Heritage Product for Future Living

Abstract

In order to innovate, we need creative ideas. This project focused on the use of ‘heritage product as a source for creative inspirations, thus a strategic approach was develop against the background of Vietnam’s handicraft industry. The project is about understanding the current development of heritage product and how it can potentially be develop towards sustainable living. A model towards this approach was devised based on three phases SEEK - IDENTIFY INNOVATE A strategic approach devised based on heritage innovation. It consists of a model and a process as a guidelines used during new product development project. In order to ensure its accessibility, the approach was transformed into a tangible toolkit which consists of three set of tools that act as a supporting material to mediate a session. A set of trend styles forecasted in 2013 are also included to help user with no design background or experience to kick-start their NPD project. This toolkit aims to be a catalyst for Vietnamese producers to innovate based on their heritage product. It also act as a platform to collaborate between designers and non-designers through step by step process that enable them to co-create using the same method. This potentially will increase design awareness and creative capabilities among local producers through experience and share knowledge with professional designers during the session. ‘Heritage Product for Future Living’ allow people to experience the process of developing new ideas from heritage product. The process nurture design capabilities while generating original ideas with story behind it. The story created an identity as well as build authenticity of the ideas, an outcome that can be used as part of the marketing strategy to promote the end products. The toolkit is design as a medium to facilitate creative session, it can potentially be used in two different scenarios; ‘fast and extensive’ or ‘deep dive experience’ which provide and options for users to used the tools according to their available time and resources.