IDR - 2024

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/23332

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item: Conference-Abstract
Colourism in advertising: how skin care product advertisements impact women in India
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Jayathunga, TWMPS; Samarawickrama, S
Skin-lightening products are arguably the best example of the powerful impact of advertising on people’s psycho-social behaviour. South Asians are notorious when it comes to their obsession with lighter skin tones. In India, the biggest market for skin-lightening skincare products, this phenomenon is fuelled by centuries of historical, political, social, religious, and geographical segregation as well as the influence of Western media (Mishra, 2015). By considering the negative impact of fairness cream use and the promotion of skin-lightening products, The Indian Ministry of Health and Welfare banned the negative portrayal of dark skin in advertising (Raj et al., 2022). However, these regulations apply only to the textual or verbal messaging in advertising. Overcoming those regulations is a simple matter of replacing ‘Fair’ or ‘Whitening’ with words like; ‘Glow’, ‘Brightening’, and ‘Lightening’. These regulations do not challenge the underlying discriminatory narrative of skin-lightening advertisements, due to a lack of in-depth understanding of how various aspects of advertising impact its viewers. This paper aims to bridge this knowledge gap by studying how different aspects of advertisements can impact psycho-social behaviour. The research design is a qualitative systematic literature review with a deductive approach that uses both empirical and theoretical data. Literature from credible databases such as; Google Scholar, Springer Link, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online Library, published within the last 10 years, were considered for the systematic review to protect the findings' credibility and relevance. PRISMA model of inclusion and exclusion was used as a screening process to narrow down the final literature materials. Indian society views lighter skin as an indicator of success (Verma and Ray, 2023). This practice pre-dates India's history of colonisation when the arrival of Nomadic Aryans with lighter skin met their opponents - the darker-skinned Dravidans (Bajwa, von Maur, and Stephan, 2023). Skin tone would have been an easy indicator of tribe or caste and later social hierarchy. Centuries later and after several colonial invasions, Indian society associates lighter skin with wealth and privilege. Yet, according to Pathak and Nichter (2018), Indian women have little knowledge and experience with skincare products due to the negative social stigma surrounding self-adornment. Therefore aspirations for lighter skin stem from various social and personal measures (See Fig. 1) which are then used in creating compelling advertisements. Research shows that TV and digital advertisements are themain influencers for the use of skin-lightening products among Indian women (Mangal et al., 2021). For Indian women, fair skin means they get better opportunities in their careers and in marriage. Most of the early 2000s fairness advertisements from India narrated a similar story. A young girl failed to secure a dream job, only to pass the interview after using the advertised skin-lightening product. Another girl was rejected by her lover only to have him come running after she had used the skin-lightening product. More recent advertisements show lighter skin as a catalyst for female empowerment (Arumugam et al., 2022). See Fig. 2. However, most of these advertisements portray the product as a need by accepting, amplifying, and advocating society’s stigmas and prejudices surrounding skin tone. The degradation or the humiliation of the character with the darker skin in most of these advertisements is how the brand uses its power and strength to influence a new narrative in society, where the product becomes a need. In his 2014 study, S. Nadeem explains how advertisements have set a benchmark for beauty and assigned light-skin exclusionary powers which leads to ‘Social Mimicry’ a state of false consciousness and a desire based on power relationships. He also points out how all these advertisements hint at a lack of individual sovereignty. The skin-lightening product always has validation from friends or family (See Fig.3) . This is a driving state created by social measures. Meanwhile, Krishen, LaTour, and Alishah (2024) use the Consumer Motivational Model to elaborate on how advertisements create ‘skin-tone tension’ among Asian women by creating a need-oriented drive state to move from the actual self to the ideal self. ‘If the model in the advertisement enjoys freedom and joy, I can too. I just have to lighten my skin!’. However, while Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive theory suggests that the consumer is an active decision-maker in the buying process, a more advertising-centric model created by Justine Combs, called Social Framework for Advertising, believes that society and media are an active influence in the consumer’s passive decision-making (Combs, 2016). An advertisement’s effectiveness can be measured in two ways: financial and cognitive, where financial effectiveness is measured using the product’s elasticity of demand (Shapiro, Hitsch, and Tuchman, 2021). Cognitive effectiveness calls on measuring the change in brand perception and perceived value of the product within its target audience. Such a cognitive change is supported in an advertisement by three factors; advertising media, messaging, and time of schedule (De-Miguel-Guzmán et al., 2020). According to Zhao et al. (2022), an advertisement’s quality and frequency are the two main factors that manipulate consumers. While ad frequency helps build credibility, the definition of ad quality was found to be vague. This study defined the quality of an ad as the ability of its content to convince the viewer using personal and social measures. Ad content can also be analysed in two parts; verbal and visual. Verbal strategies like; the use of positive adjectives, and the use of possessive and plural pronouns (eg; ‘us’ and ‘you’) play a major role in advertisements in validating the viewer’s relationship with social forces. Advertising agencies also use various visual strategies such as; celebrity endorsements, depiction of scientific evidence as well and visualising the transition of the skin tones. Therefore, the research concludes that regulations on the textual content of an advertisement alone are not enough to counter the discriminatory impact of skin care advertisements. The findings of this research call for more holistic and adequate regulations for advertisements promoting skin-lightening products. This research further highlights the need for advertisers to be bold in using their creativity to challenge long-held prejudices of society, rather than re-iterating them. This can create more authentic consumer engagement with skincare brands, especially as the world embraces changing sentiments about our sense of self.
item: Conference-Abstract
Exploring the use of feathers in traditional handloom
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Shenith, WDJN; Weerasinghe, WMAI; Samarawickrama, S
There has been a focus on design innovation and interventions to sustain and enhance the cultural heritage of handloom textiles, especially in the textile industry of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its traditional handloom weaving, the industry faces the challenge of aligning with mass production and fast production cycles, while maintaining its cultural heritage. The traditional designs and textiles do not meet contemporary market demands nor the target audience of today. While studying the handloom machines used by the artisans for an academic project, it was discovered that making changes to the same warp by making alterations to the weft would sustain the continuity of the handloom while producing entirely different textiles. Furthermore, this practice is more sustainable and efficient as opposed to using one warp to produce just one type of textile. This research seeks to innovate within this sector by introducing a natural feather-based handloom textile, utilising feathers as a primary material. The objective is to transform locally sourced feathers, a byproduct of the poultry industry typically discarded as waste, into valuable, eco-friendly textiles that enhance both the environmental and economic landscape of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, this is an artisanal and culturally valued textile substitute to natural fur-based textiles which are less ethical to animals, which also highlights the craftsmanship of the rapidly declining artisanal communities. The methodology adopted in this research is systematic and multi-staged, focusing on both material preparation and the adaptation of traditional weaving techniques. The first stage involves the collection and treatment of feathers to ensure hygiene and durability, making them suitable for use in textiles. The feathers are then transformed into feather rope structures, a process in which the feathers are carefully twisted into ropes that can be incorporated into handloom weaving. This preparation stage is crucial, as it ensures that the feather material is both workable and compatible with traditional weaving techniques. Following this, experimentation with various traditional handloom techniques to effectively integrate feathers into the fabric was carried out. This involves adjusting loom settings and exploring different weaving patterns to accommodate the unique characteristics of feathers. The feather trims were guided by hand and were tightened using the plain-weave technique. This not only ensured the feathers were locked in place in the weave, resulting in longevity but also allowed a smooth and comfortable surface texture to be woven in without any unevenness in the textile. By collaborating with local artisans, the study emphasises a participatory approach, ensuring that the innovation respects and values the artisan’s knowledge of heritage craftsmanship to build contemporary textiles. The collaboration with local artisans plays a critical role in this research, as their expertise and familiarity with traditional techniques are invaluable. Engaging with the artisans through trial and error allowed for a co-creative process that led to the discovery of new techniques and applications for feather-based textiles that match quality, comfort, and durability. Preliminary findings revealed that it is possible to achieve a distinct aesthetic appeal using feathers due to the natural colouration and texture of feathers which appeared more or less similar to fur textiles. The natural characteristics of feathers, including their lightweight structure, softness, and muted hues, enhance the aesthetic and functional qualities of the textiles, making them appealing for a variety of applications. Furthermore, their marketability will appeal to both local and international markets seeking sustainability and uniqueness, expanding to garments as well as home decor products such as rugs. The design further amplifies the market appeal of feather-based handloom textiles, especially among consumers seeking eco-friendly, culturally rich, and ethically produced goods. The innovation holds significant potential for the local textile industry by creating value from poultry industry waste, introducing a new revenue stream that supports both sustainability and local craftsmanship. Artisanal communities and their livelihoods stand to benefit from increased demand for their skills, as the production of feather-based textiles requires their expertise in handloom weaving. Environmentally, it supports waste reduction and promotes the use of natural, biodegradable materials, aligning with global sustainability goals. The feather-based textiles offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic and fur materials, reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional textile production. Additionally, the use of locally sourced feathers minimises the carbon footprint involved in raw material transportation, contributing to the eco-friendliness of the entire process. In conclusion, by combining sustainable practices with cultural heritage preservation, this research contributes to a textile model that is environmentally, economically, and ethically viable. This research offers a pathway for traditional craftsmanship to coexist with contemporary design, fostering a textile industry that honours its cultural roots while embracing sustainable innovation.
