Application of Design Intervention in the Sri Lankan Handloom Industry

Abstract

To be competitive in the marketplace, the community handloom craft business needs to be combined with contemporary sensibility and innovation in order to create goods that meet existing consumer demands. This study explores craft-design collaboration possibilities and finds co-creation is an effective means to overcome challenges to design intervention and market identification. Through a qualitative approach, this case study and participatory action research developed collaborative innovation between designers and craftspeople through a co-creation process. This employment of design interventions has the potential to help develop handloom community businesses by providing appropriate product design solutions. The results will aid the handloom industry and government in developing strategic design approaches that consider social, economic, and cultural factors.

Keywords:

• handloom craft
• craft revitalization
• design intervention
• craft communities
• co-creation

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Thushari Wanniarachchi

Thushari Wanniarachchi is a senior lecturer at the Department of Textile & Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. She is an expert in sustainable fashion and apparel technology. Her research interest is in the sustainable craft business promotion and craft community development. [email protected]

D. G. K. Dissanayake

D. G. K. Dissanayake is an expert in sustainable fashion and textiles, and currently working as a senior lecturer at the Department of Textile & Clothing Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Her research interests include the role of craft in promoting sustainable fashion, and locally based production and consumption models.

Carolyn Downs

Carolyn Downs is a senior lecturer at Lancaster University, UK. She leads EU funded research into enterprise development in communities vulnerable to social exclusion and innovation in micro enterprises. She is currently leading the CASCADE project which works with craft and artisan enterprises to develop closed loop manufacturing, design innovations and digital marketing. She also works on community wealth building initiatives and digital exclusion projects.