Designing a contemporary basket: a student project process
“Design a basket” is too broad to guide a useful project. Start by naming a user and a situation: market shopping, storing laundry in a small room, carrying a picnic or displaying products in a shop. Each context changes the useful size, handle, weight, cleaning and storage requirements.
Next, document the material and technique with the people who understand them. Make a small sample before you commit to a full prototype. Observe how it holds its shape, where it flexes and how its edges feel in use. Ask a user to try your prototype and note what they find difficult. Revise the design and explain why you made each change.
A portfolio can show the brief, source notes, sample, measured drawing, prototype, feedback and final reflection. The National Museums of Kenya's heritage training is one local example of craft-related learning; any student project based on community knowledge should seek appropriate permission and attribution. See KENCID's Product Design course for the wider design-to-product context.
Explore your next step
Explore the Indigenous Materials, Crafts & Product Design course at KENCID, or browse all KENCID courses. Contact Admissions to confirm current course details before you apply.
Related links
- Product Design course
- Natural fibres and weaving: from material sample to design decision
- A craft product portfolio brief for Kenyan design students