Spatial Design ll /Weekly learning
Spatial Design ll / Weekly learning
Starting from 12.20244.2025 -8.2025 / Week 1 - Week 14
Ge Xianjing / 0377636
Spatial Design ll / Interactive Space Design
Course Framework, Objectives, and Requirements
• Course Positioning
Focusing on inclusive spaces and external environment design, this course emphasizes equitable learning and experience environments.
→ I learned that spatial design should be both functional and emotionally inclusive.
• Module Learning Objectives (MLO)
Master critical design processes, creative problem-solving, digital visualization, and teamwork.
→ For me, “narrating through design” and “conveying logic via digital tools” are key.
• Assessment Structure
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Case Study: 20%
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User Research: 30%
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Final Retail Design: 40%
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Portfolio: 10%
→ Reminded me to document ideas and iterations promptly to avoid rework.
• Core Themes
Includes retail entertainment, narrative environment, user portrait, and multi-sensory design.
→ I now see space as a story with a beginning, climax, and end.
Week 1: Course Introduction & Learning Planning (Focusing on Inner Exploration)
Class Material: MODULE INFORMATION BOOKLET
This week, by reviewing the syllabus, I understoo
d that Spatial Design II emphasizes "narrative environments" and "user experience"—design is not just about visuals, but about guiding and expressing the inner world of people. The course centers around inclusive and experiential spaces, encouraging the design of emotionally resonant environments that respond to users' diverse needs.
Learning Outcomes:
The MLOs include mastering critical design processes, creative problem-solving, digital visualization, and teamwork. For me, the most important part is learning to “narrate through design” and communicate spatial logic through digital tools—skills that will guide my retail store concept and layout presentations.
Design Insight:
Gentle Monster's branding (e.g., London’s “future biology” and TRX’s “bionic installations”) is a perfect example of using space to trigger curiosity. Their method of contrasting natural and metallic materials gave me direction: I plan to symbolically reflect emotional states using textures—steel for inner restraint, soft textiles for emotional expression.
Week 2: Interactive Space Design & Case Study (Understanding User Interaction Needs)
Class Material: Assignment 1 Brief + Week 2 Tutorial Note
After analyzing Gentle Monster’s stores (London & KL), I realized that while their interactive installations grab attention, user feedback (83.3% favoring art installations, 56.7% wanting digital screens) suggests interaction should evoke inner emotion, not just visual impact.
Survey Insights & Design Direction:
Users want engagement and resonance—they don’t just want to “see,” but to “feel” and “express.” Based on this, I plan to add emotion-sensitive installations, like pressure-responsive walls that project flowing lights when touched—turning emotions into spatial expressions.
Design Tools Learned:
The Precedent Study framework taught me to analyze spaces systematically: from layout, material, lighting, color, brand identity, tech integration, to user experience. Asking "why" behind each design choice enhances my critical thinking—e.g., mirrors aren't just decorative but spatially expansive.
Assignment 1: Precedent Study and Analysis (20%)
Week 3: Retail Entertainment Design (From Experience to Emotional Resonance)
Class Material: Narrative Environment + Storytelling Techniques
This week emphasized the shift from consumer to participant. Gentle Monster’s theatrical installations awaken exploration, but survey data (70% like artistic atmospheres, 53.3% want futuristic tech) shows users seek themed and immersive emotional release.
Design Response:
I plan to create a themed emotional path: dark, minimalist entrances to evoke "the unknown," mid-zones with warm light to represent “emotional opening,” and interactive installations in the core that visually externalize feelings.
Key Techniques Applied:
Storytelling via space (using material changes to suggest plot), hidden clues (e.g., ground patterns guiding movement), and reactive environments (light/sound changes based on user interaction) will form the basis of my spatial narrative.
Courseware on Narrative Environment
Designing Stories Through Space
• Core Concept
Narrative environment = space + story + technology + art
→ I now understand a space should function as a “silent narrative” to engage users.
• Key Strategies
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Environmental Narrative: Space implies progression
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Hidden Clues: Details lead exploration
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Reactive Environment: Changes with user behavior
• Application Plan
Replace traditional zoning with emotional circulation:
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Entry = “unknown” (dark, minimal)
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Middle = “openness” (bright)
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Core = interactive emotional device
→ Fully applies “space as narrative” concept.
Week 4: Narrative Environmental Design (Telling Stories Through Space)
Class Material: Narrative Environment + Assignment 1 Brief
This week I learned the importance of emotional rhythm in spatial sequences. Gentle Monster’s linear layouts inspired me, but users want a balance of “guided” and “open” paths (66.7% vs 33.3%).
Design Application:
I’ll apply “implicit storytelling cues”: flooring shifts from concrete to wood to imply emotional transformation, fragmented mirrors symbolize internal diversity, and “story tags” (QR codes) offer deeper meanings.
Week 5: Assignment 1 Presentation & Feedback (Refining Emotional Details)
Class Material: Assignment 1 Feedback Notes
Feedback emphasized that while metal adds a futuristic feel, it risks detachment. Survey data (35.7% prefer warm tones vs 31% cold metallics) confirmed the need for material-emotion contrast.
Material Strategy:
Use steel and concrete in “suppressed zones,” reclaimed wood and soft fabrics in “release areas,” and balance with greenery and warm lighting in the rest zone, directly responding to 53.3% of users asking for it.
