Design and Technology Transfer to Social Community on the Seagrass (Krajood) Wicker Products in Thailand

Background This study aims to investigate the needs of Krajood wicker products in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Krajood wicker products were deliberately designed and developed based on the design technologies through the participation of the community. Methods Data were collected using questionnaires, which investigate the needs of consumers, identify potentially feasible styles before applying the design technologies, and create product prototypes in collaboration with the community. Results The study revealed that women constituted the largest group participating in the project. They actively engaged in designing and developing the products in three material-based categories: 1) the design incorporating materials acquired easily, namely local banana plant fiber; 2) the design incorporating synthetic materials, namely plastic ropes; and 3) the design using 100% Krajood. Conclusions The products designed based on local wisdom maximized the value of community-generated ideas, which can be observed in the innovative prototypes of containers and home decorations. The developed Krajood wicker demonstrated innovation as it is a combination of local materials, versatility, and utility. The researcher also acknowledged the importance of training, which helped the locals improve their traditional craft skills as well as earn more financial income.