Wrapped in a rainbow: Inspiration and innovation through traditional crafts

Abstract Craft artists can be simultaneously mythical poets and SciFy specialists, whose craft skills from the past act as a tool-kit to overcome the borders between past and future, to predict and create imaginary new worlds and to point towards solutions for the future. The Nordic culture and its craft tradition is a wise model for future generations in tackling climate change, social problems and waste. While current design students are outstandingly talented and skilful users of digital tools of virtual reality, problems arise when perfect virtual images have to be transformed into real 3D models, prototypes and products. Designers who are trained to combine craft skills and experiential knowledge with digital reality and computer-assisted tools appear to have an advantage in innovation because they can predict and overcome the flaws that digital reality overlooks.