Abstract

This research examines the effectiveness of participatory design approaches in facilitating sustainable product innovation through a qualitative case study on the development of banana fiber crafts in Thailand. The study employed a mixed-methods research design, combining participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentary analysis to investigate the integration of diverse knowledge domains through collaborative processes. The study followed a three-phase approach: initial knowledge gathering through expert consultations and field surveys, collaborative design development through structured workshops, and iterative prototype refinement with stakeholder feedback. The study was conducted at Ban Hua Khwai community in Songkhla Province, Thailand, where traditional craft knowledge was integrated with contemporary design approaches through structured participatory processes. Data collection spanned six months, involving 15 design students, 3 researchers, 2 entrepreneurs, and 12 community producers, who were purposively sampled to represent key stakeholder perspectives. The analysis employed thematic coding using NVivo software, focusing on identifying patterns of knowledge integration and creative collaboration. Results demonstrated the successful development of innovative product categories in two main segments: decorative household items and lifestyle products. The study introduced and validated the Creative Knowledge Integration (CKI) framework, providing a structured approach for synthesizing diverse knowledge domains in participatory design processes. Analysis using Elkington's Triple Bottom Line framework revealed significant positive impacts across economic (through successful product commercialization), social (through meaningful engagement of elderly community producers), and environmental dimensions (through sustainable material use and production methods). This research contributes to both the theoretical understanding of collective creativity in design and the practical application of participatory methods in sustainable product innovation. The findings provide valuable insights for designers, researchers, and communities seeking to develop sustainable products through collaborative approaches.