item: Conference-Abstract
Sri Lankan leather industry; constraints in expanding access to the global market
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Wickramage, DN; Gunarathna, GDSC; Samarawickrama, S
The Sri Lankan leather industry, while possessing considerable growth potential, currently operates as a niche sector primarily producing footwear and leather goods, with small to medium-sized enterprises concentrated around Colombo. Originating from traditional vegetable tanning practices, the industry has evolved but remains underdeveloped compared to sectors like textiles and apparel. Incremental growth due to private investments and policy easing has been achieved, yet the industry faces substantial constraints. Key stagnating factors include limited availability and quality of domestic hides, reliance on costly imported raw materials, outdated production technology, low production efficiency, inadequate labour skills, and environmental compliance issues. Cultural and religious practices further shape production, creating bottlenecks and impacting access to international markets. This study examines these challenges in detail, aiming to analyse the current state of the industry, identify elements hindering market growth, and propose actionable strategies for improvement. To provide a strong analysis, this research employs a qualitative, multi-method approach, collecting data through three stages of interviews, participant observations, and case studies. The study involves a range of stakeholders: individual leather craftsmen, representatives from government and non-government organisations, and industry experts. Each interview stage serves a specific purpose: the first investigates grassroots-level challenges faced by individual craftsmen, such as access to quality raw materials and skill development; the second examines organisational difficulties like labour skill shortages and technology inefficiencies within larger entities; and the third stage includes discussions with experts from the Export Development Board (EDB) and Industrial Development Board (IDB), focusing on cultural and policy-driven constraints. Participants were selected through a snowball sampling method, facilitating deeper insights into interconnected challenges within the industry. The triangulation data collecting method was applied to validate findings by cross-referencing data from diverse sources. The study presents three distinct case studies to illustrate specific factors impacting the industry. Case Study One examines the operational challenges of individual leather craftsmen, including limited access to high-quality hides and insufficient technical skills. Case Study Two investigates operational and labour skill gaps in larger organisations, emphasising deficiencies in technological knowledge, outdated machinery, and low production efficiency, which raise costs and limit competitiveness. Case Study Three offers a broader perspective through expert consultations, addressing cultural and religious practices that affect raw material availability and hinder production scaling. These problems are discussed in the case studies. The findings reveal four primary stagnating factors: limited access to quality raw materials, insufficient labour skills, restricted technology adoption, and cultural influences. Raw material scarcity results from limited animal supply and quality issues, increasing costs and supply delays. Production inefficiencies arise from outdated equipment, ineffective workflows, and limited technical expertise, extending production times and reducing international competitiveness. Technological limitations exacerbate these issues, as many tanneries lack the financial and technical means to adopt advanced processing methods needed for global standards. Additionally, cultural and religious factors affect production and sourcing, as religious festivals and ethical considerations impact animal slaughter rates and seasonal raw material availability, disrupting production schedules. Thematic analysis reveals that these interconnected constraints significantly hinder the industry’s responsiveness to global market demands. Recommendations include specialised training programs to enhance skills, investments in modern machinery, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address cultural limitations and improve production efficiency. By expanding resources and technical capacity, the Sri Lankan leather industry could position itself more competitively within the global market, focusing on sustainability and ethical practices to align with evolving consumer demands. This research contributes to the understanding of the constraints facing the Sri Lankan leather industry and offers actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders, emphasising policy reform, skill enhancement, and sustainable growth. Future research should assess the effectiveness of these recommendations and explore alternative materials, such as vegan leather, aligning with ethical fashion trends and offering Sri Lanka potential pathways to redefine its leather industry on the international stage.
item: Conference-Abstract
Exploring the visual design of military camouflage patterns and developing Sri Lankan military's unique camouflage style
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Samarasinghe, WRCI; Liyanage, PS; Wijerathne, DS; Samarawickrama, S
This research investigates the role and effectiveness of camouflage patterns in military uniforms designed specifically for the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, addressing the challenges posed by Sri Lanka’s unique and varied terrain. The project’s objective was to evaluate the limitations of existing camouflage designs, which often rely on imported patterns ill-suited to the country’s distinctive geography, and to create a novel design tailored for environments such as marshes, woods, and open spaces. Camouflage, a crucial tactical element of military gear, enables soldiers to blend into their surroundings, reducing visibility and enhancing operational efficiency. However, Sri Lanka’s military has historically relied on foreign techniques, which may not adequately address local conditions. This research sought to fill this gap by developing patterns that align with the country’s environmental and operational needs. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study began with a comprehensive literature review that explored the principles of visual psychology, historical applications of camouflage, and current design trends in military uniforms. To gain practical insights, interviews were conducted with Sri Lankan military personnel to understand the specific operational challenges they face in blending with their surroundings. These findings informed the creation of new camouflage designs, which were subjected to experimental testing in diverse terrains. The experimental process involved identifying key terrains, as shown in Figure 1, and systematically assessing the effectiveness of both existing and newly developed patterns. The research revealed significant limitations in the existing pixelated camouflage designs currently employed by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. While these designs performed adequately in open spaces, they demonstrated poor effectiveness in densely forested or muddy areas due to their uniform patterns and lack of adaptability. To address this, new designs were created using digital tools, incorporating elements such as disrupted shapes and adaptive color gradients that more closely mimic the natural textures and hues of Sri Lanka’s landscapes. The creation process is outlined in Figure 2, which depicts the digital methods employed to craft these innovative patterns using software like Adobe Illustrator. The experimental phase compared the effectiveness of the new patterns against the existing designs in terms of their ability to blend into natural environments and reduce visibility. As shown in Figure 3, the newly developed camouflage significantly outperformed the current designs, particularly in environments with dense foliage or muddy conditions. The new patterns’ use of irregular shapes and adaptable color transitions enabled them to better integrate with the surrounding terrain, enhancing concealment and reducing the likelihood of detection. These findings underscore the importance of designing camouflage that responds to the specific environmental conditions in which it will be deployed. This research not only provides practical solutions for the Sri Lankan Armed Forces but also contributes to the broader discourse on military uniform design. By focusing on the unique geographic and aesthetic characteristics of Sri Lanka, the study highlights the potential of localized design approaches in enhancing tactical capabilities. Furthermore, the methodology used in this research—combining theoretical analysis with practical experimentation—demonstrates a replicable framework for developing customized camouflage patterns in other geographic contexts. The findings of this study underscore the need for ongoing research and development in the field of military camouflage design. While the new patterns developed in this project mark a significant improvement, future research could explore the use of advanced digital technologies, such as machine learning algorithms, to further optimize camouflage designs for specific environments. Additionally, testing the durability and performance of these patterns under varying weather conditions and during extended field operations would provide valuable insights for their refinement and practical application. In conclusion, this research demonstrates the importance of designing terrain-specific camouflage patterns to enhance the operational efficacy of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. By aligning patterns with the ambient conditions of Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, the study provides a critical foundation for improving military apparel and advancing the broader field of military design. The results have the potential to influence both policy and practice, encouraging a shift toward localized and environmentally responsive approaches to military uniform development.
