Craft(wear)
Organic Canvas Utility Vest
Brief:
✷ As a Designer, how can I ensure that crafts folk have a product that enhances their experience and supports them in their dedicated process / outcomes in their craft?
*I did not start with a clear path knowing what type of product I was going to create. I used research methodology to identify an opportunity for this brief. I would be happy to walk you through the case study zoewuthrich@gmail.com.
Challenge:
✷ Must work in diverse workshop environments.
✷ Must be backed by research.
Inspiration:
✷ Workspace solutions
✷ Workwear
✷ Hand tools
Inspiration
Knitty Gritty details
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Crafts folk who work in a workshop / studio environment.
Examples of Crafts folk: Jewelers, woodworkers, book artists, ceramists.
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Field Work
Ethnographic Research
Ethnography heavily relies on fieldwork, where the researcher immerses themselves in the culture and routine of the people under study. While identifying and arranging meetings with the crafts folk, I started drafting interview questions and outlining the specific areas I intended to observe such as workspaces, tools and storage.
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Phase One: Getting to know craft through different disciplines
DISCOVERY
IDENTIFICATION
DOCUMENTATION
Phase Two: Opportunities in the commonalities
EXAMINATION
RESEARCH
SOLVING
Phase Three: Design and development
LEARNING
PROTOTYPING
TESTING
Material matters
I chose to work with organic cotton canvas because it is a breathable, durable textile used often in work wear clothing. This textile has the ability to be treated with wax.
For hardware, I selected aluminum pieces because they are lightweight and durable.
Craft(wear) Utility Vest
Takeaways
final concept
Meet the Craft(wear) Utility Vest made for Crafts Folk backed by ethnographic research, user testing, and an undeniable love for craft.
This product not only embodies a passion for craft but also signifies a journey of acquiring new skills as a craftsperson. A key lesson learned from developing this product is how my experience in various craft disciplines has enriched my abilities as a designer and creator. Engaging with crafts folk from different backgrounds has underscored the shared values of meticulousness and expertise in craftsmanship, emphasizing the intrinsic value of care and skill in this creative process.
full Case study below
