DESIGN FOR IMPACT: ETHNOGRAPHIC DESIGN APPROACH AS COLLABORATIVE DESIGN MODEL IN NGADA REGENCY, EAST NUSA TENGGARA

Abstract

This study describes the collaborative design model by using ethnographic design approach in three traditional villages in Ngada Regency, Middle Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Wake Wadho as one of the inter - disciplinary collaboration and trans – sectoral, which combine design thinking and rapid ethnography approach. The existence of popular design is widely known as aesthetical
function. However, Ngada regency needs the wider action that involves facilitation and activity in which it can an activate the sustainable, creative ecosystem, reviewed from the social, cultural, economic, and geopolitics aspect. This paper aims to portray the existence of design as a tool for creating changes impacting sustainable livelihoods. As the continuation of IKKON Program (Innovation and Creativity through Collaboration across the Archipelago) initiated by Indonesia Creative Economy Agency (BEKRAF), the collaboration process involved various disciplines from design and anthropology field, in which it produces service design as the “Experience Journey” and contemporary products. This holistic output is dedicated to actualizing empathy in the touch of design, considering the socio – cultural view, and implemented in everyday life. The synthesis process is being a key of collaboration with specific outcome identities of human – centred design, interiority and experiential, and local values meet contemporary spirit product. It creates variety of products that can be experienced, by the tourist as well as the indigenous people in the traditional villages and also products with authentic and inspiring story behind.