Designers Are Exploring Eco-Conscious Materials And Techniques To Merge Traditional Indian Art With Modern Designs

Vasisht Rajani,Industrial designer, Teams Design

In conversation with Prisila, Correspondent, Asia Business Outlook Magazine. Vasisht shares his views on trends or emerging approaches in the field of design that facilitate the retention of Indian traditional art. In the conversation, he also discussed about How do social media and online platforms impact consumer product choices through design-related factors such as visual content and influencer marketing.

1) How can technology be utilized to support the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian art in modern design practices? In your experience, what are some of the benefits that come from combining traditional Indian art with modern designs?

Technology can play a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional Indian art in modern design practices. Digital platforms and tools can be used to document and archive traditional art forms, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies can provide immersive experiences, allowing people to explore and interact with traditional Indian art in new ways.

Combining traditional Indian art with modern designs brings several benefits. It creates a bridge between the past and the present, fostering cultural continuity. It infuses contemporary designs with a unique aesthetic and cultural richness, making them stand out in a globalized world. Moreover, the fusion of traditional and modern elements can spark creativity, resulting in innovative and unique design solutions. Also due to advancements in technology designs from the past can be integrated with our current ways of manufacturing to create similar and more pieces to traditional furniture, thus preserving the style and art form. This integration also helps to revitalize traditional art forms, providing new opportunities for artisans and encouraging their continued practice and preservation.

2) How can sustainable design principles be integrated into the process of blending traditional Indian art with modern designs? Can you discuss any trends or emerging approaches in the field of design that facilitate the retention of Indian traditional art?

Sustainable design principles can be integrated into the blending of traditional Indian art with modern designs by considering eco-friendly materials, responsible sourcing, and minimizing waste. Using organic or recycled materials, employing local artisans and craftsmen, and adopting low-impact production processes are some ways to promote sustainability.

In terms of trends and emerging approaches, there is a growing emphasis on ethical and sustainable design practices in the field. Designers are exploring eco-conscious materials and techniques to merge traditional Indian art with modern designs. Additionally, there is an increased focus on preserving traditional knowledge and skills through apprenticeships, workshops, and collaborations with artisans, ensuring the continuation of traditional art forms while incorporating them into contemporary designs. This approach helps maintain cultural heritage while embracing sustainability in the design process.

Social media and online platforms have a significant impact on consumer product choices through design-related factors.

3) How can the needs and preferences of homeowners be effectively incorporated into the design process while ensuring a balance between aesthetics and functionality? Can you discuss any strategies or techniques for maximizing storage and organization without compromising on the overall aesthetic appeal of a home?

To effectively incorporate the needs and preferences of homeowners into the design process, communication and collaboration are key. Designers should engage in active listening to understand the homeowners' lifestyle, habits, and specific requirements. As design is mostly for the user or created for the individual, Thus, conducting thorough surveys and interviews helps gather valuable insights.

Strategies for maximizing storage and organization without compromising aesthetics include utilizing multifunctional furniture, such as ottomans with hidden storage or built-in shelving units. Incorporating built-in cabinets, shelves, and niches can optimize space while maintaining a streamlined look. Additionally, utilizing vertical space, such as installing wall-mounted storage or utilizing overhead storage solutions, can help maximize storage capacity. Integrating concealed storage options like under-bed storage or utilizing furniture with hidden compartments can also contribute to an organized and clutter-free environment. All these methods help in making spaces feel more bigger and airy giving the feeling of luxury and freedom in even small living spaces. Balancing aesthetics and functionality requires thoughtful design choices and prioritizing the homeowners' needs.

"AI can enable automated adjustments based on user preferences, analyze data to provide personalized recommendations, and integrate with virtual assistants for voice-controlled commands"

4) How do social media and online platforms impact consumer product choices through design-related factors such as visual content and influencer marketing? What are some challenges or considerations that designers and companies face in aligning design with consumer preferences?

Social media and online platforms have a significant impact on consumer product choices through design-related factors. Visual content on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest influences consumer preferences by showcasing attractive and aspirational designs. Influencer marketing leverages the influence of social media personalities to promote products, shaping consumer perceptions and driving purchasing decisions. Due to multiple choices of products on the same product, we have a hard time choosing what we want, if its function, features, aesthetics, and so on, here social media acts as a way to push products on people we follow or look up to. A simple example, Shah Rukh Khan acting for a Thumbs Up ad, promotes the product and people choose the drink as he drinks it.

Designers and companies face challenges in aligning design with consumer preferences. The fast-paced nature of social media demands agility in responding to ever-changing trends. In this phase of time trends continue to develop and change every few months compared to once in a few years. This creates a challenge to make something that is future proof and still create a product that people today want to buy. Designers need to strike a balance between creating unique, authentic designs and meeting market demands. Additionally, companies need to navigate ethical considerations, such as ensuring transparency and authenticity in influencer collaborations, to maintain consumer trust and credibility.

5) What role can artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning play in enhancing the functionality and performance of tech-savvy furniture and products? How do you ensure that the tech-savvy furniture and products you design are adaptable and future-proof to accommodate advancements in technology?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can greatly enhance the functionality and performance of tech-savvy furniture and products. AI can enable automated adjustments based on user preferences, analyze data to provide personalized recommendations, and integrate with virtual assistants for voice-controlled commands. Machine learning algorithms can continuously learn and adapt to user behavior, optimizing the furniture's performance over time. Right now, companies are moving furniture with additional tech-savvy features like incorporating a bedside table with wireless charging features, making it easy for users to just keep their phone or gadgets at a spot on the table to charge their devices. Technology advancements just open new doors for innovation and design on other products around us.

Today, to ensure adaptability and future-proofing, designers should focus on modular designs that allow for easy upgrades and integration of new technologies. Using standardized interfaces and open-platform solutions ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices and operating systems. Regular software updates and collaboration with tech experts help designers stay ahead of advancements, ensuring their products can accommodate future technological changes.