Using Co-Design to Express Cultural Values and Create a Graphical Identity: A Case Study of Khon Kaen, Thailand

Abstract

Abstract-This paper outlines one of the significant design processes in my practice based design project. It involved creating a new design of the public transport map (BRT Khon Kaen) for Khon Kaen city. Collaborative and participatory design concepts are presented in this paper. Both concepts can be used to present the voice of stakeholders within the community who played a central role in my design process. It can be noted that democracy design can be used with the heuristic concept of graphic designers to reach a design solution. The human factors that formed the knowledge base of the community were critical to providing the challenging ideas that created the identity sets of map symbols on my design prototype (map). The graphic details on the map features display the design materials which related to the local ways of life, folk wisdom, and culture. This design contribution expressed the cultural values and created a consistency between map readers and their background knowledge. The results of my usability test found that graphical materials, which relate to user's backgrounds, can be used to enhance communication and recognition.