Enhancing textile enterprises for a more sustainable society, through design research and website development

Abstract

Handmade textile production in Thailand has qualities that accord with sustainability. It is an intangible cultural heritage and a resourceful element for presenting the national identity of Thailand. However, handmade textile production and experienced weavers have been in severe decline. There is the potential loss of weaving skills and knowledge being transferred to younger generations. Design can help to foster a sustainable future of handmade textile producers. This research focused on design for marketing and sales that is to create a website for the Cotton Farm Limited Partnership. Website is a marketing tool to foster sales and convey the brand image. Research outcomes include: (i) a website: www.cottonfchiangmai.com; (ii) a design process and collaborative supportstrategies enabling people to participate in fostering a sustainable future of handmade textile production; (iii) perspectives towards business concept, craft courses and products. Lastly, it concludes with recommendations for new product ranges and potential areas for development.

Material Connections in Craft Making: The case of felting

“…In this paper, we mapped the field of felting from the material perspective and identified the themes of felt-making. Although previous craft and design studies have tackled similar issues (Nimkulrat, 2012;Tung, 2012), only recently have holistic approaches emerged (Laamanen, 2016;Chudasri & Saksrisathaporn, 2017). From a holistic perspective, our study showed that, for felting, the capacities of the material are almost as important as the maker's conscious decisions and intentions since felt makers make sense of their practice through their material interaction.…”

The Design of Developmental Approach for the Promotion of Traditional Leather-Made Crafts in Western Sudan

“…Twelve types of traditional crafts are set to be examples, and are analyzed with regard to two variables: "the way in which knowledge is transmitted and the degree of experimentation facilitated by the activity". The study concluded that domestication of traditional crafts is one of the approaches suitable for revitalization by amateurs, and has disclosed six domestication strategies that can be arranged into two broad categories: (5) A-Fixed and ( documented or interactive or live.) B-Experimental and ( documented or interactive or live).…”