Thesis title: Analyzing parametric design usage methodologies in the development of handcrafts based on architectural specifications
This research explores the transformative potential of computational design and digital manufacturing technologies in the realm of product design, with a specific focus on Iranian handicrafts. The primary goal is to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and computational design, a domain that has been well-received in architecture but remains relatively unexplored in product design. A central aspect of this study is the creation of customizable products that align with consumers' preferences concerning quantity, design, color, and size, thereby amplifying marketability and opening up new export opportunities.
Notwithstanding the limitations in digital manufacturing, such as cost and material quality, computational design brings a significant advantage by automatically generating diverse morphologies that infuse products with distinctive, high-quality features, fostering sustainability and economic viability. The research adopts a two-phase in-field study approach. Initially, it conducts a comprehensive analysis of the craftsmen's needs, and based on these findings, a prototype of a computational design tool is developed and subjected to testing. The results of both the prototype test and the craftsmen's needs analysis are then compared to assess the effectiveness of the parametric design intervention for that particular handicraft(Enameling or Minakari).