Real-Time Design Training at Channapatna 2014 from ICAT, Chennai

ICAT, Chennai organized a real-time design training at Channapatna (near Bangalore) for the L4 Interior Design students. The training was organized as part of the “Principles of Graphic and Design” module, in which the students were required to create an interior artefact inspired by Channapatna toys. The team of 22 students and 2 faculties left to Channapatna on 16 December, 2014, where they first understood how the toys are made and the reasons for it to die as an art form.

The students then designed their own artefact considering the feasibility of creating it in real-time. They then interacted with the artisans at Channapatna, explained their sketches and prototypes that have made, and got the artefact created by the artisans. In the factory, the students learnt the application and the design difficulties, and also got a hands-on experience in working with lacware machines.

After the 2-day design experience at the factory, the students went on a market research work in cottage emporium for one day. During the trip, the students were also screened a presentation by MAYA ORGANICS, a company that exports Channapatna toys across the world. The presentation explained the entire process of making the toys, right from cutting and drying of white wood to packaging of the product.

The three-day trip was most enjoyable and fruitful for the students as it gave them the wealth of learning. The students were very excited to see their designs made into an artefact. Some of their artefacts were everyday products such as a pen stand, which had an interesting spiral design and separate pencil caps: bear and bee to attract children. Another student made a trinkets stand which was inspired by a lotus flower.