item: Conference-Abstract
Raising ADHD awareness through fashion design: analysing social media concepts and technological integration
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Jayarathne, KA; Weerasinghe, WMA; Samarawickrama, S
Recently, discussions surrounding Attention Deficit Hypersensitivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults have taken a rise in digital media, particularly on social media platforms. This study explores the innovative use of fashion design to raise awareness of ADHD in adults, extracting insights from digital media, particularly ADHD-focused videos on TikTok and the concept of sludge content. These videos often depict how individuals with ADHD experience heightened stimulation and multitasking, elements that formed the foundation of this research. The primary aim was to translate these unique experiences into wearable art, showcasing how fashion can serve as a medium for awareness and representation. The importance of raising ADHD awareness cannot be neglected. Many adults remain undiagnosed or misunderstood, often facing challenges such as difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and sensitivity to external stimuli. Awareness fosters empathy, reduces stigma, and promotes understanding in both social and professional settings thus making an understanding society. By connecting ADHD awareness to fashion, this research aimed to create a visual medium that communicates these experiences, making them more relatable and understandable to a wider audience. Through literature review and analysis, it became evident that digital media plays a crucial role in enhancing understanding and visibility of ADHD. Especially the COVID-19 lockdown period between 2020 and 2022 significantly influenced the surge of ADHD discussions online. With more time spent on social media during lockdowns, content related to ADHD gained widespread attention. While this increased awareness was beneficial, researchers have found that much of the information circulating online was inaccurate, often exaggerating health risks or presenting misleading symptoms. However, this wave of attention also led to a significant increase in people seeking mental health consultations, indicating that the trend, despite its flaws, did raise awareness among the general public. However, a notable gap exists in how fashion design addresses ADHD awareness, particularly in a way that represents the sensory and cognitive experiences associated with the condition. This literature gap presented an opportunity to explore and innovate, aiming to fill the gap by integrating fashion and neurodiverse storytelling. Building on this, the project centred on experimenting with the concept of “having more than one stimulation in one garment.” This approach was designed to mimic the multi-sensory and attention-dividing experiences often associated with ADHD. To narrow down the research area, the emphasis of the project was placed on visual stimulations. The research drove towards optical illusion art such as Projection mapping, Barrier grid animations, lenticular art, 3D illusion art, and Light art as they can mimic moving imagery or visually confuse/intriguing for an audience in a static medium. The Samoiloff effect, an optical illusion characterised by a contrasting specific colour combination, was chosen as the most practical and impactful method for this phase of experimentation. Its ability to create moving visual experiences in a two-dimensional static fabric aligned well with the objective of simulating overstimulation in a fashion context. The garments with the artwork with specific colours needed to be exposed to RGB lights to reveal the effect as these contrasting colours help create a movement that the eye can see. This approach added an immersive quality to the project while ensuring that the clothing remained wearable and functional. The effect works like a visual trick that plays with your eye, and mind and the colours themselves as the combination of opposite colours darken or even disappears the image to the human eye. Based on colour theory, the maximum number of images or sequences that can be successfully and functionally created using this technique is limited to three, showing both the potential and the limitations of this method. Challenges included manually extracting cyan, yellow, and magenta colours in Photoshop, manipulating images to create a moving effect when changing colours, the printing process dulling the colours, thus having to produce multiple samples and finding the precise red and green-blue flickering lights. In this project, sublimation printing on satin fabric was chosen for its ability to hold vibrant colours and ease of printing. Initial results demonstrated that integrating the Samoiloff effect into fabric design is not only feasible but effective in conveying moving imagery through clothing. Despite these successes, one limitation of this research was the restricted variation in colour choices, as the Samoiloff effect relies on precise and exact colour combinations to be effective. Further experimentation with different colour variations did not achieve the same impactful results as the original base colours. Additionally, these three specific colours are not the most aesthetically versatile or can be easily integrated into most designs, posing challenges for incorporating them into cohesive fashion pieces. While this phase confirmed the potential of optical illusions in fashion to embody the sensory aspects related to ADHD through Samoiloff effect, it also highlighted that this area of design research is open for further exploration expanding beyond print as a medium, broadening the idea of how fashion can reflect neurodiverse experiences and how fashion could be used as a bridge between art, awareness, and digital media.
item: Conference-Abstract
The Impact of furniture layout on social interaction of visually impaired pre-schoolers: a case study of all’bout montessori school
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Sandarekha, G; Samarasinghe, P; Samarawickrama, S
Social interaction plays a crucial role in early childhood development, promoting key skills in communication, cooperation, and emotional growth. This research examines how the layout of classroom furniture impacts social interaction among visually impaired preschoolers in an inclusive setting at All‘bout Montessori School in Ratmalana, Sri Lanka. The study focuses on how specific furniture arrangements affect essential aspects of social engagement, including verbal and non-verbal communication, cooperative play, conflict resolution, and helping behaviours between visually impaired and sighted children. With limited literature addressing the physical environment’s influence on social interaction in inclusive classrooms, this research fills an essential gap by investigating how intentional design can support the social needs of visually impaired children. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to explore these dynamics comprehensively. Qualitative observations were conducted to document real-time social behaviours, while structured interviews with teachers and questionnaires from parents provided additional insights. Data collection centred on three primary zones in the classroom: sensory, study, and play areas, each designed to serve different interaction and learning purposes. Ten preschoolers who are visually impaired and sighted, three teachers, and five parents participated offering a diverse perspective on how the spatial layout influenced social behaviour across various classroom activities. Findings revealed that the sensory zone, specially tailored for visually impaired children, promoted higher levels of engagement and facilitated meaningful interactions, bridging gaps in communication with sighted peers. Tactile, auditory, and olfactory cues within this zone enabled children with visual impairments to navigate the space comfortably, resulting in increased interaction through shared experiences. This sensory-rich environment stimulated non-verbal communication and cooperative behaviours, with sighted children guiding their visually impaired peers in discovering and using objects within the space. This aligns with existing research on sensory inclusion, affirming the importance of multi-sensory design in promoting inclusivity. Conversely, the study zone, configured for solitary work, was less conducive to social engagement, highlighting the need for balanced space design to support both individual learning and collaborative activities. While the study area allowed focused learning, it offered fewer opportunities for social interaction, indicating that inclusive classrooms benefit from flexible zones that encourage both solitude and group activities. Literature on classroom design similarly emphasises the importance of collaborative spaces to support social development in children with disabilities. The play area provided a semi-structured layout that effectively supported spontaneous social interactions, cooperative play, and role-playing activities accessible to both visually impaired and sighted children. Here, sighted peers were often seen guiding visually impaired children in play activities, promoting inclusivity and empathy. The play area allowed for skills in turn-taking, role negotiation, and conflict resolution to emerge naturally, reinforcing findings from prior studies that emphasise the value of unstructured play for developing social skills, particularly in inclusive environments. This cooperative play environment was particularly effective in creating a sense of community among children, underlining the need for inclusive classrooms to facilitate diverse learning and play zones that promote social