Innovation in Pandanus Weaving Handicrafts for Sustainable Community Production Development

Abstract

This study aims to: 1) Study and develop approaches for creating innovations in pandanus weaving handicrafts in terms of design and production processes toward sustainability 2) Transfer the process of creating pandanus weaving handicraft products back to the community and evaluate the target groups of producers and consumers. A mixed-methods research design was employed, guided by the research framework of Carole Gray and Julian Malins on research processes in art and design. Data were collected in Krabi Province from a purposively selected sample of 20 participants, consisting of individuals interested in learning pandanus weaving as well as experienced artisans. The research instruments consisted of three types: 1) interview forms, 2) questionnaires, and 3) an evaluation form for the pandanus weaving handicraft innovation. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The findings indicate that innovation in pandanus weaving handicrafts should incorporate several key elements: 1) concepts that can be applied for economic purposes, 2) novelty, (3) the creation of new outcomes derived from knowledge and creativity, and 4) the application of new processes. The developed pandanus weaving handicraft innovation was evaluated by the sample group, yielding the following results: usability ( = 4.00, 4.01 SD.= 0.52, 0.47), tool and mechanism functionality
(= 3.96, 3.99 SD.= 0.49, the innovation workflow (= 4.04, 4.02 SD.= 0.52, 0.55), and product aesthetics (= 4.09, 4.15 SD.= 0.52,0.54)

The knowledge generated from this study indicates that the developed pandanus weaving handicraft innovation establishes a new workflow that enables individuals with no prior skills or experience to produce woven products. While experts are able to complete the weaving process more quickly due to their proficiency, both novices and skilled artisans can create handicraft products through this innovation.