The Essential Guide To Designer-artisan-manufacturer Collaboration

Just like a human body collaboration and teamwork is essential for the smooth and beneficial working of the body. Any company is also required to make and gell each of its units smoothly into the process of business. 

Now, before we dive deeper into the nitty gritty of collaboration in a business, let us get acquainted with the key stakeholders of this blog. Designers, manufacturers and artisans. Designers have many roles to play. In a bigger company, there are individuals or teams for doing the market research and user research before the ideation process.

But in smaller companies, the market research and user research are also conducted by the designers which further progresses into the ideation stage where the designs are created. After multiple iterations and numerous mockups and prototypes, the final designs are taken for a technical discussion with other departments of the business.

Here is where the manufacturers come in, to find solutions and ways to be able to manufacture the designs and organise the production process. All the technicalities and stagewise steps are both decided and planned at this stage by the experts in manufacturing. Then these designs along with a stepwise production process are assigned to the artisans. The grassroots segment of businesses tangibly manufactures the products using their craftsmanship and many times hand skills.

Power of Collaboration

Collaboration among designers, artisans, and manufacturers in a business-to-business (B2B) context yields several notable benefits:

• Innovative Product Development:

• Cost Optimization:

• Quality Assurance:

• Efficient Supply Chain Management:

• Market Responsiveness:

• Enhanced Brand Image:

• Customization Opportunities:

• Risk Mitigation:

• Long-Term Partnerships:

• Market Differentiation:

Collaboration has been proven to be beneficial not only in qualitative aspects, rather it has shown significant statistical assurance to it benefits and value added to the business. According to a report on Teamstage here are a few statistical and quantitative proofs of the value added by internal collaboration for businesses.

1. Collaboration leads to a 17% increase in employee productivity and a 21% boost in organizational profitability.

2. Employees with clear objectives and autonomy are 6x times more likely to be engaged and 3x times more likely to express satisfaction with their quality of life.

3. Despite its acknowledged importance by three-quarters of employers, 39% of employees report a lack of collaboration in their workplace.

4. Poor team collaboration is reported to decrease employee morale by 33%, underlining the significance of fostering teamwork.

5. Online collaboration tools enhance productivity by 30%, but 59% find them challenging to use.

6. Millennials (49%) are enthusiastic users of social tools for collaboration, with 31% of Baby Boomers and 40% of Gen X expressing positive sentiments.

7. Recognizing team achievements boosts profits by 29%, resulting in a 19% increase in sales and a 7% rise in customer engagement.

8. Only 34% of US employees are engaged, and globally, a mere 15% of managers actively promote workplace engagement.

Parts of a business body

Designers: The Heart 

One must be wondering why I have called designers the heart of the body, Let's first discuss the types of designers there are. There are multiple designers in the industry, with various domains of educational expertise and roles and responsibilities.

Graphic designers are responsible for creating visually impactful content, UX/UI designers design seamless user interactions, and product designers manage the entire design process be it tangible products like furniture or intangible digital interface products such as apps or websites. Visual designers define the look and feel, and industrial designers merge form and function to bring tangible products to life. Together, they collectively shape the dynamic landscape of contemporary design.

Role of Designer in a Business Collaboration

According to a blog by Jonathan Follette published on Orielly.com collaboration and a designer’s mindset are crucial for a business to not only understand but also adapt in order to create an efficient environment.

• Strategic Significance

• Methodological Alignment

• Risk Mitigation and Innovation

Real-world Examples:

• Wind Farm Management: Collaborative design facilitated by Futuredraft involved wind farm engineers in co-designing solutions, rapidly achieving successful product designs.

• IBM X-Force Red Portal: A collaborative mindset transformed assumptions and led to user-centric solutions, exemplifying the power of asking questions and focusing on users.

Adopting a Collaborative Mindset:

Designers play a pivotal role in fostering a collaborative mindset, championing the shift from siloed structures to well-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams.

The collaborative journey is ongoing, requiring designers to actively contribute to creating an organisational culture that prioritizes teamwork, innovation, and a relentless focus on the customer.

How can a business benefit from collaborating with a Designer?

