Craft-Design Collaboration: Designing and Developing Products from Banana Fibers through Community Participation

2. 1. Collaborative Craft-Design Framework

The collaborative craft-design framework employed in this study is characterized by the integration of diverse knowledge sets and expertise from multiple stakeholders. Each group plays a distinct yet interconnected role in the product development process:

1. Researchers: They serve as catalysts for innovation, bringing design expertise and creative methodologies to the collaboration. Their role involves introducing new perspectives on materials, processes, and sustainability, thereby bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design principles.

2. Artisans: As custodians of traditional knowledge, artisans contribute invaluable skills and cultural insights. Their deep understanding of banana fiber properties and traditional techniques forms the foundation upon which innovative designs are built.

3. Community Enterprise Groups: These organizations act as vital intermediaries, possessing both local knowledge and market awareness. They ensure that the developed products are not only culturally resonant but also economically viable, thus bridging the gap between innovation and market demands.

This collaborative approach aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of participatory design in craft innovation, as highlighted by recent studies (Gumulya et al., 2022; Reubens, 2010a).

2. 2. Knowledge Sets in Craft-Design Collaboration

To further elucidate the dynamics of this collaboration, we draw upon Christiaans’ (1992) model of knowledge sets in design activities. This model identifies three distinct yet interconnected types of knowledge essential for effective design collaboration:

1. Process Knowledge (primarily contributed by Artisans):

• - Understanding of the required design steps
• - Possession of a mindset conducive to design work
• - Ability to create works with skill
• - Domain-independent knowledge

2. Design Knowledge (primarily contributed by Researchers):

• - In-depth understanding of specific industrial design and engineering concepts
• - Knowledge of existing solutions, methods, and techniques
• - Domain-specific knowledge

3. Basic Knowledge (primarily contributed by Community Enterprise Groups):

• - General understanding of a range of topics providing a wide breadth of knowledge
• - Ability to draw from various disciplines
• - Includes knowledge in the socio-cultural and problem domain
• - Bridges domain-specific and domain-independent knowledge

Figure 1 illustrates the interplay of these knowledge sets within the craft-design activity:

Figure 1

Knowledge Sharing and Craft-Design Activity

This model underscores the importance of integrating all three knowledge sets in craft-design collaboration. It highlights how different individuals and groups contribute unique perspectives and skills, fostering a holistic approach to product development.

2. 3. Application to Banana Fiber Craft Innovation

In the context of banana fiber craft innovation, this theoretical framework guides our approach to product development. The researchers bring design expertise and innovative techniques, while the artisans contribute their deep understanding of banana fiber properties and traditional crafting methods. The community enterprise groups provide crucial insights into local needs, cultural context, and market viability.

This collaborative framework enables a dynamic exchange of ideas and skills, leading to the creation of products that are not only innovative but also culturally relevant and economically sustainable. It allows for the preservation of traditional craft knowledge while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in banana fiber products.

By adopting this theoretical framework, our research aims to demonstrate how the integration of diverse knowledge sets can lead to sustainable innovation in craft practices, particularly in the development of banana fiber products that meet contemporary market demands while preserving cultural heritage.

The research team implemented a collaborative craft-design framework through a structured integration of three key stakeholder groups, following Christiaans’ (1992) knowledge sets model and contemporary participatory design principles. This approach was chosen to facilitate effective knowledge exchange between researchers, artisans, and community enterprise groups, with each group contributing distinct expertise: artisans provided traditional craft knowledge, researchers brought innovative design methodologies, and community groups offered market insights. By following Gumulya et al.’s (2022) collaborative model and Reubens’ (2010a) principles of sustainable craft development, the framework successfully produced innovative banana fiber products that balanced traditional techniques with contemporary design needs. The outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of this integrated approach in creating economically viable products while preserving cultural heritage, establishing a replicable model for future craft development initiatives.

3. 1. Participatory Design

Participatory Design (PD) is an approach that involves stakeholders, particularly end-users, in the design process from inception to completion. It transcends traditional professional boundaries, engaging citizens in planning and design decision-making processes (Henry, 2022). The primary objectives of PD are to enhance citizens’ trust in organizations, improve the quality of plans and decisions, and foster a sense of community (Mirzaean, Zabihi & Majedi, 2014).

