Bridging the Macro, Meso and Micro Levels of Designer–Artisan Co-Design: Case Studies of Value Co-Creation Within Chinese Textile Crafts

Abstract

Designer–artisan co-design in the traditional crafts industry is recognised as promoting social innovation. However, existing co-design approaches in textile craft sectors are often fragmented, which presents challenges for systematically supporting co-design. This study examines the factors that shape designer–artisan co-design by analysing the experiences of 20 designers and artisans from the Chinese traditional textile craft sector. We identified a four-stage process involving interdependent factors across macro, meso and micro levels of stakeholders. This study addresses the views of multiple stakeholders on the co-design process and aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the craft industry by leveraging social resources and facilitating effective collaboration. In addition, the findings support capacity building for stakeholders at all levels, influencing their practices in the textile craft industry and helping to identify optimal pathways to support long-term sustainable development goals. This research contributes new knowledge to the field by proposing a holistic, multicausal co-creation strategy that enhances stakeholder involvement, enables resource transfer and promotes mutual adaptation in the co-design process.