Combining 3D printing with traditional crafts: Why is it needed and what is thr role of designer?

Abstract

Traditional crafts now have trouble in terms of economic losses and low interest from society, but it is true that traditional crafts have value for our society and culture. In this situation, we consider the use of 3D printer. Our focus on traditional crafts is in danger, even with their importance in social and economic terms. We started this research based on the hypothesis that the 3D printer that is now widely used in the design and technical fields will help to revive traditional crafts. Our two research questions are as follows: RQ 1. Why do traditional crafts need to be combined with 3D printer? RQ 2. How can designs contribute to the combinations of traditional crafts and 3D printer? To answer these questions, we used the interview and found five interviewees that illustrate the combination of 3D printer with traditional crafts. We found that 3D printer have the advantages of fast speed and free form. They can help traditional crafts to evolve in other ways and still deliver the meaning of traditional crafts to the people. For this to occur, the designer should understand traditional crafts first and create better products that can show the advantages of both 3D printer and traditional crafts. Finally, 3D printer can help to develop new kinds of craft designs and deliver new meanings to the user. It can also evoke the meanings of traditional crafts to the user in a social context. We hope that these kinds of results can help whomever has an interest in developing traditional crafts or those who want to find alternative ways to use 3D printer.