PD employs a diverse range of techniques, including interactive group decision-making, field methods such as questionnaires and interviews, and group mapping (Penny et al., 2012). It is a maturing field of research and an evolving practice among designers, bringing together researchers, designers, users, and other experts to collaboratively define problems, develop strategies, and evaluate interventions (Joan, 1991; Toni et al., 2010).

The benefits of PD extend to various stakeholders:

1. For community enterprise groups: PD increases trust in organizations and provides citizens with a voice in decision-making processes, leading to improved service delivery and environmental quality (Verity et al., 2022; Alkhalaf, 2023).

2. For researchers: PD offers opportunities to engage directly with end-users, leading to more effective and contextually appropriate solutions (Udoewa, 2022a).

3. For artisans: PD processes allow artisans to participate as both learners and expert knowers, fostering a sense of ownership over the research process and outcomes (Udoewa, 2022b).

The researchers adopted Participatory Design (PD) as their primary methodological approach due to its proven effectiveness in engaging stakeholders throughout the design process. By implementing PD principles as outlined by Henry (2022) and Mirzaean, Zabihi & Majedi (2014), the research team successfully facilitated collaboration between researchers, artisans, and community enterprise groups. This approach enabled direct engagement with end-users through interactive decision-making, field research, and group mapping techniques (Penny et al., 2012), resulting in products that were both culturally authentic and market-viable. The implementation of PD not only improved trust and communication between stakeholders (Verity et al., 2022) but also led to innovative banana fiber products that effectively balanced traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design needs, while ensuring community ownership and sustainable development of the craft industry.

3. 2. Collaboration in PD as an Approach to Craft Development

Craft design innovation often relies on reusing or recombining existing knowledge in novel ways (Pannozzo, 2007). The tacit knowledge embedded in craft traditions, typically passed down through hands-on contact between master and apprentice, presents both challenges and opportunities for innovation (Polanyi, 1997).

Gumulya et al. (2022) propose two models for accessing local craftspeople’s knowledge for product development: the master/apprentice model and the co-creation model. The latter aligns closely with PD principles, emphasizing direct engagement between designers and artisan communities.

Collaborative innovation in craft development has shown promising results, with several cases demonstrating how designers and artisan groups can work together to develop new products for emerging markets (Murray, 2010; Barker & Hall, 2009). Reubens (2010a, 2010b) argues that such collaborations can be mutually beneficial, maximizing the unique skill sets and knowledge that each party brings to the innovation process.

Sanders and Stappers (2008) emphasize the importance of the “fuzzy front end” in collaborative design processes. This early stage, characterized by its intangible and ambiguous nature, is crucial for setting clear design strategies and defining ideas for further development. The subsequent design development process refines these ideas into concepts, prototypes, and final products.

This collaborative approach serves as a learning mechanism, enabling artisans and designers to acquire knowledge and skills based on shared experiences. As the boundaries between design and craft blur, practitioners are encouraged to learn from each other, enriching their knowledge through multidisciplinary collaboration (Dykes, Rodgers & Smyth, 2009).

The research adopted a collaborative approach to craft development by integrating both traditional knowledge and modern design principles. This approach was chosen following Gumulya et al.’s (2022) co-creation model and Polanyi’s (1997) concept of tacit knowledge transfer, which emphasizes the importance of direct engagement between designers and artisans. By implementing Sanders and Stappers’ (2008) “fuzzy front end” concept during the early stages, the researchers were able to effectively establish clear design strategies that respected traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation. The result was a successful multidisciplinary collaboration (Dykes, Rodgers & Smyth, 2009) that not only preserved valuable craft traditions but also created marketable products, demonstrating how traditional craft knowledge can be effectively combined with contemporary design approaches to meet modern market demands while maintaining cultural authenticity.

3. 3. Banana Fiber in Design

Banana fibers, derived from various parts of the banana plant, have gained attention for their unique properties and potential applications in design. These fibers are valued for their lightweight yet stiff nature, favorable air permeability, and water absorption characteristics (Cecci et al., 2020; Jagadeesh, Venkatachalam, & Nallakumarasamy, 2015).

The use of banana fibers in design spans various applications:

1. Textile and Fashion: QWSTION, a Swiss backpack brand, utilizes Bananatex, a waterproof fabric made from 100% natural banana fibers (Lin & Lin, 2022). The Kavalan people of Taiwan have preserved traditional banana-silk weaving techniques, recognized as an intangible cultural asset (Ministry of Culture, Taiwan, 2015).

