure, and National Diversity on Team Innovation', Administrative Science Quarterly, vol. 51, no. 3, pp. 451–49