cohesion. This research provides valuable insights into how specific furniture layouts can impact the social interactions of visually impaired preschoolers. By designing accessible spaces that cater to various interaction levels, educators and designers can better support inclusivity and social development in early childhood settings. Furthermore, this study establishes a foundation for future research on inclusive classroom design, particularly in sensory-rich environments that promote interaction across different abilities. The findings suggest that educators should consider multi-sensory elements when designing inclusive classrooms, ensuring that children with diverse needs can engage fully with their environment and peers. In conclusion, this research underscores the significance of purposeful furniture layout in promoting social engagement and inclusivity for visually impaired preschoolers. The sensory, study, and play areas each contributed uniquely to the children’s social experiences, demonstrating the importance of diverse, accessible classroom designs. These insights not only fill a gap in the literature but also offer practical recommendations for creating inclusive learning environments that stimulate meaningful social interactions. By implementing design strategies that prioritise accessibility and sensory engagement, educators can cultivate classroom spaces that build up the social and educational experiences of all preschoolers, regardless of ability
item: Conference-Abstract
The Palestinian rhetoric
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Hilmy, FF; Samarawickrama, S
The analysis begins by examining Palestine, a historically significant region in the Levant under Israeli occupation since 1948, following the Balfour Declaration—a Zionist-supported statement by the British Government advocating the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This occupation has caused ongoing conflict, displacement, and severe restrictions on Palestinian rights. Settlement expansion, military control, and recurring violence continue to profoundly affect Palestinian communities. The escalation in Gaza on October 7, 2023, brought renewed attention to the region, underscoring how media language shapes global perceptions and the importance of using accurate terminology to reflect realities on the ground. Neutral language often downplays the disproportionate impact on Palestinians. Influenced by works like Perceptions of a Renegade Mind by David Icke and Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death and Technopoly on media’s psychological influence, this research involved methodical comparisons between mainstream media headlines and authentic narratives from Palestinian journalists. It examined the linguistic framing of events, building an understanding of how specific terms impact public perception. For example, a New York Times headline on October 7 reads, “They Ran Into a Bomb Shelter for Safety. Instead, They Were Slaughtered.” In contrast, a November 18 headline on Palestinian deaths states, “The War Turns Gaza Into a ‘Graveyard’ for Children,” using passive language and attributing “graveyard” to a UN quote. Unlike the emotionally charged language in the October 7 coverage, the Gaza story avoids strong terms. Similarly, the Washington Post repeatedly used “massacre” to describe October 7, as in “President Biden faces growing pressure...to punish Iran after Hamas’s massacre.” However, a November 13 report on Israel’s bombing and siege in Gaza, where 1 in 200 Palestinians died, avoids terms like “massacre” or “slaughter,” instead using passive descriptions such as “been killed” or “died.” In Al Jazeera’s documentary Failing Gaza: Behind the Lens of Western Media, a CNN journalist named Adam revealed troubling biases in his network’s narratives post-October 7. Adam noted that CNN reporters were, for a time, unable to label airstrikes in Gaza as such without Israeli confirmation, an inconsistency in journalistic standards. These terms and manipulated vocabularies subtly influence public perception, revealing a clear pattern of language that minimizes Palestinian voices and experiences. This context informed the creation of The Palestinian Rhetoric, a dictionary designed in the symbolic red, black, and white of the Palestinian flag, to present more accurate terms related to the Palestinian cause, with accompanying historical backgrounds. The dictionary aims to educate readers and foster awareness of the power of language in shaping global perspectives, emphasizing the importance of precise word choice in conveying truth and promoting understanding. Through intentional research and collaboration with Palestinian journalists and writers, the author analyzed the nuanced vocabulary mainstream media employs, often to obscure or soften the harsh realities Palestinians face. Over three months of academic research, this effort culminated in a lexicon that reveals subtle yet significant linguistic biases. The dictionary’s design incorporates Tatreez—traditional embroidery that symbolizes resilience and cultural identity—on the cover, reflecting Palestinian endurance despite decades of hardship. Each alphabetic section features double-exposure typography, blending black-and-white imagery into letterforms as a visual metaphor for layered narratives surrounding the Palestinian cause. Each letter, embedded with historical or cultural significance, transcends mere typography to embody a visual narrative resonating with Palestinian identity, history, and resistance. The typefaces used in the dictionary include Disclaimer for the prominently displayed page numbers, symbolizing 76 years of oppression, Helvetica Neue Medium Extended for quotations, and Helvetica Regular for body text. Helvetica’s clean, understated design ensures readability and objectivity while keeping the focus on vocabulary. First showcased at the 2024 Festival of Creativity, AMDT (Academy of Multimedia, Design and Technology) Graduation Showcase, this dictionary attracted significant interest, with many attendees eager to purchase or access it. Recognizing its value as an educational resource, the dictionary is now being distributed through social media and non-profit networks, helping to correct biased portrayals and promote a more accurate narrative surrounding the Palestinian cause.
item: Conference-Abstract
Using big book storytelling to enhance early literacy in reading and speaking: a study at model early childhood development & daycare centre (MECDC), University of Kelaniya
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Harshani, KRN; Samarawickrama, S
Language development consists of the competence to read, write, listen and speak. A Big book is concerned about that can be related by teachers in teaching reading skills at the age of early childhood children, especially elementary school age. Early literacy concerns what children recognize about reading and writing beforehand they learn to read and write. A big book has a detailed size, such as A3, A4, A5 or the size of a newspaper. There are numerous benefits to using Big Books for language development and literacy, in specific reading and speaking skills. This paper targets to find out how the method of developing children's speaking skills is involved by operating Big Book. This research was operated in early childhood children with special to the Model Early Childhood Development & Daycare Centre (MECDC), attached to the University of Kelaniya. The principal objective of this study is to determine the effect of storytelling by applying big books published by researchers and other big books already published on the ability to express the child language. The methodology applied in this research is action research. The researcher practises with early childhood children in MECDC in University of Kelaniya. The researcher uses five processes to carry out story-telling practices using large books, like Select the big Book, set up the area, introduce the book, engage in interactive reading, and discuss the Story. Under the interactive reading researchers point to the pictures, use expressions and voices, pause for prediction and involve the children. It is projected that early childhood teachers can use the story telling technique with a big book in improving the competence to communicate the child language. It is shown that the use of big books is successful and gives progressive accomplishment for vocabulary advancement among students in early childhood. All big books’ drawings are the most significant consideration of a book for children. It is primarily showing the imaginative value of the book and the nature of its sensitive power. The child loves that the drawings in the books are designed in joyful colours. not only in content, but also in material used. The drawing begins the method of choosing a book for a child to read. The artwork or a visual enhances the child’s understanding of the literary text, gives an idea of his subject, idea, characters, and assesses theevents and signs of the literary movement. Drawing - helps children to enter the literary world and feel it, make friends, love it. Using big books was the most efficient way to teach children. The conclusions presented that students were keener about learning to read using big books which could be seen from an increase in students' reading and speaking skills in each storytelling activity. It is better to develop their question and answering technique and children enjoy books with good rhyme, rhythm, imagination and repetition. The drawing helps children to identify the text more entirely and better and to enrich their knowledge about the world around them.Therefore, big books can be used to improve students' reading and speaking skills.
