Design Research Methodology / Task 4: Research Reflection Report and Recorded Presentation

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23/9/2024--06/1/2025 (W1-W14)

LIU YITONG (0370907)

Design Research Methodology / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Task 4: Research Reflection Report and Recorded Presentation 

INSTRUCTURE

TASK

Link to video presentation: https://youtu.be/ZxHL6av5HuE

FEEDBACK

REFLECTION
Experience
Conducting this research on cultural symbolism in game character design has been an eye-opening journey, but not without its challenges. One of the most demanding parts of the process was finding 88 participants for the survey. Reaching out to people through professional networks, social media, and game development forums took far more time and effort than anticipated. Many potential participants were enthusiastic but hesitant to commit, and I had to follow up multiple times. This taught me persistence and the importance of clear communication when recruiting participants for research. On the brighter side, it was rewarding to see how willing designers and players were to share their perspectives once they agreed to participate. Their insights enriched the study and reinforced the importance of this topic in modern game design.

Observations
Throughout the project, one striking observation was the diversity of opinions among participants regarding cultural symbolism. Game designers often highlighted the technical and creative challenges of integrating authentic cultural elements, such as the lack of structured frameworks and fear of misrepresentation. On the other hand, players frequently emphasized their emotional connection to well-designed characters that reflect cultural depth, pointing to games like Boma Naraka Sura as great examples. It was also clear that superficial cultural representation, while visually appealing, often left players feeling disconnected. These observations underscored the gap between player expectations and current industry practices, which could be bridged with better interdisciplinary collaboration.

Findings
The findings from this study were both validating and revealing. Players consistently rated traditional cultural elements and accurate gestures as "significant" or "very significant" to their gaming experience, which confirms that authenticity matters. The survey also revealed a strong correlation between cultural symbolism and emotional connection, showing that authentic representation is not just an aesthetic choice but a factor in enhancing player satisfaction and engagement. Moreover, games like Boma Naraka Sura, praised for their use of transmedia storytelling, stood out as examples of how cultural depth can enrich the narrative and gameplay experience.
Finally, the research highlighted a pressing need for frameworks and collaboration between game developers and cultural experts. While challenges like superficial representation and a lack of depth in storytelling persist, the responses and data collected made it clear that players value and appreciate cultural authenticity. This reflection has deepened my understanding of the interplay between culture and game design, inspiring me to advocate for more meaningful cultural integration in future projects.


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