Design Research Methodology Task 4: Research Reflection Report

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 24.04.2025 - 30.07.2025 (Week 1 - Week 15)

Kiew Ting Yi (Nicole) / 0361143 / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Design Research Methodology
Task 4: Research Reflection Report 

Table of Contents:

1. Instructions
2. Task 4: Research Reflection Report and Recorded Presentation
3. Feedbacks
4. Reflection

INSTRUCTIONS

TASK 4: RESEARCH REFLECTION REPORT

PRESENTATION DECK

RECORDED PRESENTATION

REFLECTIONS

EXPERIENCES
Working on this research was one of the most eye-opening parts of my academic journey so far. I’ve always been fascinated by design, especially how culture influences the way we interact with apps, but I never really paused to think about how deep that influence runs until I started this study. Creating the survey was both fun and challenging. I wanted the questions to feel neutral yet meaningful, particularly since I was comparing both Western and Eastern design styles. Google Forms helped streamline the process, but getting enough responses from the right group of Southeast Asian users took more time and patience than I expected. Still, watching the responses come in felt incredibly rewarding. It felt like people were sharing a piece of their everyday digital experience with me.


OBSERVATION
While analyzing the responses, one thing really stood out. People care deeply about clarity and ease when it comes to user interface design. Minimalist layouts, often linked to Western styles, were clearly preferred for their clean look and straightforward navigation. At the same time, many users also appreciated colorful visuals and traditional decorative elements. It wasn’t a matter of choosing one over the other. Instead, it seemed that users wanted a mix of both: the functionality and simplicity of minimalism, combined with cultural elements that make the experience feel more personal and relatable. Another thing I noticed was how many respondents were aware of whether an app felt more "Western" or "Eastern" in its design. Design choices don’t go unnoticed. Users sense when something reflects their culture, or when it doesn’t.


FINDINGS
What I took away from this research is that people in Southeast Asia are looking for apps that do more than just work well. They want designs that feel familiar, represent their local culture, and make the experience more meaningful. This is about more than just visual style. It’s about identity, connection, and representation. The fact that many users viewed most of their apps as leaning Western shows there is a missed opportunity to include more cultural relevance in mobile UI design. As a design student, this project reminded me that design is never just about looks. It’s about telling stories and creating connections that feel authentic to the people who use what we create.

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