Collaborative craft design with traditional artisans: a participatory design framework for indigenous basketry

Abstract

This study proposes a participatory design framework derived from collaborative craft design with traditional artisans specialising in indigenous basketry. While participatory design has been widely applied in craft development, design research has rarely articulated how indigenous basketry knowledge – particularly plant-based wicker crafts such as khluem (Donax canniformis) – can be systematically transformed into transferable design knowledge. Grounded in research through design and participatory action research, this study documents material knowledge, weaving techniques, and collaborative design processes within a traditional basketry community in southern Thailand. Through iterative co-creation, material exploration, and prototype development, a participatory design framework was synthesised, consisting of knowledge elicitation, material interpretation, collaborative ideation, design translation, and knowledge consolidation. By positioning collaborative craft practice as design knowledge, this research contributes a structured framework for participatory craft design applicable to indigenous basketry contexts beyond the studied case.