The educational Value of using Pinhole Camera Techniques for Design and Branding
Abstract
This paper describes a three-task teaching sequence involving 38 fashion design students. Students examined unwanted advertising, explored design fiction and diegetic prototypes in films, and then constructed pinhole cameras to photograph contemporary objects. The activity encouraged students to reconsider how photographic tools, exposure time, and practical constraints affect the representation of objects in design and branding. Students reported a better understanding of design and brand photography. These responses represent their perceived learning rather than measured improvements in visual literacy. The paper was originally presented online at the 8th International Design Study Forum and Conference (IDSFC 2021), July 8–9, 2021, hosted by National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. Paper A001 received a Best Paper Award in the Interactive and Digital Design category. This October 2026 edited version corrects language, factual details, and references while preserving the original teaching context, activities, photographs, and reported student feedback. No new study data have been added.