2. Sustainable Materials: Banana fibers can be blended with other fibers or used independently to substitute conventional fibers in textiles, offering a sustainable alternative (Sangamithirai & Vasugi, 2023; Borisade et al., 2023).

3. Product Design: Banana fibers are used in creating various products such as textiles, rugs, pillow covers, bags, and tablecloths (Shirisha, Payal & Trupti, 2022). Their biodegradability and environmental safety make them attractive for eco-friendly product design (Sangamithirai & Vasugi, 2023).

4. Composite Materials: Banana fibers show potential as substitutes for synthetic fibers in composite development, exhibiting improved tensile strength and surface morphology when treated with alkaline substances (Senthil et al., 2022).

5. Acoustic Applications: In Thailand, banana fibers are used as an alternative to traditional synthetic fibers for noise absorption, owing to their lightweight and high-strength properties (Chattaviriya et al., 2022).

6. Construction: Banana fibers are employed in the production of lightweight blocks, replacing cement and sand, resulting in cost-effective and environmentally friendly construction materials (Deelaman, Chaochanchaikul & Tungsudjawong, 2018).

7. Food Processing: In the solar drying process for bananas, banana fibers are used to optimize drying temperature and time, producing dried banana products with desirable moisture content and color (Kreetachat et al., 2023).

Despite these diverse applications, research on banana fiber products has predominantly focused on material science aspects such as durability, strength, and flexibility. There is a noticeable gap in research considering the social, economic, and environmental impacts of banana fiber product development, particularly through the lens of Participatory Design.

The researchers selected banana fibers as the primary material for this study due to their versatile properties and extensive potential applications, as documented by various researchers (Cecci et al., 2020; Jagadeesh, Venkatachalam, & Nallakumarasamy, 2015). Drawing from successful applications across multiple fields - from fashion (Lin & Lin, 2022) to sustainable materials (Sangamithirai & Vasugi, 2023) and product design (Shirisha, Payal & Trupti, 2022) - the research team recognized the material’s potential for innovative product development. By focusing on the Nam Wa banana fiber’s unique properties, particularly its strength and durability (Chattaviriya et al., 2022), the researchers were able to develop products that not only preserved traditional crafting techniques but also met contemporary market demands for sustainable, eco-friendly products, while addressing the research gap in social and economic impacts of banana fiber product development through participatory design.

3. 4. Research Gap and Contribution

This study aims to address this gap by adopting a Participatory Design approach in the development of banana fiber products. By engaging researchers, artisans, and community enterprise groups in the design process, we seek to create products that are not only innovative and practical but also socially and economically sustainable.

Our research contributes to the field by:

1. Integrating Participatory Design principles with traditional craft knowledge in banana fiber product development.

2. Exploring the social, economic, and environmental impacts of collaborative design processes in craft-based communities.

3. Developing a model for sustainable craft-based community development that can be applied to other communities with similar resources.

The researchers chose to integrate multiple theoretical frameworks in this study to create a comprehensive approach to banana fiber craft development. By combining Participatory Design principles (Henry, 2022; Mirzaean, Zabihi & Majedi, 2014) with the “fuzzy front end” concept (Sanders and Stappers, 2008), co-creation models (Gumulya et al., 2022), and principles of tacit knowledge transfer (Polanyi, 1997), the research team established a robust foundation for community engagement and product development. This integrated theoretical approach enabled effective collaboration between researchers, artisans, and community enterprise groups, resulting in innovative products that successfully balanced traditional craftsmanship with modern design needs. The outcomes demonstrated how multiple theoretical frameworks could be synthesized to create practical solutions that address both cultural preservation and market demands while ensuring community participation and sustainable development in craft-based industries.

4. 1. Acquisition of Banana Fiber Product Prototypes

The initial phase involved field research in Hua Kwai Village, Moo 9, Khu Tao subdistrict, Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, Thailand. Researchers engaged in direct observation and collaborative design sessions with local artisans to:

1. Study traditional production methods and existing designs

2. Collaborate on the design and development of new banana fiber product prototypes

This phase resulted in the creation of two types of products across four collections, which served as foundational prototypes for subsequent production by the CACEG in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

4. 2. Study and Analysis of Community Enterprise Data

The research team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the CACEG’s operational context, focusing on:

1. Knowledge, skills, and experiences within the community

2. Existing problems and limitations

3. Needs and potential for product development

Data collection methods included:

• - Participant observation
• - Semi-structured interviews
• - Collaborative brainstorming sessions with five community enterprise members

This phase aimed to establish a deep understanding of the community’s context and capabilities, informing subsequent stages of the research.

