Small shops in small villages are facing the threat of extinction, leading to the loss of traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Simultaneously, the rise of fast fashion has introduced a culture of disposable products, resulting in unsustainable environmental consequences. Addressing these issues, this thesis, conducted at the University of Skövde by Eva Moreno Castillo in collaboration with two artisan companies, Pablo Joyería Relojería and Olby Design AB, aims to repurpose jewellery packaging to promote awareness in society and mitigate the growing problem of waste.
The initial phase of the research involved a preliminary study that explored the current market and existing solutions for jewellery packaging, as well as the needs and preferences of jewellers. Additionally, the study focused on understanding the processes involved in producing jewellery boxes and how sustainable and ethical practices could be implemented. Building on this foundation, methods were explored to engage users in the design process, an approach referred to as Collaborative Design.
Throughout the research, creative methods inspired by design thinking were employed. Collaborative workshops, brainstorming sessions, various sketching forms, mockups, and a morphological matrix were utilised, involving users in designing and evaluating three proposed concepts. Close collaboration with Olby Design AB and Pablo Joyería Relojería facilitated the final concept selection through comprehensive assessment.
The culmination of this thesis is the proposal of a concept that effectively addresses customer demands, product requirements, and sustainable processes. A life cycle analysis of the chosen concept will be conducted to validate these claims, providing further evidence of its environmental and social benefits.
In conclusion, this thesis presents a viable solution to repurpose jewellery packaging and offers product and process enhancement recommendations. These findings contribute to the larger discourse on sustainable design and encourage further exploration and innovation in the field.
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