SEEK CRAFT
6 Months
2023
Seek is a collaborative digital platform designed to facilitate the exchange of craft-based learning among urban creatives from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The platform was the outcome of my Thesis Capstone project, titled "Mking at the Centre of Being: A Craft Education Movement." Through anthropological research in my neighborhood, I explored how tools can serve as a medium of exchange, bridging gaps between craft traditions and modern urban creativity.
This project was inspired by the decline of traditional craft education in urban India, a challenge exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Social and economic pressures further alienated artisans, threatening both the preservation of traditional skills and the livelihoods of craftspeople. The project's goal was to explore whether collaborative craft practices could help mitigate socio-economic divides and reinvigorate interest in urban craft education.
To address this problem, I conducted three months of participatory action research with local craftspeople living within five miles of my home in Bangalore. During this time, I collaborated with them on the creation of craft items, documenting our shared process and interactions. One of the tangible outcomes was the creation of hand-crafted bags that symbolized our collective efforts and preserved the essence of our collaboration.
The research process, lasting six months, was meticulously documented into a booklet that outlines both the research methodology and the final outcomes. This booklet is available in an interactive PDF format on Heyzine, accessible via the image link above or through a slideshow.
The project culminated in the design of Seek, a mobile application envisioned as a digital space for craftspeople and students to share their skills, knowledge, and resources. The app empowers urban creatives by enabling them to connect with local makers, fostering collaboration on craft projects, and helping users build or enhance their craft-based endeavors.
The app’s UI/UX design focuses on ease of navigation and vibrant visuals that reflect the diversity of its user base. It promotes community engagement by allowing users to initiate or participate in craft-based learning projects, effectively becoming a virtual space where urban creatives can share resources, exchange techniques, and collectively build a network of craft enthusiasts.
Screenshots of the app’s interface, along with detailed descriptions, can be found in the slideshow above.
As this was a research project for NYU, the app did not move beyond the prototype stage, which limited our ability to gauge its real-world impact. While initial feedback during the research phase was positive, with the concept resonating with both craftspeople and urban creatives, we were unable to assess the long-term effects of the platform. However, the project provided meaningful insights into how digital spaces can foster collaboration and exchange, particularly in urban settings where craft practices are often overlooked. This research lays the groundwork for potential future developments in craft education and community-driven platforms.
Additionally, my experience working with local craftspeople was published as an article titled “Seeking Urban Interaction: Tools as a Medium of Exchange” in the International Journal of Intangible Cultural Heritage. A link to the article can be found by clicking the image on the right or the link below:
Read the full article on Global Inch
NYU (Research Project)
Sector
Digital Experience
Community Engagement
Craft Education
Discipline
UI/UX Design
Brand Identity
Heyzine (Interactive PDF)
Adobe Creative Suite
Figma
Project Team
Solo
Role
Art Director, UI/UX Designer