4. 3. Study of Product Development Approaches

Building on the insights gained from the previous phase, researchers conducted an in-depth study of:

1. Current production processes

2. Existing product designs

3. Feasibility and suitability of potential product developments

Methodological approaches in this phase included:

• - Direct observation of production processes
• - Interviews with community members
• - Collaborative brainstorming sessions with five community enterprise members

The outcome of this phase was a comprehensive assessment of production feasibility and the development of initial product development approaches.

4. 4. Planning for Product Development

This phase focused on collaborative planning and role assignment. Key activities included:

1. Brainstorming sessions to define project scope and objectives

2. Collaborative development of work plans

3. Assignment of responsibilities among research team members and community enterprise participants

The participatory nature of this planning process ensured that both academic and community perspectives were integrated into the project structure.

4. 5. Product Design and Development Process

Execution of the product development plan occurred in this phase, encompassing:

1. Iterativ e design processes

2. Prototype creation

3. Refinement of product models

This phase was characterized by close collaboration between the research team and community enterprise members, ensuring that academic design principles were effectively integrated with local craftsmanship and knowledge.

4. 6. Presentation of Product Prototypes

Upon completion of the prototypes, a series of discussions and exchanges were facilitated between:

1. The research team

2. The community enterprise group

3. Relevant organizations and stakeholders

These sessions aimed to:

• - Gather feedback on the prototypes
• - Refine ideas for production scaling
• - Develop initial marketing strategies

This collaborative evaluation process ensured that the final products were aligned with both market demands and community capabilities.

4. 7. Market Testing of Products

The final phase involved the commercial production and market testing of the developed products. Key activities included:

1. Production of market-ready items by the CACEG in Pak Phun subdistrict, Mueang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province

2. Participation in national-level product exhibitions

3. Engagement in sales events to gauge market response

This phase provided valuable insights into the commercial viability of the developed products and the effectiveness of the participatory design approach in creating marketable craft items.

4. 8. Data Analysis

Throughout the research process, qualitative data was collected through field notes, interview transcripts, and observation logs. This data was analyzed using thematic analysis, with coding and theme development conducted collaboratively by the research team. The analysis focused on identifying key factors contributing to successful participatory design in craft development, challenges encountered, and strategies for overcoming these challenges.

Diagram 1:

Research Methodology

The research methodology employed a systematic seven-phase approach for developing banana fiber products through community participation. The process began with field research at Hua Kwai Village to study traditional methods and create initial prototypes. This was followed by analyzing the Creative Agriculture Community Enterprise Group’s capabilities through observations and interviews. The third phase focused on understanding production processes and feasibility, while the fourth phase involved collaborative planning and role assignment. In the fifth phase, the team developed products through iterative design and prototyping with community input. The sixth phase consisted of prototype presentations to stakeholders for feedback, and the final phase involved market testing through national exhibitions. Throughout the process, qualitative data was collected and analyzed using thematic analysis, ensuring products met both community needs and market demands. This structured approach successfully integrated traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design principles, resulting in commercially viable products that preserved cultural heritage.

1. Banana Fiber Product Prototypes from Hua Kwai Village

Working on the design and development of banana fiber products in collaboration with artisans from Hua Kwai Village, Moo 9, Khu Tao subdistrict, Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, Thailand, a research project conducted last year (2021). The collaboration resulted in two types of products across four collections. The first type, decorative utility products, innovated new techniques in banana fiber weaving. The first collection, named “still” in Figure 2(a) included small and large vases with a vanity mirror. The second collection, called “coral” Figure 2(b) featured trays or wall art pieces in small, medium, and large sizes. The second type, fashion lifestyle products, utilized current weaving techniques practiced by local artisans. This category included two collections named “fish” and “coral” in Figure 2 (c) consisting of small and large bags with hats. These products aim to expand traditional crafts into contemporary markets.

