40 / From Oyster Pancakes to Cultural Memes
Hello, my friend! 👋
This weekend was the Taiwan Festival in Auckland. Our whole family went out, eating and playing. Standing in line for oyster pancakes at the food street, a Taiwanese girl behind me said this place serves the most authentic ones because, just like the Shilin Night Market in Taiwan, they top theirs with cabbage, which others don’t do. It made me think, authenticity really boils down to how closely a replica mirrors its original. The more “authentic” something is, the more it resembles its initial form, unchanged. Yet, culture spreads through these replicas, inevitably leading to variations. Chinese Sichuan cuisine made by local chefs in Arab countries might not be as spicy. This thought first came to me 20 years ago while playing Hideo Kojima’s “Metal Gear Solid 2,” which had long segments about memes, nudging me into the complex relationship between culture and memes. Turns out, that playing video games can indeed help you learn and understand the world.
Here are a few things I’d like to share with you today 🙂
A vulnerability and a shield
Insights on working out
Relaxation and Experience: Life Lessons from Paddleboarding
Let’s chat about “Death Stranding” for a bit
video
Insights on working out
Last year, I gained two major insights about working out: Firstly, hitting the gym is about training, not just moving around casually, so it demands total focus. Secondly, strength training, like the kind you do in the gym, actually puts your body under stress. Your immunity might dip, and you might feel physically and mentally drained, even prone to falling sick. I never realized this before because I wasn’t pushing myself hard enough.
A vulnerability and a shield
On the last day of second grade, while having breakfast together, we discussed whether we should give something to the teacher. I handed my daughter one of the scent candles I had prepared for my colleagues, suggesting she use it as a gift for her teacher.
Then, my daughter packed a few of her small items into a box and said, “This is for you, Dad,” including a photo of herself, adding, “This way, you can remember me.”
I’ve noticed that since having my daughter, my heart has become more sensitive. I’ve developed both a vulnerability and a shield ❤️
Relaxation and Experience: Life Lessons from Paddleboarding
Over the holiday, I hit the beach and tried paddleboarding for the second time. I discovered a technique - truly relax and pay attention to the details of the wind and waves, and you’re less likely to fall. Managed to stay up and enjoy it for quite a while. It seems focusing too much on oneself is a sure way to take a tumble. Kind of mirrors a way to experience life, doesn’t it?
Let’s chat about “Death Stranding” for a bit.
“Death Stranding” is a game that really makes you feel the importance of helping each other out. Hideo Kojima has cleverly used his game design to get this message across. Though the concept is a bit of cliche, it’s seamlessly integrated into the game, encouraging players to naturally embrace and promote this spirit of mutual support.
The interaction system in the game is something special. You can gift items to other players, use vehicles or objects left by others, and give or receive likes. This liking system is a prime example of positive reinforcement, motivating players to engage with this supportive social system.
Kojima once said during the making of “Metal Gear Solid” that he hoped the game would serve as a massive social experiment to see if players worldwide could unite to eliminate nuclear weapons. With “Death Stranding,” he’s once again used game design to showcase his vision, letting players experience the power of cooperation and positive feedback. Truly, he’s a master of game design. (done)
Stray: A Cat Story About Humanity
Recently, I dove into the game “Stray.” It unfolds a steampunk narrative set in a post-apocalyptic world, all through the eyes of a cat. As I journeyed through this robot-only realm, I realized this story delves much deeper than just a cat’s adventure–it’s a profound exploration of humanity. Here’s my personal take on the game.
Have a great one and see you soon!
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🐻 Bear Who?
Hi there 👋, I’m Bear, a seasoned Product Designer with 15 years of overall design experience and six years in product design, transforming the user experiences for millions 📝
As an Apple Award-Winning Podcast Host at BearTalk and a Design Mentor at Springboard and CareerFoundry, I apply my self-taught design skills and science background to solve complicated problems and mentor budding designers 😃
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