A Design Research Incorporated With Persian Traditional Arts Symbols

In modern globalized economy product brands are outsourcing their productionto emerging economies like China, India, Korea, and Indonesia etc. In this globalizedindustrial culture, product design plays a vital role. For example, a productmanufactured for American market requires incorporation of American culture inorder to attract local consumers. However, in growing economy like China, mostlyglobal design is incorporated in production. Which results in products needed ratherthan wanted by consumers.Countries having roots in Persian culture, like Middle-Eastern countries, CentralAsian countries, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of India, are one of the largestmarkets for Chinese products. These countries have deep impact of Persian culture inrespective architecture, handicrafts and other cultural products. Resulting in a uniqueblend of Persian and local culture. Especially at the time of arrival of Islam, most ofthese regions lacked central governments. Hence, propagation of local culture in formof products was a logical choice for survival of their cultural identity. This gives astrong reason to discuss the issue of Global vs. Glocal design.Therefore, this thesis addresses the issue of incorporating Persian cultural symbolsinto the design of modern products for these regions. A practical approach is adoptedin order to show design process incorporating cultural symbols. This objective wasachieved by deep observation of some cultural products like architecture, handcrafts,carpets, etc. Followed by, analysis of few sample products in order to extract symbolsincorporated. Analysis of few modern products incorporating these symbols helped usdevelop understanding of underlying design philosophy and symbol utilizationtechniques. These observations and analyses laid down basis for design examplespresented in this thesis. Afore mentioned symbols, by passing through a process ofevolution, were incorporated in design of examples involving modern day products.The design process for these example products involves deep philosophy of designsymbolism of medieval and ancient Persian culture. A rigorous analysis of appearanceand historical meaning of symbols and lifestyle of local consumers unravels themotives behind the design of a product. The principal motivation behind this thesis was to research consumer-orientationfor target market. But, remaining within the boundaries of industrial design, theresearch was focused on base design. As design coupled with market research bringsindustries to their primary goal and hence helps designers understand market demand.Consequently, designs incorporating cultural symbols and native philosophy areeasily acceptable for locals. A thorough comprehension of cultural diversity andconsumer orientation can direct designers and industry in right direction. Productsdesigns resulting from such exercises not just attract local consumers, but as well ascan outreach consumers in other regions.