Understand/ Reimagining/ Enhancing and Creating the space/context of weavers in Yelahanka Bengaluru by observing, researching and insightfully attempting to address the needs in the face of the new technology and industrial advancements experienced today, using them as starting points to anticipate and design for human/more-than-human needs.
Understand/ Reimagining/ Enhancing and Creating the space/context of weavers in Yelahanka Bengaluru by observing, researching and insightfully attempting to address the needs in the face of the new technology and industrial advancements experienced today, using them as starting points to anticipate and design for human/more-than-human needs.
The Mission
To understand and explore the current conditions, the road that led to it and the future possibilities for weavers in Bengaluru . From a personal project perspective, we would like to explore this space even in a larger context, probably even expanding outside just the Yelahanka colony.
To understand and explore the current conditions, the road that led to it and the future possibilities for weavers in Bengaluru . From a personal project perspective, we would like to explore this space even in a larger context, probably even expanding outside just the Yelahanka colony.
To understand and explore the current conditions, the road that led to it and the future possibilities for weavers in Bengaluru . From a personal project perspective, we would like to explore this space even in a larger context, probably even expanding outside just the Yelahanka colony.
The Vision
To aid their daily life, either in their practice, or that of their leisure time, in an innovative manner with a non-elitist mindset.
To aid their daily life, either in their practice, or that of their leisure time, in an innovative manner with a non-elitist mindset.
To aid their daily life, either in their practice, or that of their leisure time, in an innovative manner with a non-elitist mindset.
The process
Who do we work with?
Narrowing down to a specific target audience.
Research
Learning about weavers in India before fieldwork
Interacting
Initial visit to the Yelahanka Weavers community to establish a base
Who do we work with?
Narrowing down to a specific target audience.
Research
Learning about weavers in India before fieldwork
Interacting
Initial visit to the Yelahanka Weavers community to establish a base
Secondary Research
To be able to go back with more detailed questions and understanding
Field work
Visited a weaving school and colony in another part of the city to compare and learn
Insights and more
The process of putting collected data and information into comprehensive maps to ideate, and report
Secondary Research
To be able to go back with more detailed questions and understanding
Field work
Visited a weaving school and colony in another part of the city to compare and learn
Insights and more
The process of putting collected data and information into comprehensive maps to ideate, and report
Target
Audience
Target Audience
Target Audience
From "No strings attached" to
Knowing The Strings
—— Primary & Secondary Research ——
From "No strings attached" to
Knowing The Strings
—— Primary & Secondary Research ——
From "No strings attached" to
Knowing The Strings
—— Primary & Secondary Research ——
Types of weaving
Types of weaving
Handlooms
Handlooms
The company provides the weavers with the required silk and the design punch cards.
The silk threads are then bound into the spools using a special mechanism.
The yarn wraps are attached to the looms and the spools are put into a different machine to weave the design horizontally.
The weaver has to work for 2-3 days to complete one saree
The company provides the weavers with the required silk and the design punch cards.
The silk threads are then bound into the spools using a special mechanism.
The yarn wraps are attached to the looms and the spools are put into a different machine to weave the design horizontally.
The weaver has to work for 2-3 days to complete one saree
Powerlooms
Powerlooms
Design are sent by the companies
Inserted into the machine with a chip
Workers have to make sure if the machine is running properly or not.
One saree takes 3-4 hours
Design are sent by the companies
Inserted into the machine with a chip
Workers have to make sure if the machine is running properly or not.
One saree takes 3-4 hours
*The information on power looms is mentioned as a point of comparison
The Stakeholders
How does it look right now?
How does it look right now?
Unwinding the yarn with A.E.I.O.U
Unwinding the yarn with A.E.I.O.U
We need people. If you want to run a factory many people have to be in that business for the field itself to succeed”
We need people. If you want to run a factory many people have to be in that business for the field itself to succeed”
We need people. If you want to run a factory many people have to be in that business for the field itself to succeed”
We need people. If you want to run a factory many people have to be in that business for the field itself to succeed”
What don't you see?
What don't you see?
Marketing Bottlenecks
Marketing Bottlenecks
Existing Solution
Multiple policies by the government to connect the weavers directly to the consumers
Existing Solution
Multiple policies by the government to connect the weavers directly to the consumers
Gap
Only the loom owners or educated weavers are aware of such policies or are able to access them the individual/ non-community/society based weavers still remain out of the loop
Gap
Only the loom owners or educated weavers are aware of such policies or are able to access them the individual/ non-community/society based weavers still remain out of the loop
Poor Infrastructure
Poor Infrastructure
Existing Solution
There are several schemes to help improve the infrastructure which to a certain level helps
Existing Solution
There are several schemes to help improve the infrastructure which to a certain level helps
Gap
Small interventions required to improve the niche problems like the ventilation systems, etc haven’t been taking as these issues make working conditions more difficult.
Gap
Small interventions required to improve the niche problems like the ventilation systems, etc haven’t been taking as these issues make working conditions more difficult.
The next generation
The next generation
Existing Solution
Both the government and NGOs provide aid in the form of a “normal” education opportunity for the weaver's children
Existing Solution
Both the government and NGOs provide aid in the form of a “normal” education opportunity for the weaver's children
Gap
No one is considering the lack of enthusiasm and interest in the next generation to take weaving forward.
Gap
No one is considering the lack of enthusiasm and interest in the next generation to take weaving forward.
Possible Interventions
Possible Interventions
Marketing Bottlenecks
Marketing Bottlenecks
Problem : The weavers believe, and it’s visible that “no one wants to learn the craft anymore”. There are also no simplified channels for this.
Problem : The weavers believe, and it’s visible that “no one wants to learn the craft anymore”. There are also no simplified channels for this.
Solution : Workshops conducted by skilled, locally based weavers either in :
Government Schools
Private Schools
As extracurricular activities
Solution : Workshops conducted by skilled, locally based weavers either in :
Government Schools
Private Schools
As extracurricular activities
Poor Infrastructure
Poor Infrastructure
Problem : The craft is losing its value as there is no longer see a need for the handloom. People want the products but seem to discard the process.
Problem : The craft is losing its value as there is no longer see a need for the handloom. People want the products but seem to discard the process.
Solution : Changing the way the weavers and the craft is viewed by consumers. Marketing the profession as an invaluable skill instead of a replaceable activity.
Solution : Changing the way the weavers and the craft is viewed by consumers. Marketing the profession as an invaluable skill instead of a replaceable activity.
The next generation
The next generation
Problem : Most houses have no fans, and minimal ventilation. The pits are also a little stuffy, and the halogen lights make it hotter.
Problem : Most houses have no fans, and minimal ventilation. The pits are also a little stuffy, and the halogen lights make it hotter.
Solution : A low power fan that runs with 3 alternate sources of energy :
Solar power
Movement of the loom
Electricity
Solution : A low power fan that runs with 3 alternate sources of energy :
Solar power
Movement of the loom
Electricity
You've reached a blank page…
or our next project together!
Let's talk
work in progress always
You've reached a blank page…
or our next project together!
Let's talk
work in progress always
You've reached a blank page…
or our next project together!
Let's talk
work in progress always
You've reached a blank page…
or our next project together!
Let's talk
work in progress always