This ongoing project aims to push the boundary of craftsmanship and examine how much crafts can be involved in our daily 21st-century consumer products, other than baskets or decorative objects of the house.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
The work reflects on the growing popularity of natural materials in the lifestyle industry, particularly in decorative products, driven by the increasing trend toward sustainability. While natural materials are often marketed as eco-friendly alternatives, their use can sometimes be superficial, raising questions about the true impact of sustainable design. This project began with personal experience, especially in the consumer products industry and uncovered an irony; despite advocating for sustainability, many brands still rely heavily on plastic and other non-biodegradable materials in mass production. This contradiction sparked a reimagining of everyday objects, exploring alternative manufacturing processes that merge functionality with meaningful storytelling. By introducing unexpected user experiences, the project encourages consumers to engage with products more consciously while reflecting on the efficiency of modern resource use. Ultimately, it seeks to challenge conventional perceptions of sustainability and inspire a more thoughtful approach to material choices in contemporary design.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
The observation led to an exploration of combining craftsmanship with consumer electronics by using natural material, rattan and weaving techniques. The materials were chosen based on prior research into the manufacturing processes of a global consumer lifestyle product brand, which revealed that only essential product components are produced on-site, while less critical parts are outsourced from Southeast Asian countries due to lower costs. To highlight this issue, the project incorporates Southeast Asian craftsmanship and its cultural value. The long and intricate process of redesigning electronic goods to fit handcrafted exteriors, along with constant structural adjustments for weaving techniques, contrasts sharply with the rapid pace of modern manufacturing. Furthermore, the work challenges traditional views of craftsmanship by integrating it into functional, contemporary products. The consumer electronics used in this project are carefully sourced from second-hand shops and electronic markets, promoting a more sustainable approach to material reuse.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
This project is innovative in its unique integration of traditional craftsmanship with consumer electronics, a field typically dominated by industrial production and mass manufacturing. Unlike existing efforts that focus solely on sustainable materials, this project redefines product manufacturing by embedding handcrafted elements, such as rattan weaving, into modern electronic goods, slowing down the fast-consuming product lifestyle. It not only highlights the cultural and artisanal value of Southeast Asian craftsmanship but also questions the ethics of global production systems, where essential parts are localized while non-essential ones are outsourced to low-wage labor markets. By redesigning electronic products to incorporate handcrafted exteriors, the project challenges the conventional separation between craft and technology, offering a new perspective on sustainable design.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
This project directly impacts and reflects the needs of young people by redefining the value of local craftsmanship in a modern, technology-driven world. In an era where mass production dominates, many young designers and consumers seek more ethical, sustainable, and culturally rooted alternatives. Also, the project inspires younger generations to see craftsmanship not as outdated but as an innovative and viable approach to contemporary design. Moreover, it fosters positive social and economic change by creating new opportunities for artisans and encouraging young designers to engage with local skills and resources. This connection between traditional knowledge and modern technology empowers young creators to rethink production systems, promote sustainability, and drive local economies. Ultimately, the project offers a fresh perspective on how heritage and innovation can coexist, shaping a more responsible and culturally conscious future.