item: Conference-Abstract
Bridging accessibility gaps for lazy eye disease patients in Sri Lanka through Gamified vision therapy
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Jayakody, JANA; Samarawickrama, S; Samarawickrama, S
Amblyopia, commonly referred to as lazy eye, is a primary cause of visual impairment among children and remains largely preventable if diagnosed and treated in a timely manner (Blair et al., 2024). Characterised by poor coordination between the eyes, amblyopia typically arises when the brain suppresses the input from one eye, leading to a gradual decline in its functionality. Early intervention through continuous vision therapy is essential; however, current treatment practices in Sri Lanka face significant obstacles. Access to therapy is restricted primarily to urban centres, posing a barrier for families in rural areas, while patient compliance remains low due to the unappealing nature of traditional methods like eye-patching. Moreover, the lack of nationwide awareness in the ophthalmic community about amblyopia and its treatment methods contributes to a poor track record in achieving successful therapeutic outcomes (Wimalasundera, 2021). This situation highlights the critical need for innovative, accessible, and child-friendly vision therapy solutions to support children with amblyopia in Sri Lanka. This academic project introduces ‘Coordinate’, a mobile application designed to bridge these gaps by providing a novel, gamified approach to vision therapy. By incorporating “dichoptic binocular treatment methods” (Vedamurthy et al., 2015) through interactive gaming, Coordinate aims to increase accessibility, enhance treatment compliance, and ultimately improve outcomes for children with mild amblyopia. Dichoptic gaming, which utilises red and blue anaglyph goggles to separate visual input for each eye, fosters perceptual learning by requiring the brain to process both sets of information as a single cohesive image. In this way, Coordinate provides an immersive therapeutic experience that engages children and helps stimulate their weaker eye, leading to potential improvements in their visual function. A significant component of this project lies in its culturally resonant design; it draws upon Sri Lankan folklore by introducing Andare, a beloved folk character, as the centrepiece of the game environment. This cultural integration offers psychological relevance and familiarity, which supports children’s socialisation and boosts their interest in the therapy (Koklanis et al., 2006). The objectives of Coordinated are threefold: to democratise access to vision therapy by creating an affordable and mobile-based solution,to enhance patient compliance through an engaging gamified format, and to empower parents to administer therapy conveniently from any location. These aims are driven by a user-centred design process that involves close collaboration with parents and children. Through participatory research sessions, children and their caregivers actively shaped the app’s visual style, gameplay elements, and narrative structure, ensuring the design resonates with its target users. Insights gained from preliminary gaming sessions highlighted essential elements, such as children’s colour and character preferences, gaming behaviours, and responses to interactive stimuli. This input informed the character design for Andare and the overall user interface, allowing for a culturally relevant, appealing, and functional experience that accommodates both the therapeutic and entertainment aspects of the application. Throughout the development process, key design steps were taken to uphold this participatory approach. Initial sketching activities with children from the Thushara Art School provided a foundation for understanding children’s visual perception of the Andare character and preferences in colours, which were then used as a base for the app's visual elements. This was followed by creating paper wireframes to prototype the interface, which helped refine the visual proportions and layout. The final digital wireframes reflected the children's feedback, integrating storyboards for each game to enhance their connection to Andare’s storyline and increase their engagement with the therapy. Based on feedback, three primary games were selected to maximise therapeutic value and enjoyment: a platformer game called ‘Little Hoppers for Little Andare’, a shooting game called ‘The Troubling Frog’, and a maze navigation game called ‘The King’s Horse’. Each game challenges children in different ways that stimulate both eyes, providing a variety of visual and interactive exercises to help improve their binocular coordination. The project also identified areas for future improvement and expansion. These include introducing a Tamil language option to broaden accessibility, integrating additional folktales to diversify cultural representation, and enhancing the rewards system to increase motivation. Additionally, a multi-profile feature will enable families with multiple children undergoing therapy to track each child’s progress within a single application. Plans to establish connectivity with clinical settings would allow for remote monitoring by ophthalmologists, ensuring that children’s therapy outcomes can be observed and managed professionally even from a distance. Through these elements, Coordinate aspires to become a comprehensive and inclusive platform for vision therapy in Sri Lanka. In summary, Coordinate leverages gamification, cultural storytelling, and participatory design to address the gaps in amblyopia treatment accessibility in Sri Lanka. According to the feasibility study by Gambacorta et al. (2018), transforming therapy into an engaging, mobile-based experience, such as the Coordinate app, empowers both children and their caregivers. Additionally, it provides a promising model for paediatric ophthalmology solutions. The culturally resonant design of the application, which incorporates both local folklore and user-driven elements, underscores its potential as an adaptable framework for similar interventions in diverse healthcare settings. Coordinate thereby contributes to both academia and industry by demonstrating the value of user-centred, participatory design approaches in the field of health and therapeutic mobile applications, ultimately setting a foundation for more inclusive and effective digital healthcare interventions.
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Revitalising ghost nets: a fashion design approach using underutilised properties of fish nets
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Rupasinghe, HGT; Samarawickrama, S
This project addresses the environmental issue caused by ghost nets: abandoned fishing nets, primarily made of nylon, which can take over 800 years to degrade in marine environments. The improper disposal of these nets—whether through intentional discarding or unintentional loss—has significantly contributed to marine pollution, posing a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. While volunteer efforts occasionally result in the collection of ghost nets, these often end up in landfills, compounding the waste problem. The work presented here focuses on transforming ghost nets into innovative, fashion-forward products, adopting an approach that generates value from waste in the realms of fashion and lifestyle design. The project emphasizes upcycling ghost nets into fashionable yet functional products, leveraging fashion design as a vehicle for sustainability. It simultaneously provides job opportunities for the fishing community and reduces marine waste by encouraging and supporting ghost net collection efforts. The tensile wet knot strength, integrity, elongation, and high extensibility of ghost nets are key qualities that this project exploits, transforming an environmental liability into a valuable resource with both aesthetic and functional potential. Methodologically, the project employs a qualitative research approach, incorporating open-ended interviews with key stakeholders—ghost net collectors, fishermen, and target consumers, particularly eco-conscious foreign tourists. These interviews provide insights into the feasibility and community impact of repurposing ghost nets in fashion. The research process involves three stages: cleaning, experimentation, and manufacturing. Cleaning is conducted initially to remove harmful residues from the nets, ensuring safe handling and supporting their recycling. Experimentation follows, involving tests for strength, transparency, and flexibility to adapt the nets for wearable fashion items. The final stage, manufacturing, translates these findings into the production of high-quality, fashion-oriented products. The results of this project highlight the untapped potential of ghost nets as raw materials in fashion design. By upcycling these materials, the research successfully created unique and commercially viable products, thereby extending the life cycle of ghost nets and reducing their environmental impact. The designed products are sustainable, support the economic stability of the fishing community, and promote a circular economy by minimizing waste generation and maximizing value creation. This academic project, conducted in my final year, aligns with global sustainability goals by addressing marine pollution and advocating for ethical material sourcing. It enhances social impact and creates new revenue streams by integrating local fishing communities into the manufacturing chain. The project demonstrates innovative methods to reduce waste while fostering a sustainable fashion industry, particularly in niche markets such as eco-fashion and the hippie segment. Ultimately, the outcomes of this project underscore the transformative potential of sustainable design, illustrating how fashion can actively contribute to ecological preservation and community development. This work serves as a landmark in recycling discarded materials into productive resources and lays a foundation for future endeavors tackling environmental and social challenges through creative design solutions.
