Application of Design Intervention in the Sri Lankan Handloom Industry

Abstract To be competitive in the marketplace, the community handloom craft business needs to be combined with contemporary sensibility and innovation in order to create goods that meet existing consumer demands. This study explores craft-design collaboration possibilities and finds co-creation is an effective means to overcome challenges to design intervention and market identification. Through a qualitative approach, this case study and participatory action research developed collaborative innovation between designers and craftspeople through a co-creation process. This employment of design interventions has the potential to help develop handloom community businesses by providing appropriate product design solutions. The results will aid the handloom industry and government in developing strategic design approaches that consider social, economic, and cultural factors.