Deriving design and innovation strategies from cultural heritages for design research, practice and education

Abstract

Culture can be reflected in design with different symbolisms and representations, and it is one of the main sources for innovations in product design. In the countries or regions where culture resources and intangible heritages are rich, it is often necessary to identify strategies or develop methodologies for the preservation of such resources, and to translate, transform and transcend their values in a sustainable way that is consistent with the time in the evolving context of economic developments of our time. This paper presents a case study on culture based innovation in product design, based on an exhibition and the analysis of the folk art, handicrafts, and intangible culture heritages from Shaanxi province involving a group of local prominent artists. The motivation of this case study is to find out the strength of creative culture industries in western China, and to develop a framework supporting culture based product innovation, through which the knowledge of local artists or craftsmen/women can be integrated to form a collaborative design force. The results of this case study provides strategies and insights on how to build design tools and systems for supporting the emerging creative industry western China.

Keywords: Culture heritage, design innovation, crafts, paper cuts, sculpture.