Loro Piana - FW26
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World of Ideas and Imaginations, Design Analysis — AY25.26 WOII
In Week 4, we were asked to bring three objects that we felt were thoughtfully made, handmade, or visually and materially engaging. This activity pushed me to look past an object’s basic function and pay closer attention to its texture, structure, and the intention behind its design. We extended this exploration during our field trip to New Bahru, where we searched for new objects that connected to and expanded on our original selections.
For this exercise, I chose objects that felt meaningful because of their handmade quality and material character. The crocheted dolls stood out as they clearly show the maker’s hand through their stitching, texture, and slight imperfections, which give each piece a sense of care and individuality. The yarn material also adds warmth and tactility, making the objects memorable beyond their visual appearance.
I also selected everyday items such as fabric pouches and small containers, which may seem simple but are well-crafted through their construction, durability, and thoughtful use of recyclable or reusable materials. Together, these objects reflect intention in both making and use, showing how design can be expressive, personal, and rooted in material choices rather than just function.
The first object stands out because of how it combines different materials to tell a story. I consider it well-crafted as it invites touch and close observation, rather than only being viewed from a distance. The layered use of materials such as mesh, embroidery, and small textured elements creates depth and turns the surface into a physical narrative. Instead of relying on images alone, the object uses texture and form to suggest ideas of nature, labour, and sustenance. This makes it memorable, as the materials themselves become part of the storytelling.
The second object focuses on structure and precision. Its repeated lines and patterns show a strong sense of control and careful making, whether done by hand or with digital assistance. The craft here lies in consistency and discipline, as small details come together to form a larger visual system. What makes this object interesting is how it plays with perception, encouraging the eye to move between fine details and overall shapes. It reflects a more systematic approach to craft, where beauty comes from order, balance, and repetition.
The third object highlights how delicate materials can be transformed into something strong and functional. The lanterns appear soft and gentle when lit, but their internal framework reveals the careful construction that supports them. This contrast between fragility and structure makes them materially engaging. They show that good craft is not always obvious at first glance and often relies on thoughtful engineering to achieve a simple and elegant outcome.
The final object, the collapsible bowls, represents a different type of craftsmanship rooted in modern design and everyday use. While they may seem ordinary, their material choice allows them to change form easily, shifting between flat and functional states. This adaptability makes them memorable and reflects a design approach focused on convenience, portability, and efficient use of space. The craft here lies in material innovation rather than decoration.
Overall, these objects demonstrate that craftsmanship can take many forms, from expressive handmade textures to precise patterns and innovative materials. What connects them is the intention behind their making—each object uses material and structure to communicate an idea, solve a problem, or create an experience. Together, they show how design is not just about appearance, but about how materials, form, and function work together to shape meaning and imagination.
Word count: 593 words
Cultural values: why Heritage Crafts is redefining ‘craft’
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WOII | Week 4 & 5: Design Analysis and Field Trip Reflection
In Week 4, our class focused on applying the Design Analysis Framework to a work of design. For the group activity, our group Jia Wen, Emma, Karen, and myself, analyzed personal objects, categorizing them by their usage and emotional significance. My object was a butter squishy, that I bought recently on impulse. This object, while functionally simple, offers a memorable and enjoyable emotional experience due it’s satisfying, soft texture, and realistic design. It does not have a strong functional purpose, but serves as a stress-relief object, showing that design can also be meaningful through emotional experience.
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ALTThe Week 5 field trip to New Bahru I documented a packaged butter displayed in a shop. It immediately reminded me of the butter squishy from our group activity because of it’s similar shape, color, and branding. Analyzing it’s design, the butter is functional food, but it’s packaging uses warm colors, vintage typography. This comparison between the real butter, and the toy version helped me see how design can move between function and symbolism.
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For the second part of this reflection, I focused on objects related to coffee culture, including ceramics (cups and straws, coffee machines, and various coffee products. My choice was driven by my daily routine of drinking coffee, making these items relevant to my lifestyle. Under the theme of consumption, these designs represent daily necessity for many people. Coffee can be essential for energy and routine, while ceramic cups are used to hold and drink it comfortably. Ceramic straws also serve a purpose as a reusable alternative to plastic or paper straws, showing how design can support sustainability.
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ALTThe ceramics demonstrate craftsmanship through shaping, firing, and glazing. Their texture and weight improve both function and aesthetic experience. The coffee machines reflect modern convenience, allowing users to recreate café culture at home.
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This reflection connects closely to The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman, which explains how everyday objects are designed to balance usability, emotion, and purpose. Like Norman suggests, even simple objects—whether a butter squishy or a coffee cup—shape our daily experiences.
Overall, I learned that design exists in both emotional and practical contexts, influencing how we live, consume, and interact with the world around us.
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References:
- Norman, Donald A. The Design of Everyday Things. Revised and expanded edition, Basic Books, 2013. https://dl.icdst.org/pdfs/files4/4bb8d08a9b309df7d86e62ec4056ceef.pdf
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My crochet doll of my OC Willow & all her clothes
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ALTI made her last year. And all the clothes I made is also from last year.
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We love the depth of figure in this custom Maple Blossom Banjo, only two made to date with this incredible color! This banjo is lovingly called the “Blurple Blossom”.
