Artigianato Tradizionale tra Digitale e Sostenibilità in Cina e Italia: Contributo del Design

Traditional craft conservation is a cultural preservation program that affects the entirety of society and is tied to economic, social, cultural and even environmental sustainability. Design interventions are among the most effective ways for traditional craftsmanship to intervene in modern life. According to some studies, becoming a digital artist boosts artisans’ competitiveness. Digital technology has grown increasingly crucial, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many artisans are still suspicious of digital technology and are unsure of how to modernize. From the standpoint of design, a systematic investigation of the role of digitalization in the evolution of traditional craftsmanship has become a constructive and guiding theoretical effort to conserve traditional craftsmanship. Furthermore, craft design has evolved as the environment in which artisans live has changed from agricultural to industrial to digital, and analysing these changes and discovering sustainable mechanisms for craft communities are critical. The research explores the evolution of craft design through the ages, determines the entry points for digital technology in the craft industry, analyses the characteristics of sustainable craft communities, and makes relevant, sustainable suggestions using a combination of literature and practical research. Furthermore, the author proposes two hypothetical tools: a Digital Innovation Compass(p.224, p.364) and Digital Sustainable Dandelion (p.271-p.272), which can assist artisans and their stakeholders to identify digitally sustainable paths. These two tools were utilized in empirical research to assist a craft studio in upgrading its digital sustainability path. Then, the author cooperated with the studio director to carry out a crowdfunding project and live commerce activities on various digital platforms, resulting in increased sales. Finally, the two tools were iterated and updated based on the studio director’s ideas. Many design and research tools are now available. However, few tools exist to help artisans and stakeholders from a digital and sustainable perspective. In this light, the research has created a handbook (Output I) that includes various design and research tools that can be utilized in craft activities, as well as the Digital Innovation Compass and Digital Sustainable Dandelion. In addition, the handbook discusses the evolution of craft design and the changing role of artisans. Furthermore, through the practice, the author discovered an unmet and latent need for collaboration between artisans and even other craft stakeholders in both China and Italy. To this end, the author conducted purposeful interviews and questionnaires and eventually designed a digital platform: Co.craft (Output II). This is based on past qualitative and quantitative research as well as the demands of the stakeholders. In addition, the platform promotes exchange and interaction between Chinese and Italian artisan activities by allowing users to publish their needs and seek collaborators quickly. Users can also help others by participating in their projects and providing services and contributions to their needs. In essence, Outputs I and II can be utilized together to assist crafts and stakeholders in addressing digital and sustainability challenges. The handbook will include links to the platform where artisans and stakeholders can search for overseas partners of their preference. The platform will also have an electronic edition of the handbook, which will give interested groups various tools for craft activities and encourage the sustainability of craft communities.