Eastern & Western Design: How Culture Rewires The Brain

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Does the hexagon in the middle look concave or convex? Your answer might reveal more about your cultural background than you think. Western cultures, which read from left to right, are more likely to see it as concave, while those from right-to-left reading cultures, like Arabic, see it as convex. This quirky optical illusion exemplifies how culture shapes perception.

Culture profoundly influences how our brains process information and, consequently, how we design objects. This is evident in the contrasting designs of Japanese and American rice cookers, traditional joinery, and even movie posters. Cynthia Zhu and Answer in Progress have explored why Western and Eastern cultures design websites differently, and the topic extends to all design fields.

Religious philosophy, language, geography, and local laws dictate cultural and design evolution. For example, a Harvard professor argues that Western culture diverged significantly due to the church’s ban on cousin marriage 1,500 years ago. This ban weakened kinship ties and fostered individualism, which influenced Western design principles.

Japanese joinery, for instance, reflects the Shinto belief system that emphasizes nature, particularly trees. Traditional Japanese woodworkers avoid nails, respecting the wood’s natural qualities. This approach aligns with the aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which values imperfection and aging. Japanese joinery is designed to be dismantled and reassembled, accommodating Japan’s humid climate and frequent earthquakes.

Geography and climate also play crucial roles. Japan’s isolation limited access to high-quality metal, influencing their intricate woodworking techniques. In contrast, Western cultures, influenced by Greek philosophy, focus on breaking down the world into isolated, digestible chunks, a perspective that impacts modern design principles.

Studies show that Westerners and Easterners perceive the world differently. Americans tend to focus on the main object, while Japanese people consider the overall context first. This difference is rooted in language structure and cultural upbringing. For instance, East Asian languages use compact characters, allowing more information to fit in less space, which influences design preferences.

The media also plays a role in shaping perceptions. Ground News, an app that consolidates global media, helps readers compare coverage and understand different cultural interpretations of events. This tool highlights the importance of seeing through multiple lenses to gain a comprehensive perspective.

Cultural differences manifest early in life. Japanese children’s drawings are more detailed and context-focused, while Canadian children’s compositions have a central focus. This contrast extends to design preferences, with Eastern cultures favouring holistic approaches and Western cultures leaning towards linear, analytical thinking.

Western culture’s individualism, rooted in ancient Greek thought and reinforced by the church’s marriage policies, contrasts with Eastern collectivism, influenced by Confucianism. Confucian ideals emphasize social harmony and interconnectedness, shaping a holistic worldview that values balance and practical action.

Language further influences design. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests that language shapes thought. For example, the German word for vacuum cleaner, “Staubsauger” (dust sucker), narrows the creative horizon for designers compared to the Turkish term “elektrik süpürgesi” (electric broom). This linguistic framing can significantly impact design outcomes.

Western design processes, influenced by Aristotle’s law of non-contradiction, prioritize clarity and singularity. In contrast, Eastern cultures are more comfortable with contradiction, as seen in the philosophy of Yin and Yang. This difference is evident in design preferences, with Eastern designs often juggling multiple themes and elements.

The influence of culture on design extends to intellectual property. While China is often criticized for copying Western designs, this behaviour is typical of developing nations. Historically, the US and Germany also appropriated technological advancements from more developed countries.

Looking ahead, blending cultural perspectives can address global challenges. Embracing diverse approaches and questioning our assumptions can lead to a more interconnected and enlightened world. Understanding each other is the first step towards this goal.

In conclusion, culture profoundly shapes design, from the way we perceive the world to the objects we create. By appreciating these cultural influences, we can foster cross-cultural collaboration and innovation.

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