Design Journal

Abject Objects: A Case for Using Humour and Horror in Design

Megan Taylor — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper explores the possibility of combining theories from different subject areas into product design as influences that are not typically seen in this space. The main aim of this research was to discover whether concepts from horror and comedy could be incorporated into a design process in order to create products that influence user reactions in new ways. While this paper only explores one example of incorporating new influences into a design process, it covers some of the key ideas in relation to wider exploration of concepts and how the ideas presented may work with other disciplinary themes. An exploration of user interactions with products in general was also key in understanding how this could affect the way users viewed and interacted with the final products. Finally, this paper proposes these ideas as a way to open new critiques on the design world and the influences used when designing new products. Building on research into horror and humour concepts, this paper explores the integration of these into a product design process. Walking through each stage of a design process drawing from academic perspectives on what makes a product design process successful. This paper demonstrates how a design process can be altered by introducing new influences while still meeting guidelines for what good design is. By then undertaking the design process and thus creating a suite of products demonstrating the concepts that were introduced, the paper determines that products designed with alternative influences can have a space in the design world and can function and interact with users in new ways. The implications of this research open possibilities of successfully using uncommon influences in product design as a way to open new understandings of what good design can be.

Designing a Solar-Powered IoT-Based Flood Early Warning System Prototype with Audio-Visual Alarm for Aceh Region

Muhammad Wali, Taufiq Iqbal, Abdus Salam, Syafrinal Syafrinal — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Floods have repeatedly threatened the people of Aceh Province. Thousands of families lost their property and lives because the early warning information was delayed. This research designs a flood early warning system prototype based on IoT using renewable energy, which can operate on its own without PLN electricity. The system uses three IP68 float switch sensors to detect water levels at thresholds of 0.5m (normal), 1.0m (alert), and 1.5m (danger) combined with a 2-in-1 audio-visual alarm (strobe and siren) with a coverage distance of 100-150 meters. The energy design uses a solar panel of 50-100W with 12V DC voltage and has a minimum backup for 48 hours without sunlight. Hardware design, sensor accuracy testing, validation of the energy system, and testing the effectiveness of alarms are the research methods in this study which is conducted in Banda Aceh City. The results indicate that this system can run independently at low power consumption because float switch sensors are more effective than ultrasonic sensors under conditions where the water is turbid and full of debris as found in rivers in Aceh Province. This prototype is low-cost (less than Rp 2 million), requires minimal maintenance, and has high reliability; therefore, it can be adopted by communities that do not have many resources. This research provides a technical blueprint for developing an early warning system that fits geographically and climatically with Aceh Province which may be replicated in other flood-prone districts for disaster risk reduction programs.

Design and Development of Visual Novel-Based Educational Game to Enhance Computer Basics Understanding for High School Students

Andri Prayoga, Taofik Muhammad, Muhammad Taufiq — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study was intended to design and determine the effectiveness of a visual novel-based educational game in enhancing the understanding of basic computer subjects for high school students. The research used the ADDIE model as its development framework, which stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The analysis phase revealed that students were having difficulty understanding concepts about computers because conventional lecture-based teaching methods were being used. The visual novel game was designed by combining narrative storylines with illustrations, interactive quizzes, and decision-making elements to engage students in learning activities. Media and material experts validated the product with feasibility scores of 90% and 88%, both categorized as highly feasible. Implementation involved 26 tenth-grade students who completed pretest and posttest assessments; results indicated significant learning improvement with average scores increasing from 5.81 (41.5%) to 10.77 (76.9%), producing an N-Gain value of 0.61 (medium category). Student response questionnaires indicated high acceptance with an overall score of 87.58%—particularly in game usefulness at 94.23% and learning experience at 91.35%. This proves that visual novel-based educational games can improve student understanding, motivation, and engagement in learning basic computers as an alternative to conventional teaching methods in ICT education.

Development of Animation Video-Based Learning Media Using Animaker for Grade VII Informatics Subject

Nasyadila Aulia, Sulidar Fitri, Taofik Muhammad — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to develop and assess the feasibility of Animaker-based animated video learning media for Grade VII Informatics, specifically addressing hardware material. The research adopted a Research and Development (R&D) approach utilizing the ADDIE model—encompassing Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation stages. Twenty seventh-grade students at MTs Mathlabussa'adah participated in the study. Both material and media experts validated the developed learning media, while student feedback was gathered through questionnaires using Likert scale assessments. Material expert validation achieved 92% (highly feasible), whereas media expert validation attained 80% (feasible). Student responses yielded 86.3%, classified as excellent. The high validation scores were attributed to clear material presentation, attractive visual design, appropriate language use, and suitable video duration aligned with student concentration capacity. The findings demonstrate that Animaker-based animated video learning media proves appropriate for Informatics instruction, particularly regarding hardware topics, offering an effective alternative to conventional teaching methods such as textbooks and worksheets.

Design and Development of Interactive Learning Media to Increase Student Learning Interest

Rikeu Rachmawaty, Sarmidi Sarmidi, Taofik Muhammad — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to design interactive learning media for improving students' learning interest in computer systems material. The research employs Research and Development (R&D) methodology with the ADDIE development model, encompassing Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation stages. Seventh-grade students at MTs Ar-Rahmah, Tasikmalaya City, participated as research subjects. Subject matter and media experts validated the interactive learning media, yielding validation results of 100% and 96% respectively, both categorized as "very feasible." Student learning interest effectiveness was measured through questionnaires administered before and after media implementation. Results demonstrated a significant increase in student learning interest following interactive media usage, with an average N-Gain score of 0.70, classified within the high category. The findings indicate that visual displays, animations, and interactive features successfully engaged students and enhanced their participation during learning activities. Statistical analysis confirms the media's capability to address monotonous teaching methods and abstract material challenges. The interactive learning media developed proves both feasible and effective for improving student learning interest in computer systems material, offering a practical solution for educators seeking innovative teaching approaches.