Design Research Dissertation - Task 1: Draft Dissertation

|| (Week 1 - Week 7)

|| Bertrand Alden Gani / 0370471

|| Design Research Dissertation

|| Task 1: Draft Dissertation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Instructions

2. Literature Matrix

3. Draft Dissertation

4. Final Visual Design

5. Feedback

INSTRUCTIONS

Fig 1.0 MIB

LITERATURE MATRIX

The first step in my dissertation process was creating a literature matrix. I gathered journal articles and studies related to my topic, “Cultural Distortion and Narrative Shifts in the Adaptation of Animated Films to Live-Action.” Using the matrix, I listed each article’s author, year, research method, key findings, and relevance to my study. This made it easier to compare perspectives, spot gaps in existing research, and decide which concepts and methods would support my dissertation best.

Fig 2.0 Literature Matrix

DRAFT DISSERTATION

First, I started working on Chapter 1: Introduction of the dissertation. In this section, I focused on defining the research topic, explaining why the study is important, and outlining the main problem it addresses. Using findings from previous studies, I shaped the research direction and incorporated established research questions and objectives from existing literature.

1.1 Research Topic

Cultural Distortion and Narrative Shifts in the Adaptation of Animated Films to Live-Action

1.2 Research Rationale

Live-action adaptations of animated films are often criticized because they often misinterpret cultural elements and change the story from the originals too much. These things can affect how audiences receive the films, it can make the audience less connected to the original story. Although these kinds of adaptations give room for creativity and innovation, if you don’t understand the cultural contexts or the essence of the original story, the result can deviate whether in terms of plots, character motivations, or the theme. Such changes can make the story feel distanced from the original version, especially for those audiences that value cultural authenticity and story consistency. Hence, this research is important to review these challenges critically by digging public views and opinions. This will lead to solutions that will help filmmakers create adaptations that are still successful, while also respecting the culture and story of the animated film.

1.3 Research Problem

Live-action adaptations of animated films often face problems in translating culture elements correctly and changing the story from the original works. As a result, these adaptations often lose their authenticity which make the audiences feel less connected to the films.

1.4 Problem Statement

Currently, live-action adaptations face big challenges. If this problem is not addressed, the film industry will risk alienating audiences who value cultural authenticity and depth in storytelling. To solve this, engaging with cultural consultants during the development process can be an important step so that the culture representation in the film is more accurate. For instance, by recruiting writers, directors and artists from the portrayed culture, the adaptation can feel more authentic and meaningful. Beside that, holding collaborative workshops between writers and directors to discuss ways to enhance the story without losing its core elements can also help maintain fidelity to the original works. Ultimately, this approach will enhance audience engagement and increase their satisfaction.

1.5 Research Objectives

1. To examine the influence of cultural consultants on the representation of diverse cultures in live-action adaptations of animated films, assessing how their involvement impacts narrative authenticity and audience reception.

2. To investigate the effectiveness of collaborative workshops between writers, directors, and cultural experts in enhancing the narrative development of live-action adaptations, focusing on the preservation of original story elements while fostering creative reinterpretation.

1.6 Research Questions

1. In what way can cultural consultants influence the representation of diverse cultures in live-action adaptations of animated films?

2. In what ways can collaborative workshops between writers, directors, and cultural experts enhance the narrative development of live-action adaptations?

After that, I worked on Chapter 2: Literature Review. I divided it to 4 parts:

2.1 Overview of Live-Action Adaptations

2.2 Cultural Elements in Live-Action

• Cultural Authenticity
• Stereotyping
• Globalization and Cultural Sensitivity

2.3 Story Alteration in Live-Action

• Narrative Changes 
• Core Themes vs Creative Freedom
• Audience Expectations and Reception

2.4 Summary Conclusion

For Chapter 3: Research Methodology and Chapter 4: Research Findings. I mainly used the data I gathered from previous studies. As for Chapter 5: Discussion, I needed to analyzed my findings and connected them to past literature to answer my research questions. So I divided it to 3 parts:

5.1 How do cultural consultants ensure authenticity in live-action adaptations? (This discussed the findings to answer my first research question)

5.2 How can workshops with writers, directors, and experts improve narratives? (This discussed the findings to answer my second research question)

5.3 Discovery (This part covered extra discovery that I found from the findings)

Lastly, I finished up my draft dissertation with Conclusion, Project Recommendation, Reference and Appendices. 

FINAL VISUAL DESIGN

Fig 3.0 Final Draft Dissertation

FEEDBACK

Week 1:

• Follow the provided instructions and watch the recorded Teams session if needed.
• Complete the Literature Review Matrix spreadsheet by next week.
• Update your reflection sheet regularly.
• Refer to page 10 of the module MIB to prepare the Dissertation Structure with appropriate subheadings and content flow.

Week 2:

• (No class)

Week 3:

• Simplify the title and subtitle
• Make sure to get a better understanding of the article

Week 4:

• It’s good that you follow the deadline.
• Can’t have a draft questionnaire in a research instrument, you are supposed to use your previous questionnaire not make a new one unless you lack data. And also not in text format but in figure format.
• If you want to enhance your data, you can do second data research.

Week 5:

• If you think the data is important then you keep it but if you think that it is too repetitive you can categorize it.
• For discussion, you need to have an introduction paragraph not start directly to your question.

Week 6:

• Didn't consult due to lack of progress

Week 7:

• Your title doesn’t feel complete.
• The lecturer gave some title suggestions.