From User Insights to Concept Generation
• Assignment Objectives
Use user data (questionnaires, interviews) to build functional art installations.
→ Taught me to design from actual user needs instead of pure imagination.
• Core Tasks
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User research
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Persona & journey map
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Concept ideation using recycled materials & multi-sensory interaction
• My Takeaway
Strictly follow research → insight → concept pipeline.
→ E.g., questionnaire shows users want clear zoning + interactivity → must include both.
Week 6: User Persona & UX Design (Defining the Inner Explorer)
Class Material: Assignment 2 Brief + User Persona Workshop
From my 30-person survey, I identified core users: 56.7% are students aged 18–25, 54.8% are in creative industries. Their summarized needs: “Free exploration in artistic spaces, interactive emotional expression, and emotional security through details.”
Persona Application:
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Zoe (content creator): wants photo zones and emotion-themed selfies
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Darren (efficient shopper): values clear signage and fast navigation
Design Response:
Emotion selfie wall with dynamic projections, 360° mirrors, tunable lighting (cool/warm/natural), and interactive product screens with brand stories.
Week 7: User Journey Map (Designing Emotional Flow)
Class Material: User Journey Mapping Workshop
Feedback revealed pain points: confusing layout, short interaction times, unfriendly lighting. I realized flow design needs to balance free exploration and emotional guidance.
Journey Optimization:
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Entry: emotion detector activates soft lights—signals start of inner journey.
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Exploration: floor material shifts separate areas, micro lighting guides movement.
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Interaction: core sculpture “Tethered Soul” with prolonged light changes for emotional expression.
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Fitting Zone: adjustable “emotion lights” (focus/relax modes), 360° mirrors.
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Exit: emotion message wall lets users leave their reflections—projected into ongoing visual chain.
Week 8: Sensory Narrative Techniques (Making Emotion Tangible)
Class Material: Mood Board & Experience Mapping
Narrative must involve all senses. Users desire visual (83.3%), tactile, and auditory engagement.
Multi-sensory Design:
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Visual: fragmented mirrors + dynamic projection (e.g., clouds = freedom, broken geometry = inner conflict)
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Tactile: temperature-responsive materials (cold to warm on touch)
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Auditory: nature sounds + low-frequency vibrations in the rest zone to guide emotions
• Emotional Keyword Translation
Turn abstract ideas (e.g., calm, curiosity) into form & material (e.g., rounded shapes, warm lights).
→ I now design emotional resonance through visual cues.
• Function + Emotion
Every functional zone must hold emotional value.
→ Rest zone = emotional relaxation, not just seating.
• Mood Board Use
Align visual direction through curated images, colors, and textures.
→ Unifies lighting/material/color toward the theme: “inner exploration & emotional release”.
Tutorial Note (Precedent Study Guide)
Practical Methods for Case Study
• Case Standards
Look for influential, innovative, and user-focused cases.
→ I now prioritize meaningful design stories over pure aesthetics.
• Research Methods
Separate primary (designer interviews) from secondary (reviews) data.
→ Helps me sort findings: background → space → material → interaction → experience.
• Critical Thinking Skills
Always ask “why” for each design decision.
→ Avoids empty aesthetics and promotes purposeful design.
Week 9: Concept Refinement & Prototype (Bringing Survey to Design)
Class Material: Assignment 2 Feedback + Public Installations Case Studies
Prototype “Tethered Soul” embodies functional-art design. Survey shows users want product displayed like art (90%) and categorically grouped (50%).
Prototype Features:
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Floating display platforms with spotlighting
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Emotional grouping: Calm Series / Passion Series
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Blinking mechanism becomes “breathing glow” responsive to sound
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Recycled acrylic mirrors for facial outline—evoking emotional fragmentation and sustainable design
Week 10–14: Final Retail Design Development
In the final weeks of the semester, Weeks 10 through 14 were fully dedicated to the development and refinement of the final retail store project. This included advanced 3D modeling, layout prototyping, material selections, lighting plans, and interactive system testing using Blender and digital tools. All major insights, diagrams, and design logic from this stage are documented and presented in the final Assignment 3 Blog, which consolidates the entire outcome of the project process.
https://gexianjing.blogspot.com/2025/07/spatial-design-ll-project-3.html
Courseware on Public Installations
How Installations Activate Space
• Core Value
Interactive installations transform passive space into active engagement.
→ Even small actions (e.g., touch-activated lighting) can reshape experience.
• Case Inspirations
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Follow the Scents: Guide movement via smell
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SeeAsaw: Upcycled nets promoting eco-awareness
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Nature Machine: Blend nature and technology
• Application Plan
In my store:
→ Use recycled lens materials for interaction
→ Add woody scent to evoke calm
→ Design multi-sensory installations to trigger emotional immersion
Summary: From User Desires to Spatial Actions
Core Insight from Survey:
Users desire a space to freely explore their emotions, interact meaningfully, and feel emotionally supported through details—an artistic yet functional environment.
My Design Framework:
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Thematic Anchor: Emotions & exploration via light, material contrasts, and responsive interactions.
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Functional Execution: Emotion-based zones, tunable sensory tools, and artful product display.
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Technical Feasibility: Using low-cost but high-resonance methods like light-sound response and tactile material transitions to ensure authenticity and feasibility.
These documents and lessons provided a complete methodology—from theory to user research to design tools—that guided my retail design concept step by step.
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