An in-depth, systematic study of the Juttis of Punjab that serves as a powerful tool for social change.
2018
The National Institute Of Design
guide
team
Aavriti Kushwaha & Simran Toor
role
ethnographic research, design research,
craft documentation
Leather tanning process
Leather tanning process
Jutti
Key Role
Throughout the duration of the project, I put on many hats. My grasp of the Punjabi language made me the lead communicator during ethnographic research. I was responsible for transcribing my daily notes for my teammate to read. I brought a systematic approach to conducting research. My keen eye for
detail allowed me to document the work of craftsmen and visits to tanneries. I was able to explore skills of cinematography and film editing. Towards the end of the project, I was the lead visual designer and focused on publication design and communication.
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Overal design research
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Identifying target audience and needs
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Design Strategy for the project
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Leading Participatory Design & Research
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Cinematography and film editing
Project Scope
How might we communicate the relationship
between caste, material, and craftsmanship?
This is project is a part of the Craft documentation course which has been an integral part of The National Institute of Design - Textile curriculum since the 1970s. This course aims to document crafts that have been left unnoticed and bring them to light. The documentation process applies various research methods and understands the crafts that are on the verge of extinction.
We visited around 12 villages in Punjab and lived locally with talented craftsmen to study their practice closely. We applied various design research methods on the field - methods of ethnographic research, generative research methods and plain observation. As a designer, the relationship between caste, material, and craftsmanship intrigued me.
Conflict
During the field study of the glorious Jutti, the team identified problem areas like the use of unethical leather and the role of the backwards caste system in the process of creation. The craftsmen of these Juttis all belonged to a scheduled caste, called Ramdaasias’ This was the point when the project transmuted from only "craft documentation" to "advocacy" as well.
I was compelled to communicate not only the glory of the end product but the dysfunctionalities of caste and cruelty of leather procurement as well.
At the end of the project, my team and I were able to create a short film, a photo book and a book called “Pledge”. We were able to create a journey for viewers to witness the beauty of the process, while simultaneously taking them through the harsh realities, and ending it with a designer's toolkit of what can be done.
Project Timeline
Before going onto the field the team had gone through a phase of creating a project plan where we recruited our tools and built context. This phase allowed for the next research steps to run smoothly.
Research Through Design (Process)
The Discovery lab experience has been built through a set of participatory workshops Children’s Panels and also inputs from educators and other experts. The key design journey for this project was converting these insights into interactions that would provide a rich learning experience for children
01
Direct Observation
We observed the people of Punjab in their natural environment. This offers contextual data on people, situations, interactions and the surroundings.
What does the day in the life of a Jutti maker look like?
What does their work structure look like?
What inspires kala (creativity)
Infinity Mapping Experiences we have found children engaging with
02
Participatant Observation
We conducted casual conversations in the natural environments of the leather workers. We were now involved in the discussions and could mould the direction of the discussions. The workers were also a little more comfortable with us now
What does the day in the life of a Jutti maker look like?
What does their work structure look like?
What inspires kala (creativity)
03
Generative Design
The Convivial Toolbox published by Elizabeth Sanders and Pieter Jan Stappers introduces the development of human-centred products, systems, services, and environments. The key idea of the book is that all people are creative and all people have ideas that can contribute to the design process.
Direct Observation
We observed the people of Punjab in their natural environment. This offers contextual data on people, situations, interactions and the surroundings.
What does the day in the life of a Jutti maker look like?
What does their work structure look like?
What inspires kala (creativity)