Week 17 - 18 | MA Data Visualisation Term 2

This week marked a dynamic phase in our collaborative design project. We participated in two key workshops—one led by Priti Pandurangan and another focusing on Patreon-supported creative practice—which provided valuable insights into audience engagement, platform-based storytelling, and the role of community in sustaining independent design work. These sessions prompted us to consider not only how our work is produced, but also how it is received and contextualised within broader cultural frameworks.

In parallel, we began filming a short video to document and present our group project, which revolves around the theme “Yuck and Yum”—an exploration of food taboos, preferences, and controversies across different cultural contexts. Our design concept investigates how sensory perception and cultural norms shape attitudes toward certain foods, including jelly eels, durian, and Vegemite. These items serve as case studies to challenge assumptions about taste, disgust, and acceptance, and to prompt reflection on how culinary identity is socially constructed.

Following the video production, we have moved into the final stages of the project: developing the book design and conducting data analysis. Our aim is to synthesise visual storytelling, statistical insights, and cultural commentary into a cohesive, engaging publication. This stage has required us to balance visual experimentation with analytical clarity, and to remain attentive to how design choices can either reinforce or subvert cultural bias.

Overall, this week’s activities not only advanced the practical aspects of our project but also deepened our understanding of cross-cultural communication, collaborative authorship, and the narrative potential of data in shaping public discourse.

Trip to Birmingham

My recent one-day visit to Birmingham was a compact yet insightful experience, i going for visit the my best friend who study in BCU, and planned a travel to combining urban exploration with nature. The journey included walks through the city centre, a visit to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG), and a peaceful afternoon in Sutton Park.

The city centre showcased a striking blend of industrial heritage and modern architecture. Landmarks such as the Birmingham Town Hall and the Library of Birmingham illustrated how the city balances preservation and development. These contrasts deepened my understanding of urban transformation.

At BMAG, the collection of Pre-Raphaelite art and exhibits on industrial history revealed Birmingham’s cultural and economic legacy. I appreciated the museum’s ability to connect local narratives with broader global themes.

Later, Sutton Park offered a refreshing escape into nature. Its expansive green space highlighted the role of urban parks in supporting mental well-being and sustainable city living.

Overall, the trip offered a multidimensional view of Birmingham, reinforcing the value of integrating cultural heritage and ecological thinking in urban design—a perspective that continues to inform my creative practice.