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Exploring the wisdom of traditional agriculture related ecocentric systems: a study of Atanwala Village, Sri Lanka
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Edirisinghe, WDTN; Liyanage, UPP; Samarawickrama, S
This study examines the eco-centric agricultural systems preserved within Atanwala Village, Sri Lanka, as a model to inform and inspire contemporary design thinking. Rooted in the principles of ecocentrism, which prioritise harmonious relationships between living and nonliving elements of an ecosystem, Atanwala’s agricultural practices embody a sustainable approach that integrates environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions. These systems, which are increasingly under threat from rapid modernisation, offer valuable insights into creating sustainable design solutions that align with global objectives for ecological preservation and community resilience. The research employs Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to analyse qualitative data collected through observational fieldwork and semi-structured interviews with Atanwala residents engaged in traditional paddy cultivation. This methodology facilitates an in-depth exploration of the eco-centric practices that have allowed the village to maintain its agricultural heritage while addressing the challenges of environmental and economic sustainability. The study focuses on three sustainability pillars: environmental, social and cultural, and economic. Each is closely examined to uncover how Atanwala’s practices holistically integrate these values into their agricultural systems. Environmental sustainability in Atanwala is evident in practices that rely on natural inputs and minimise ecological disruption. Techniques such as organic fertilisation, natural pest control, and soil conservation underscore the village’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and maintaining soil health. By avoiding chemical fertilisers and pesticides, the community fosters an agricultural system that supports long-term ecological balance and resilience. This approach exemplifies the integration of ecocentric principles into daily practices, ensuring that the needs of the environment are prioritised alongside human activities. Social and cultural sustainability is deeply embedded in the agricultural practices of Atanwala. Communal labour, traditional rituals associated with planting and harvesting, and the intergenerational transfer of knowledge serve as cornerstones of the village’s social fabric. These practices foster strongsocial cohesion and reinforce cultural heritage, promoting a sense of shared responsibility for sustainable agriculture. Rituals and celebrations tied to the agricultural calendar not only strengthen community bonds but also serve as a means of preserving cultural identity in the face of modernisation. Economic sustainability is achieved through efficient resource use, adaptability to environmental changes, and resilience against external pressures. By relying on local resources and sustainable methods, Atanwala’s agricultural systems ensure stable livelihoods and economic viability. The village’s model highlights the potential for traditional practices to offer economic stability without compromising ecological integrity or cultural values. This balance provides a blueprint for integrating sustainability into broader economic systems. The study identifies and analyses these eco-centric values using a structured methodology. The research follows a seven-phase approach: planning, literature review, pilot study, data collection, transcription, data analysis, and synthesis. Observational fieldwork and semi-structured interviews were central to the data collection process, allowing researchers to capture nuanced insights into the lived experiences of the Atanwala community. Data analysis was conducted in three stages: primary coding, focused coding aligned with stages of the paddy cultivation cycle, and categorisation under the three sustainability pillars. This comprehensive approach ensured that the findings accurately reflect the interconnected nature of Atanwala’s agricultural systems. The research findings reveal the transformative potential of Atanwala’s eco-centric practices to inform the "empathise" phase of contemporary design thinking. By integrating principles such as resource conservation, cultural reverence, and communal responsibility, the study advocates for a shift from anthropocentric to eco-centric design methodologies. This transition broadens the scope of design to consider the needs of the entire ecosystem, promoting innovation that is both environmentally inclusive and socially equitable. The insights gained from Atanwala’s agricultural systems also underscore the importance of traditional knowledge in addressing modern sustainability challenges. The village’s practices demonstrate that sustainable solutions can be rooted in heritage and adapted to contemporary contexts. For instance, the use of organic inputs and natural pest control methods reflects an understanding of ecological systems that modern agricultural practices often overlook. These eco-centric values offer a framework for rethinking design processes to prioritise environmental integrity, social cohesion, and economic resilience. Visually, the research presents its findings using conceptual frameworks and diagrams to illustrate the interconnected sustainability pillars. For example, a Venn diagram highlights the overlap between environmental, social, cultural, and economic sustainability, showing how shared values such as resource management and cultural beliefs underpin the village’s agricultural practices. These visual tools help convey the holistic nature of Atanwala’s systems and their relevance to contemporary design challenges. The implications of this research extend beyond the context of Atanwala Village. By demonstrating how eco-centric principles can be embedded into the design process, the study provides a model for addressing sustainability in diverse fields, from architecture and urban planning to product and service design. The findings also align with global sustainability goals, emphasising the need for innovation that respects ecological limits and promotes social equity. Atanwala’s agricultural practices highlight the potential for traditional systems to offer sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing world. The study’s focus on eco-centric values contributes to a growing body of knowledge that seeks to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary innovation. By adopting these principles, designers can create products and services that reflect ecological resilience, cultural sensitivity, and economic viability. In conclusion, this research underscores the transformative potential of traditional eco-centric agricultural practices to inspire contemporary design thinking. Atanwala Village serves as a powerful example of how sustainability can be achieved through a balance of environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations. By drawing on the wisdom of traditional systems, the study advocates for a holistic approach to design that prioritises the needs of the entire ecosystem. This work highlights the importance of integrating eco-centric values into the design process to address global sustainability challenges and foster a more inclusive and resilient future.
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Enhancing English oracy at Delwita Maha Vidyalaya with a community-centric approach using 'playhouse strategy' and visual communications
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Perera, RHN; Liyanage, UPP; Samarawickrama, S
This study explores a community-centric approach to enhancing English oracy skills among primary students at Delwita Maha Vidyalaya through a 'Playhouse Strategy' integrated with visual communication methods. With a focus on early language development, this approach combines participatory teaching techniques with locally relevant content to foster an engaging learning environment. Traditional methods often fail to engage students effectively, which leads to limited oracy development. To address this, the ‘Playhouse Strategy’ was developed as an interactive framework, centring on community-based play and storytelling to make language learning a shared cultural activity. This framework emphasises active student engagement through games, role-play, and visual aids tailored to the local context. The study justifies the selection of a community-centric model by highlighting the strong ties between students' learning experiences and their social environment. This approach positions English learning not merely as an academic subject but as a vital communication skill that connects learners to their community. By embedding language learning in culturally relevant scenarios, students are better able to relate to and apply the language in everyday situations. The Playhouse Strategy's use of visual communication, such as local stories, illustrated prompts, and context-specific imagery, further enhances student comprehension and retention. The pedagogical framework incorporates several targeted game dynamics: Appointment, Status, Progression, and Communal Discovery. Appointment fosters one-on-one interaction among peers, helping students practise conversational skills. Status involves role-play to enable students to assume various community roles, enhancing their understanding of social interactions in English. Progression allows for structured language development through incremental tasks, supporting gradual improvement in speaking and listening skills. Finally, Communal Discovery encourages collective participation in problem-solving activities, aligning individual learning with group dynamics. These game elements environments.The educator’s observations, student feedback, and the recorded progress serve as qualitative evidence of the strategy’s effectiveness, which led him to be recognized as the best English teacher in Sri Lanka in 2016 for the creative approach of communal learning. The strategy was not widespread but limited to a certain rural area where the knowledge did not get exposed to the other areas. This study contributes to the broader discourse on community-driven language education, particularly in rural settings where traditional teaching methods may not be as effective. The findings suggest that embedding language learning within culturally relevant, interactive frameworks can significantly enhance students’ oracy skills and their confidence in using English in real-life contexts.
