Design intervention strategies for revitalizing the traditional craft industry through distributed manufacturing

Abstract

This study explores how design intervention can promote the transformation of the traditional craft industry into the distributed manufacturing model. First, theories relevant to distributed manufacturing and product-service system (PSS) are analyzed. Subsequently, design intervention strategies aimed at revitalizing specific traditional crafts are proposed. Finally, these strategies are explained comprehensively by combining Gourd Play design practice case. The proposed design intervention strategies can help specific traditional crafts achieve distributed manufacturing and improve their sustainability.

Keywords:

• Distributed manufacturing
• handicraft
• product-service system
• sustainability
• localized production
• craft
• design intervention

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank our friends and the villagers of Luzhuang Village, Liaocheng, China, for their help in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest is reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

We acknowledge the partial research support of the Eric C. Yim Endowed Professorship and the RPg fund of PolyU.

Notes on contributors

Youzhi Chen

Youzhi Chen is a PhD student of the School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He obtained his master’s degree from Politecnico di Milano. His research direction is sustainable design.

Kin Wai Michael Siu

Kin Wai Michael Siu is a Chair Professor of the School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His research interests are in public design, inclusive design, and design research methods.

Luca Fois

Luca Fois is an Adjunct Professor of the Department of Design, Politecnico di Milano. His research mainly focuses on event design, toy design, and wine design.

Xiaoshan Li

Xiaoshan Li is a Professor of the School of Design and Art, Beijing Technology and Business University. Her research interests include service design and interaction design.