Atayal

Role

Designer

Goal

Designed cycling gear to raise funds for the Atayal Foundation.

Challenge

Understanding an unfamiliar culture and reinterpreting it through design to attract customers while respecting and preserving Atayal traditions.

Work Done

• Researched Atayal culture, including significant symbols, totems, and colors.

• Analyzed cultural elements and integrated them into my design style.

• Adjusted colors to align with the specified references.

Design Work

Version 1:

• Merged Atayal totems with contemporary design.

• Used traditional Atayal knitting fabric as inspiration.

• Sourced indigenous iconic colors.

• Rejected Reason: The client wanted a more direct representation of their culture that could be immediately recognized.

Final Design:

• Referenced traditional Atayal clothing and refined the initial design to create a stronger connection to Atayal totems.

• Incorporated signature cultural icons such as the sacred mountain, church, and rocks.

Impact

Raised over USD $9,000 through cycling gear sales for the Atayal Foundation.

Lessons Learned

• When reinterpreting traditional culture through modern design, incorporating recognizable elements helps the audience establish an immediate connection.

• Researching a culture goes beyond gathering information—visiting the community and engaging with locals provides deeper insights for more authentic and meaningful design.