Agexport / 2011
Consultancy for Handicraft Product Development
Product Design consultancy for Agexport Guatemala
In this project, I collaborated with the Handicrafts Commission of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT) on product design and development consultancy, adapting design proposals to traditional craft techniques and resulting in new product collections developed in collaboration with artisan communities in Guatemala.
Overview
This project explored how design can contribute to strengthening traditional crafts and creating new opportunities in contemporary markets. The result was the development of new product proposals and collections that aimed to preserve the craft identity of each community while introducing new forms, applications, and combinations aligned with market demands.
My role in the project
As part of a consultancy for the Handicrafts Commission of AGEXPORT, I worked on the development and prototyping of new product proposals for different artisan organizations in Guatemala. The process involved translating design concepts and sketches into feasible products, taking into account the techniques, materials, production capabilities, and traditional knowledge of each group.
The work combined product design, experimentation, prototyping, and production support, working directly with artisans to solve construction problems, improve processes, and ensure the quality of the prototypes.
The challenge
The main challenge was to turn design proposals into products that could be made using the techniques, materials, and capabilities of each artisan organization. Each group worked with different processes and levels of experience, meaning some designs required adjustments during fabrication.
The process involved working directly with the artisans to identify problems, adapt the proposals, and develop the prototypes, seeking a balance between introducing new forms and solutions while preserving the traditional techniques and knowledge of each community.
Understanding
The process began with visits to the different communities to meet the artisans firsthand and understand their techniques and working processes. During these visits, I analyzed the available materials, the tools being used, and the production capabilities of each organization.
This process allowed me to understand the characteristics of each group and identify the opportunities and limitations that needed to be considered when adapting the design proposals. Direct observation and collaboration with the artisans were fundamental to establishing a realistic foundation for the subsequent development of the prototypes.
Development
During this phase, I prepared all the supporting material needed to help the artisans understand the designs, translating the proposals into clear instructions and references for fabrication.
Work visits were coordinated to support the production process, solve problems, optimize fabrication, and verify prototype quality. In parallel, the process was documented through photographs and records of the different stages of production, allowing the progress of each product to be tracked.
Bamboo Product Development
Plastic Cord Product Development
Backstrap Loom Product Development
The Outcome
The project was successfully completed with the development of three new product collections, each based on a different traditional craft technique and material.
Backstrap Loom Collection
Through the work of the artisans from the Nueva Alianza weaving cooperative, a collection of ten products was developed.
Plastic Cord Collection
Through the work of the artisans from the ASDIR cooperative, a collection of fourteen products was developed.
Bamboo Collection
Through the work of the artisans from the ASODILL cooperative, a collection of twelve products was developed.
With the successful completion of the project, we were able to expand the existing product offering with new proposals aimed at identifying market opportunities and helping the cooperatives generate greater income for their communities.
