Research and development of water hyacinth handicraft products San Pa Muang Subdistrict Mueang District Phayao Province

Abstract

This research project on developing the handicraft product of water hyacinth in San Pa Muang sub-district, Mueang district, Phayao province aimed to  1. Investigate the consumer demand for product design and development. 2. Design and Develop the handicraft product design of water hyacinth in San Pa Muang sub-district, Mueang district, Phayao province. 3. To encourage the use of natural materials responding to social trends that turn to care about health and the environment. The research process consisted of 7 steps: 1. Studied preliminary data and collected field data, and reviewed relevant research on the development of water hyacinth handicraft products. 2. Inquired about the needs of manufacturers and consumers for the development of handicraft products from water hyacinth. 3. Designed and developed products based on the needs of manufacturers and consumers. 4. Obtained feedback on the satisfaction with the design of the developed products. 5. Collaborated with the water hyacinth weaving group (Chawawad) to create the products. 6. Analyzed and synthesized the data. 7. Summarized the research results, discussed the findings, and made recommendations. The research tools used included: taking pictures to record weaving patterns and prototype products, conducting interviews on the design requirements for the development of water hyacinth handicraft products (Chawawad), administering a questionnaire on the development of water hyacinth handicraft products, and a satisfaction survey among different groups, including 9 weavers from the water hyacinth weaving group (Chawawad), 63 consumers interested in developing water hyacinth handicraft products, and 63 individuals who were interested in water hyacinth products and wanted to provide feedback on the prototype products.

The research found that there was a high demand for the design of the fifth style of giant snakehead (Pla Chado) lamp, with an S.D. of 0.57. The preferred pattern for the lampshade was a flower design, with an S.D. of 0.69. The sample had previously used or were currently using rattan lamps, with 38 people, and 25 people who had never used rattan lamps. The most popular places to use rattan lamps were restaurants and coffee shops. There was a high demand for producing rattan lamps from water hyacinth, with 58.7% of the respondents agreeing to it. 82.5% of respondents wanted natural colors, with 82.5% preferring strong, beautiful, and bright light, and 92.1% preferring soft yellow light. In terms of customer satisfaction with the development of water hyacinth handicraft products, they were highly satisfied with the water hyacinth rattan lamps in terms of design, beauty, brightness, and functionality. The opinions of consumers and those who support the water hyacinth industry on the price of water hyacinth rattan lamps were that the highest price they were willing to pay was 2,500 baht, with 50 people, and 46 people had the highest satisfaction in buying at 2,500 baht.