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PALETTE: EXPLORING THE EVOLUTION
OF THE ORIGINAL DEI CONCEPT
THROUGH ANIMATION
Poster
TSANG Tsz Fung
BSc (Hons) in Multimedia Technology and Innovation
Department of Digital Innovation and Technology
OBJECTIVES RESEARCH BACKGROUND
The project is focused on preserving "Political correctness" is promoted as a means of fostering diversity and
cultural essence and fostering creative inclusion, but it has also sparked controversy. Supporters view it as a symbol
freedom within diverse communities. of progress, while critics argue that freedom of speech is suppressed. The film
Using Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
(DEI) as a framework, narrative and gaming industries often face skepticism when diversity is promoted, with
storytelling is crafted by this animation some accusations directed at them for pandering to trends at the expense of the
to promote meaningful dialogue and original spirit of their works. This animation explores the relationship between
inspire audiences. By integrating DEI commercialization and the control of content creation.
principles, constructive discussions
are encouraged, cultural diversity is METHODOLOGY
celebrated, and underrepresented
voices are empowered. The objective Content analysis was conducted by the creator by examining movies, books,
is to create an engaging, inclusive games, articles, and videos to explore DEI representation. The animation’s
experience that resonates with
audiences, fostering empathy and narrative and themes were informed by the research. Using traditional animation
understanding while highlighting methods, AI-generated content was avoided by this project to preserve artistic
the importance of equity and authenticity. The workflow involved hand-drawn illustrations and frame-by-
representation in creative expression. frame animation on a tablet, followed by digital editing. This approach ensured
a unique, textured visual style while maintaining creative control. The process
emphasized manual craftsmanship over automation, aligning with the project's
goal of celebrating human creativity and cultural diversity.
ABOUT THE INVESTIGATOR FINDINGS
Creating this animation has been The delicate nature of the subject matter is acknowledged by the creator of
recognized as a significant challenge this animation, emphasizing that authority and intent to replace real-world
and a personal achievement, with groups with fictional counterparts are neither possessed nor intended. To avoid
considerable help and encouragement misrepresentation or harm, deliberate efforts have been made to refrain from
received from many individuals, direct references to actual entities, even while articulating a personal viewpoint.
especially mentor Dr. Jasman PANG. The project's goals extend beyond mere critique of DEI (Diversity, Equity,
Many ideas for the future are present, and Inclusion), political correctness, or diversity initiatives. Instead, dialogue
but development in the fields of is sought by examining the historical context and underlying principles of
drawing and creative media is likely these concepts. Uncertainty about the animation’s long-term repercussions
to be the potential path forward for is admitted, but hope is expressed that it will ultimately provoke constructive
this project. engagement.
This approach reflects a nuanced attempt to navigate contentious terrain,
prioritizing thoughtful discourse over polemics while recognizing the ethical
responsibilities inherent in creative work about real-world issues.
45 Student Applied Research Presentations 2025