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Development of an inclusive and accessible non-pharmacological sleep aid device
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Weeraman, P; Wasala, K; Samarawickrama, S
Sleep is a vital physiological process essential for physical and mental health, characterised by reduced sensory activity and altered consciousness. Quality sleep enables critical functions such as tissue repair, memory consolidation, hormone regulation, and emotional stability. Conversely, inadequate sleep can lead to significant health issues, including mood disturbances, cognitive impairments, and increased risk of chronic conditions. Many individuals experience difficulty transitioning into the N1 stage of sleep which is the initial phase also known as the first stage of our sleep cycle where the body moves from wakefulness to sleep-often due to psychological factors, particularly stress. Consequently, there is an urgent need for effective, non-pharmacological interventions that can assist individuals in achieving a smooth transition from wakefulness to sleep. This research investigates the key parameters of sensory stimulation—specifically visual, olfactory, and auditory stimuli—that can be recommended for designing an effective non-pharmacological sleep aid device. stimulating sensory organs can enhance melatonin production, which is known to be the sleep-promoting hormone. non-pharmacological treatments account for a significant portion of sleep interventions; however, there is a lack of targeted research on visual stimulation techniques and their effectiveness in enhancing sleep onset. The study aims to explore how specific sensory stimuli can aid in the transition from wakefulness to sleep, especially for individuals experiencing sleep initiation difficulties linked to psychological factors. The primary objective is to identify non-invasive, sensory-based methods that promote relaxation and support sleep onset. Additional objectives include conducting pilot studies to evaluate the effectiveness of various stimulation techniques on sleep quality within a selected participant group, gathering and analysing data to establish optimal stimulation parameters, and providing recommendations that can guide the design of a sleep aid device. The methodology was structured to build a foundational understanding of sleep, beginning with the development of a framework for analysing sleep-related factors. Initial data collection involved survey studies, with an online survey yielding 72 responses, followed by printed questionnaires distributed to additional participants. Together, these methods provided a comprehensive set of insights that confirmed the validity of the research‘s direction. Subsequent test runs were organised to individually evaluate the effectiveness of each type of sensory stimulation, with participants completing feedback forms after each trial. User tests were conducted with six volunteers over nine nights, during which qualitative feedback was collected through structured questionnaires following each testing session. For visual stimulation, an experimental prototype was developed, featuring a pendulum with an amber light that gradually faded to darkness. This prototype was designed to be placed on the nightstand, where participants could observe the motion and light while preparing for sleep. In the olfactory stimulation test, participants received a choice of three essential oils—lavender, rose, and jasmine—based on individual preference, with instructions to spray the chosen oil before bedtime. Finally, for the auditory stimulation test, participants were provided with links to various relaxing soundscapes, which they could listen to via speakers or earbuds during their bedtime routine. Feedback gathered from each of these tests was synthesised into a feedback grid, leading to key findings that informed the final design requirements: the sleep aid device should prioritise external sensory stimulation to encourage relaxation, accommodate side and back sleepers, and offer customizable settings for each sensory mode. Additional features deemed essential included sleep-tracking capabilities, mobile compatibility, integration as a smart device, and rechargeable functionality. Participants expressed a preference for a device design incorporating white and blue shades, with amber lighting as the ideal light condition for sleep induction. Lower colour temperatures (2500K – 2700K) were identified as optimal for promoting relaxation and enhancing sleep quality. Furthermore, the repetitive motion of the pendulum was effective in reducing eye strain and encouraging a state of calmness conducive to sleep. In conclusion, this research provides a foundational understanding of sensory-based parameters that can be applied in the design of a sleep aid device, highlighting the potential of non-pharmacological, sensory-driven interventions to improve sleep onset and overall sleep quality. These findings offer actionable insights into sensory parameters that can guide the development of inclusive and effective sleep aid solutions for diverse users.
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Enhancing water safety and reducing drowning incidents among young adults in Sri Lanka: a study on the adoption of personal flotation devices
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Perera, KP; Wasala, KVKD; Samarawickrama, S
Drowning is a critical public health issue worldwide, with Sri Lanka facing a disproportionately high rate of drowning incidents, particularly among young adults. This research focuses on addressing the problem of unintentional drownings by promoting the adoption of personal flotation devices (PFDs), particularly life jackets. Through a multi-method qualitative approach, the study investigates the barriers to PFD adoption and explores opportunities for design innovation that align with socio-cultural and practical needs. The research begins by examining the underlying causes of unintentional drowning and the current challenges associated with adopting life jackets. Semi-structured interviews, participatory design sessions, and field observations were employed to gain insights from diverse stakeholders, including young adults, fishermen, and water safety professionals. The findings reveal significant barriers, such as discomfort, affordability, and socio-cultural stigma, which discourage the use of life jackets in Sri Lanka. Figure 1 summarises the frequency of water-related activities and highlights the risks faced by the target demographic. Building on these insights, the study proposes a design framework aimed at enhancing the adoption of PFDs. This framework prioritises three key aspects: comfort, affordability, and cultural sensitivity. By incorporating ergonomic design principles, lightweight materials, and adaptable sizing, the proposed life jacket designs address comfort concerns. Additionally, the study explores cost-effective production techniques to ensure affordability for low-income users. Cultural sensitivity is embedded into the design process by considering local aesthetic preferences and addressing social stigma through educational campaigns. The research further evaluates the effectiveness of participatory design in addressing water safety challenges. By engaging end-users in the design process, the study ensures that the proposed solutions are practical, user-friendly, and widely acceptable. The design process also incorporates feedback from fishermen who frequently encounter difficulties using life jackets due to their restrictive fit and limited durability (see Figure 2). Enhancing Water Safety and Reducing Drowning Incidents Among Young Adults in Sri Lanka The results demonstrate the potential of innovative life jacket designs to reduce drowning incidents and improve water safety in Sri Lanka. The proposed designs not only enhance usability but also align with global safety standards, as outlined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and ISO guidelines for PFDs. Figure 3 compares the new designs with conventional models, illustrating their superior adaptability and user acceptance. This study contributes to the broader discourse on water safety and drowning prevention by emphasizing the importance of context-specific interventions. By addressing the unique challenges faced by Sri Lankan communities, the research advocates for a holistic approach that integrates design innovation, community engagement, and policy advocacy. The findings underscore the transformative potential of participatory design in creating sustainable, culturally appropriate solutions to pressing public health challenges. Ultimately, this research provides a roadmap for reducing unintentional drownings through the adoption of improved PFDs. It highlights the critical role of design in addressing public health issues and fostering a culture of safety. As Sri Lanka continues to confront the devastating impact of drowning, this study offers a meaningful contribution toward building a safer, more resilient society.
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Environmentally responsive traditional packaging practice: ‘Peni Mula’
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Ariyathilake, PBSD; Samarawickrama, S; Samarawickrama, S
Traditional packaging practices combine cultural heritage with environmental responsibility, offering sustainable solutions to modern packaging challenges. The over-reliance on synthetic materials, particularly plastics, has caused severe environmental damage, making eco-friendly alternatives essential. The growing concern over plastic pollution and its environmental impact emphasises the need for packaging solutions that reduce waste. Sri Lanka’s traditional packaging methods, deeply rooted in its ecological and cultural heritage, utilise biodegradable materials that align with modern sustainability principles. Among these, the “Peni Mula" stands out for its unique ability to store liquid products, particularly the "Kithul" treacle, often referred to as "Honey”, in an environmentally friendly manner. The "Peni Mula" is crafted from the Areca palm leaf sheath, a fibrous, biodegradable material used to store "Kithul" treacle, Once filled, the "Peni Mula" was traditionally hung over household chimneys for months or years, allowing the treacle to crystallise into "Veli Hakuru" (sand jaggery), a natural sweetener used before sugar became widely available. This process illustrates how traditional packaging methods serve both functional purposes and help preserve local agricultural products and food practices. Beyond its functionality, the "Peni Mula" holds significant cultural value in Sri Lanka. It was used in Buddhist rituals, offerings to deities, and ceremonies such as the "Kiri Maduwa". It was also often gifted during visits to relatives, symbolising the importance of sharing and community life. The cultural significance of the "Peni Mula" further underscores its role as a symbol of sustainability, reflecting the community’s deep connection to both their environment and spiritual values. Despite its cultural and practical importance, the "Peni Mula" is now rare, confined mainly to the "Kithul" industry. The decline in its use reflects the broader shift from traditional to industrial packaging methods, which are mass-produced and less sustainable. This decline emphasises the need to preserve traditional packaging practices that offer valuable lessons in both cultural heritage and modern sustainability efforts. However, such methods are poorly documented, with only a few references, such as Doreen Alles’s “Traditional Forms of Packaging and Vending(1982)”. This lack of documentation jeopardises the survival of these techniques, which face increasing competition from industrial packaging. This research focuses on the “Peni Mula" as a case study that bridges traditional knowledge with modern packaging needs. It documents the lifecycle of the “Peni Mula”, from sourcing the Areca palm leaf sheath to crafting, filling, sealing, and transporting the treacle. This process demonstrates the packaging’s efficiency, adaptability, and ability to meet practicalrequirements while supporting environmental sustainability. Additionally, the study highlights the Peni Mula's biodegradability and zero-waste properties, positioning it as a closed-loop solution with minimal environmental impact. Peni Mula's design is a model of efficiency, leveraging the properties of the Areca palm sheath to create a flexible, sturdy, and biodegradable structure. This packaging ensures that the “Kithul" treacle remains safe from leakage, contamination, and spoilage during storage and transit, offering excellent barrier properties that preserve product integrity. These natural materials, combined with eco-friendly construction methods, make the “Peni Mula" a valuable model for sustainable packaging solutions in contemporary contexts. Its design could inspire new packaging technologies that combine traditional materials with modern practices to reduce synthetic packaging use. By studying the “Peni Mula”, this academic research not only preserves Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage but also uncovers innovative, sustainable packaging solutions. The lessons learned can inspire new, resource-efficient designs that reduce waste and environmental impact. As we strive for a sustainable future, traditional practices like the “Peni Mula" offer valuable insights into solving modern environmental challenges.