Figure 2

Product prototypes; decorative utility and fashion lifestyle products

Diagram 2:

Craft-design collaboration with banana fiber weaving in Thailand

2. Study and Analysis of Community Enterprise Data for Collaboration

The research team established a relationship with the community enterprise group at the Creative Agriculture Community Enterprise Group (CACEG) Learning Base, located in Pak Phun subdistrict, Mueang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The team conducted fieldwork to study the context of the group and gathered the following preliminary information. The members of the group are primarily engaged in fishing due to the abundance of marine resources and fertile land. They also cultivate various crops, such as coconuts and bananas, demonstrating a balanced relationship between people and the use of natural resources. The group, led by Ms. Suchada Eiadkaew, has been operating since 2020 and has nine members on its committee. Currently, this community enterprise group receives support from the government in terms of career development, product processing methods, and various standards and safety certifications.

3. Study of Product Development Approaches

The research team conducted fieldwork to study the production processes, patterns, and properties of banana fiber made from the Namwa banana variety. They examined the existing banana fiber products in the community, which the enterprise had experimented with creating. The purpose was to analyze and discuss the issues that arose and to explore creative ways to develop banana fiber products. The Namwa banana fiber, known for its durability and strength, is braided and twisted, making it suitable for tying and binding.

Figure 3

Study production processes and properties of Namwa banana fiber

Figure 4

Study patterns braided and twisted of Namwa banana fiber

4. Planning for Product Development

The research team, along with members of the community enterprise group, particularly the group leader Ms. Suchada Eiadkaew, held participatory meetings to gather input and develop a collaborative action plan. They established objectives, activities, and steps for designing and developing products in alignment with the design approach. Using the prototypes from the 2021 research project as inspiration and examples, the enterprise group adapted the designs to suit their own style, making them easier to produce and relevant to the group’s context. Responsibilities were assigned based on each member’s abilities, interests, skills, and mutual agreement.

Responsibilities assigned to participants in craft design activity

The participants in banana fiber product design activity are assigned responsibilities as shown in the table below

5. Product Design and Development Process

Participatory design and development, facilitated by the researchers, led to the community creating their own product designs. The researchers shared prototypes they had designed, providing guidance on production methods, conceptualization, and creative processes. This enabled the enterprise group to build upon these ideas. The research team continued to monitor progress by visiting the site, ensuring that the banana fiber products developed were marketable and uniquely representative of the community’s identity. Can lead to innovative product development, preserving traditional crafts and enhancing the local economy.

Figure 5

Transferring product designs from researchers to community enterprise groups

Product Development Approach

Given the excellent tensile strength and flexibility of Nam Wa banana fibers, which can be separated into various sizes, a new product was developed. Using a metal framework, the fibers were shaped and tested to create functional and decorative lamps. This new design integrates traditional weaving techniques that emphasize the durability, strength, and natural aesthetic of Nam Wa banana fibers. The production process is tailored to be feasible for the community while aligning with current consumer demands. This allows the product to be produced as a craft industry item.

Figure 6

Mood board banana fibers product design

Figure 7

Sketch design banana fibers product

Figure 8

Production process of banana fibers product

Figure 9

Prototype Banana fibers Lamp

6. Presentation of Product Prototypes

The completed prototypes of handicraft products made from banana fibers were presented for discussion and knowledge exchange. The research team and members of the community enterprise group engaged in this dialogue to distill lessons learned and establish a shared understanding of the products’ accuracy and suitability. This process involved local government agencies and provincial support organizations, including the Pak Phun municipality, the Community Development Office of Mueang district, the Agriculture Office of Mueang district, and the Nakhon Si Thammarat Chamber of Commerce. The meeting took place at the Creative Agriculture Community Enterprise Group (CACEG) in Pak Phun Subdistrict, Mueang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The aim was to provide guidelines for the development of banana fiber products and other goods currently produced and sold by the community.

Figure 10

Presentation of Product Prototypes with stakeholders

7. Market Testing of Products

The design and development of handicraft products from banana fibers by the Creative Agriculture Community Enterprise Group (CACEG) in Pak Phun subdistrict, Mueang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, as part of this collaborative research, have proven to be successful. The products can be showcased in exhibitions and sold in the market, allowing for real business opportunities and market testing with new target audiences. This achievement has instilled a sense of pride among the community enterprise members for their role in product development. It has also enhanced the value of local banana fibers, improved their quality of life, and positioned them for sustainable business competition. The products were showcased in the Smart Farmer Development Project (Agri Biz Idol Development Project for the Value-Added Agriculture Processing Group) in Bangkok. The event, titled “Easy Selling, Good Style,” was held from July 1-3, 2022, at Iconsiam, Level G, and was organized by the Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior.

