Co-design from a knowledge transformation perspective: facilitating cooperation and communication between designers and craftspeople

The study explores the impact of emerging technologies on traditional crafts, emphasises collaboration between craftspeople and designers, and examines new perspectives on local crafts. A collaborative design framework centred on knowledge transformation and toolkit is proposed to promote multi-level collaboration throughout the design process. Through practice-led research, we rigorously examined the collaborative interactions between designers and Ulata embroidery craftspeople. The results show that the collaborative design approach based on the knowledge transformation perspective facilitates the exchange of expertise and translates potential knowledge into practical insights for both parties. This approach enhances collaboration and communication between designers and craftspeople, promoting innovative design ideas and products. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were employed to assess the outcomes and examine the promotion effect and participation level in the Socialisation-Externalisation-Combination- Internalisation (SECI) model-based collaborative strategy. Collaborative knowledge acquisition plays a vital role in safeguarding traditional craftsmanship within intangible cultural heritage, thereby promoting sustainable development. This study offers strategies and tools to integrate traditional handicrafts with contemporary design, thereby promoting local craft advancement.