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The importance of buttons in UI design and their impact on mobile app usability: case study
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Korala, CSG; Samarawickrama, S
Buttons in mobile applications are often overlooked elements of user interface (UI) design, yet they play a critical role in guiding user interactions and ensuring a seamless user experience (UX). This research focuses on the Uber ride-sharing app, highlighting the challenges and implications of button design on its usability. Despite their simple appearance, buttons are vital for effective navigation, and poor design can lead to user confusion, frustration, and even task abandonment. This study identifies specific issues with the Uber app’s current button design, particularly the “cancel ride” button, which is difficult to locate and often perceived as disabled by users. By conducting usability tests and proposing a redesign focused on improving button visibility, colour contrast, and hierarchical structure, the study aims to enhance the app’s usability. The results suggest that thoughtful button design can significantly improve user satisfaction and reduce errors, especially in critical tasks like ride cancellation. The suggested changes include adding distinct visual cues for secondary and destructive buttons to enhance user experience. Future work will involve conducting usability tests to validate these design improvements and ensure they effectively address the identified issues
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Society, culture, architecture: impressions in Ahmedabad
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Nair, N; Samarawickrama, S
The historical landscape of India is woven from texts by scholars, rulers' biographies, travelogues, and folklores. A deeper search into the cultural identity of a place is facilitated by studying architecture, material and construction, motifs and ornamentations. The city of Ahmedabad, an important royal capital of western India of the Gujarat Sultanate in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, is a suitable case study. This research investigates how the structures in Ahmedabad reflect the stories of their patrons, socio-political context, mythology, religion, textiles, and craftsmanship. The study uses the Ahmed Shah Mosque (1414 AD) and Rani Sipri Mosque (1514 AD) as its cases. With a focus on motifs and ornamentations, the paper unveils the stories of how the city of Ahmedabad developed economically and politically, how the patrons changed from kings to queens, how the method of construction evolved from a method of assemblage to a detailed design process and how the Indo-Islamic architecture of Gujarat has its provincial influences deeply ingrained in each motif while respecting the sensibilities of the religions. The research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, combining archival research and photographic documentation to discuss the relationship between design, architecture and cultural identity.
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Indofuturism - a cultural zeitgeist staying in its infancy. a critical look at the maturity of the cultural movement driven by contemporary creators, artists and designers
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Mudgal, S; Sinha, P; Samarawickrama, S
When considering disciplines such as speculative design, future research, design fiction, and such, it is necessary to remember the role of past and present in future building. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using futurism as a tool to imagine and re-imagine a collective past, present, and future as a response to environmental, social and political challenges. This has given rise to the popularity of indigenous futurism worldwide. An example is Afrofuturism which is now a well established movement in art, literature, film, and design. Afrofuturism builds a story of an alternate future that is non-west centric, based on ancient indigenous values, cultural identity, and is in response to local environmental concerns, while incorporating elements of black history and culture. As a response to the past events of decolonization, and present challenges, and as a tool to celebrate their own cultures with agency, a visual language and literary tool has developed in the Indian Subcontinent. Similar to Afrofuturism, Indofuturism attempts to embody a synthesis of ancient wisdom and contemporary innovation, drawing inspiration from the profound spiritual heritage as well as artistic expressions, and technological symbols. Sometimes it manifests as a future where traditional values coexist harmoniously with cutting-edge technologies, other times a reflection of a preferred past into an alternative future. Although Indofuturism remains in its infancy compared to Afrofuturism, this study aims to understand its unique cultural foundation and examine the factors that could enable it to flourish as a recognized design language and enable designers and researchers to forecast its path in society.
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Material utilisation practices in Weweldeniya craft community, Sri Lanka
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Deshanika, T; Nugawela, CT; Samarawickrama, S
The Craft industry in Sri Lanka has been an integral part of the economy for centuries, contributing to both rural livelihoods and national trade. The Weweldeniya craft community in Sri Lanka has a rich heritage of producing intricate and culturally significant craft items using traditional techniques. However, the industry faces pressing challenges primarily due to sourcing materials from various geographic locations, incurring substantial transportation costs. To address these multifaceted challenges, the craftsmen have adopted a resource optimization strategy aimed at minimising waste and maximising resource utilisation. The study seeks to illuminate the types of materials frequently utilised in the production of diverse craft products within this community and examines the integration of these materials at various stages of production, exploring the techniques and methods employed by craftsmen to transform raw materials into finished products. Furthermore, this research aims to investigate the sustainable strategies and techniques adopted by craftsmen in the Weweldeniya craft community to optimise material utilisation in their production processes. By analysing their approaches with 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and lean manufacturing pull system, the study aims to highlight innovative measures implemented by craftsmen to minimise environmental impact while preserving traditional crafting methods. This research employs a mixed-methods approach while dominating qualitative approach, combining semi structured interviews, video observations, and questionnaire surveys within the Weweldeniya craft community. Through these methodologies, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate material utilisation practices and sustainability initiatives embraced by craftsmen in Weweldeniya.
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An Investigation the graphics of spice packaging on Sri Lanka supermarket shelves
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Sewwandi, AI; Samarawickrama, S; Samarawickrama, S
In the competitive retail landscape of Sri Lanka, supermarket shelves feature nearly 19 spice brands and approximately 40 spice varieties, making effective packaging design essential for product visibility and differentiation. This study investigates how packaging design elements—colour, graphics, shape, material, and text—contribute to capturing consumer attention and enhancing product appeal on supermarket shelves. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a deductive phase to identify critical packaging elements from existing literature with an inductive phase involving direct observation of spice packaging in Sri Lankan supermarkets. Thematic analysis categorises findings into key design elements while considering environmental factors, such as shelf configurations, visual zones, and consumer buying levels, that influence packaging effectiveness.Findings indicate that the strategic use of packaging elements is vital for standing out in a crowded marketplace. Tables and illustrations summarise the impact of these elements and provide actionable insights for designers and marketers. The study also highlights the importance of shelf management practices, emphasising their role in enhancing product visibility. This research contributes to the field of packaging design by offering a framework for creating visually compelling and differentiated products. Beyond spice packaging, the findings have broader implications for designing primary packaging across various product categories. Future research could integrate innovative methods, such as eye-tracking technology, to analyse consumer interactions and refine design strategies further.health, ergonomics, safety, productivity, and sustainability. Current transportation methods, including bicycles and motorbikes, impose significant physical strain, and environmental concerns.

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