An Update, Some Clarity, My Structure

I have taken into consideration all that my panel and I had discussed, and the feedback that was given to me. I have re-read my proposal that I submitted at the beginning of my project and studied the information i have collected as well, and the main research question I have identified upon which my project is based is

What is the Importance of Design Intervention in Lieu with Sustainability of the Craft?

In order to answer this, I have come up with a structure for my information.

MACRO PICTURE OF TEXTILES ---- MICRO PICTURE OF BENGAL ------- BAILOU

To detail this out a little further,

> A basic background to understand the case. This will cover the historical aspect
of textiles, brief examples of crafts and their importance in the identity of the states
they are from (Manipur, Bengal, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Kashmir)

> The types of interventions that have taken place that has enhanced the value of
the craft and brought it to the foreground (Dastkar, Bailou, UMBVS)

> Detailed account of Bailou - the work it does, the structure, the synergy,
the weavers, their stories; a short history on this which will include
photographic and literary representation of the changes that have been
made, both in terms of products, as well as the market demand

> Example of International model of working that has been successful
in terms of sustainability (not in terms of craft, but ecology and development):
The Body Shop

> Conclusion that will include my findings, identifying problems in
the current system and offering suggestions, identifying further opportunities
for research.


I have also been given the structure that is normally followed when writing a research paper by one of my resource people, who is a Project Researcher for a non-profit research group that has been established to promote and foster best practice in sustainable development in Edinburgh. I will be following this structure for my documentation.

It has been quite a while since I last wrote and I apologize for that. A lot has happened since then - sometimes the pace seemed to pick up, and sometimes when it was so slow it was almost stagnant. I have realized that I have a severe allergy to the village, which doesn't work to my advantage at all! So, I've had to resort to daily trips in a car, which is exhausting, and cuts into extremely precious time. It hasn't been easy at all, because there are other orders that are being taken care of, and the pressure of the pujas being around the corner has caused quite a few set backs.

I have been to Bangalore for my 2nd Review Meeting and I started my review by telling my panel all that I had achieved in the last month. I had been to Fulia, and started some work there, which I have documented. It was pointed out however, that the interaction between the weavers and me had not been documented, and that I will do over the remaining time here. Many questions were asked about the direction of my project and these helped me in trying to channelize all the information that I have gathered over the last two months. The feedback given to me was

> I needed to now consolidate my efforts and work with a strong and clear focus. To do this I am going to frame one clear research question upon which my project will be based.

> By identifying this focal point, I will be able to go into a little more in detail of this angle/aspect/focal point, which will give my project a definition.

> My panel has also given me a framework with some crucial questions that need to be addressed in terms of the research I am doing in Fulia – Questions that, once answered, will give me a clearer picture of the impact design intervention will have/has had on the weaving community. For example, what have been the weaving processes and raw material used? Weavers’ lives and identities? Markets? Product? Interventions?

> I was also advised to go back to the initial proposal I had written, and re-look at what I had intended to do at that time, and see what questions I already had answers for, and what areas I have not covered yet.

> To identify my stand in the information I have collected.