Product Development and Market Strategy for CSR Program
In East Kalimantan, the art of rattan weaving was at risk. While the craftsmen
possessed exceptional skills, the weaving process was labor-intensive, and
younger generations showed little interest in learning the trade. The local
market, though willing to pay premium prices, remained underserved due to the
low production capacity and outdated designs.
This project aimed to tackle the challenge:
How can we develop designs that increase craftsmen’s productivity and meet
market demand while preserving their cultural heritage?
Preserving traditional rattan woven technique.
Institution
National Craft Council
Duration
2 years (2017 - 2018)
My Role
Researcher, Designer, and Instructor
Responsibilities
Research Plan, Ethnography, Participatory Design
Impact
The initiative achieved measurable success:
Productivity Boost: Simplified weaving designs reduced production time, enabling craftsmen to produce more items monthly.
Market Appeal: Developed 16 new symmetrical patterns, combined with leather elements, that resonated with modern tastes.
Cultural Preservation: A training program empowered craftsmen with new techniques, ensuring knowledge transfer to younger generations.
Approach
Over two years, the project employed a participatory design approach to engage local craftsmen and incorporate their perspectives.
Key methods included:
Ethnography: Observation and interviews to understand the weaving process and identify pain points.
Participatory Design: Co-design workshops to collaboratively develop new products and patterns.
Interview and observe craftsmen in their creative process.
Journey/ Process
The project began with ethnographic research, observing craftsmen in four villages in Paser, Muara Komam.
From the interviews revealed challenges such as the lengthy production time for a single rattan bag, limited pattern designs, and the craftsmen’s need to balance weaving with other jobs.
Conducting participatory design workshop.
Using these insights, participatory design workshops was conducted to encourage craftsmen, experimenting with basic woven sheets, introducing leather integration, and sewing machine techniques to modernize their products.
A structured five-stage training program was developed to teach new designs, refine techniques, and ensure market readiness.
The process concluded with testing 16 new symmetrical patterns in local markets, collecting feedback from craftsmen and market before the design to be finalized.
Introducing new technique and combining with sewing machine tools
Result
The project delivered impactful outcomes that addressed both cultural and economic goals:
Final Products: Introduced a range of modernized rattan products, including bags with symmetrical patterns and leather elements.
Training Outputs: Equipped craftsmen with new skills and tools, enabling faster production and higher-quality outputs.
Sustainable Ecosystem: Fostered collaboration among craftsmen, where some specialized in material preparation while others focused on weaving.
Wallets from rattan woven sheets as the final product.
By blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative design and market strategies, this project revitalized a dying art form while creating economic opportunities for the community.