8. Community Connections

The collaborative craft-design framework employed in this study fostered strong connections between researchers, artisans, and community enterprise groups, resulting in a synergistic approach to banana fiber product development. Researchers from Walailak University acted as innovation catalysts, introducing new design perspectives and sustainable methodologies. Their expertise in contemporary design principles complemented the traditional craftsmanship of local artisans, creating a bridge between historical techniques and modern market demands.

Artisans from Hua Kwai Village played a crucial role as custodians of traditional knowledge. Their deep understanding of banana fiber properties and time-honored weaving techniques provided the foundation for innovative product designs. This tacit knowledge, passed down through generations, was instrumental in ensuring that the new products maintained cultural authenticity while embracing contemporary aesthetics.

The Creative Agriculture Community Enterprise Group (CACEG) in Nakhon Si Thammarat province served as a vital intermediary, leveraging their local knowledge and market awareness. Their involvement ensured that the developed products were not only culturally resonant but also economically viable. CACEG’s role in adapting the initial prototypes to suit local production capabilities and market preferences was particularly significant in the success of the project.

This tripartite collaboration exemplified the participatory design approach, aligning with recent studies on craft innovation (Gumulya et al., 2022; Reubens, 2010a). The integration of diverse knowledge sets – process knowledge from artisans, design knowledge from researchers, and basic knowledge from community enterprise groups – created a holistic approach to product development. This collaborative framework enabled the community to take ownership of the innovation process, ensuring that the resulting products were deeply rooted in local culture while meeting contemporary market demands.

Key Findings

1. Successful Integration of Traditional and Contemporary Design: The collaboration between researchers, artisans from Hua Kwai Village, and the Creative Agriculture Community Enterprise Group (CACEG) resulted in products that successfully blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. This integration is exemplified by the innovative banana fiber lamps, which combine traditional weaving techniques with contemporary functional design.

2. Effective Knowledge Exchange: The research process facilitated a valuable exchange of knowledge between academic researchers, local artisans, and community enterprise groups. This exchange allowed for the preservation of traditional techniques while introducing new design perspectives and market-oriented approaches.

3. Community Empowerment: By involving community members in every stage of the design and development process, the research has contributed to local empowerment. The participatory approach ensured community ownership of the products and the innovation process, likely leading to sustained engagement and future innovations.

4. Economic Potential: The successful market testing of the developed products at national exhibitions demonstrates the economic viability of the approach. This success has the potential to generate income and create additional career opportunities for artisans and community members.

5. Sustainable Material Utilization: The research highlights the potential of banana fibers as a sustainable and versatile material for product development. This aligns with growing market demands for environmentally friendly and culturally rich products.

Implications

1. Model for Sustainable Craft Development: This research provides a replicable model for sustainable craft-based community development. The approach demonstrated here could be applied to other communities with similar resources, potentially revitalizing traditional crafts across various contexts.

2. Bridge Between Tradition and Innovation: The study illustrates how traditional crafts can be preserved and evolved to meet contemporary market demands without losing their cultural essence. This balance is crucial for the survival and growth of traditional craft industries in a globalized world.

3. Importance of Multi-stakeholder Collaboration: The success of this project underscores the value of collaboration between academic institutions, local communities, and government agencies. Such partnerships can provide the necessary resources, expertise, and support for sustainable craft development.

Limitations and Future Directions

While the research has yielded significant positive outcomes, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations. The study focused on a specific community and craft, and the results may not be universally applicable. Future research could explore:

1. Long-term economic and social impacts of such interventions on the community.

2. Application of this model to different types of traditional crafts and communities.

3. Strategies for scaling up production while maintaining product quality and cultural authenticity.

4. The role of digital technologies in preserving and promoting traditional crafts.

In conclusion, this research exemplifies how participatory design and community collaboration can lead to innovative product development while preserving traditional crafts and enhancing the local economy. It provides a valuable blueprint for sustainable craft-based community development, offering insights for both academic research and practical applications in the field of design and craft innovation. The success of this project not only contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage but also points the way toward economically viable and environmentally sustainable practices in the craft sector.