Designers are trained and experienced in creating innovative solutions for everyday problems. During their educational phase, the most important aspect that is taught to them includes problem-solving and user-centric design. A business starts with that one idea that could not only be monetised but also is scalable into a business and can be achieved using any of the existing models. Not only in the initial incubation of the idea would a designer be of great vault to the business but during each stage of scaling and product development, marketing, branding, user experience, system and interaction design stage; a designer is the heart that would pump out creativity innovation and uniqueness into the business.

To dive deeper into the role of designers in the revenue generation of a business read more.

Artisans: The Hands

Artisians in a generalised view are considered to be merely a great attraction for tourism and cultural heritage preservation. But artisans are more than just a showpiece for an economy.

First, let's define an artisan and their roles and responsibilities in a business.

Prosperity Candle defines an artisan as someone who makes an item by hand and is usually an expert in her or his specific trade. Artisan products encompass all types of goods, from clothing to home décor to tools, and have a major role to play in handmade e-commerce. One such example is Amazon Karigar.

According to a report published by The British Creative Council Economy,  India's vibrant artisan economy, boasting a staggering 200 million individuals, exemplifies the vital role played by the informal sector in harmonizing creativity with sustainable development in the Global South. Explored through the comprehensive lens of the "200 Million Artisans' Business of Handmade Report," this dynamic relationship unfolds within the narratives of 12 formal enterprises. These enterprises, varying in scale and geography, actively collaborate with India's diverse artisan communities.

Unintentional yet remarkable sustainability quotient

In India, where approximately 90% of the workforce operates without the safeguards of minimum wages or social security, the artisan economy emerges as a predominantly rural, informal, and creativity-led landscape.

Remarkably, despite its informal nature, the artisan economy in India aligns with 11 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over 200 million livelihoods, directly or indirectly linked to the artisan sector, testify to its socio-economic significance. Furthermore, with women contributing to 50% of the workforce, the handmade sector stands as a primary source of dignified employment, particularly in rural communities. This narrative encapsulates not just an economic dimension but also highlights the profound social impact of India's artisan economy, making it a linchpin for sustainable and inclusive development.

Role of artisans in a business collaboration

Artisans are the skilled hands that breathe life and character into a business, embodying the essence of craftsmanship. As the architects of intricate designs and custodians of traditional techniques, artisans play a pivotal role in shaping the identity of a business. Their hands, deftly navigating through raw materials, weave stories of heritage and innovation into every creation. 

• Craftsmanship and Unique Expertise

• Cultural Preservation and Tradition

• Contributors to Innovation and Design

• Sustainable Practices and Ethical Production

• Customization and Personalization

• Storytelling and Brand Narrative

• Diversification of Market Offering

Let's look at a few statistics present on The Indian Trade Portal

• India has 744 handicrafts clusters that employ nearly 212,000 artisans, offering over 35,00 products.

• India is one of the largest handicrafts exporters in May 2022, India exported around US$ 120.06 Million a 1.01% increase from April 2022. 

• India accounts for roughly 40% of global handmade carpets. 

• Export destinations for Indian handicrafts are, the USA, UK, LAC, Australia, and Canada. France Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, the UAE, Switzerland. 

Manufacturers: The Muscle

Manufacturers are the muscle power behind the growth of a business. Any business that is built on an idea requires execution of the idea. Planning strategies and processes of manufacturing all fall under a manufacturer. 

Role of a manufacturer in collaboration:

• Production Expertise

• Technical Implementation

• Cost Management

• Supply Chain Coordination

• Quality Assurance

• Efficiency and Timeliness

• Innovation and Problem-Solving

• Communication and Collaboration

• Scalability and Production Planning

• Feedback Loop with Designers

Real World Example:

Jaipur Rugs epitomizes manufacturing efficiency through transformative collaborations. By empowering local artisans, integrating global designs, and embracing digital tools, Jaipur Rugs streamlined its handmade carpet production. Ethical manufacturing practices and strategic distribution further optimized operations. Innovative quality control, tailored production, and sustainable practices ensured resource efficiency. The brand's commitment to continuous learning and collaborative storytelling amplified its market position. Jaipur Rugs stands as a beacon for businesses seeking manufacturing excellence through holistic collaborations across design, ethics, and sustainability, setting new standards in the handmade carpet industry.

Challenges in the collaboration process

Collaboration at any stage of a business comes with its own set of challenges, here we will discuss 3 major challenges and possible ways to overcome them as a business.

Communication

Effective communication stands as the linchpin in the intricate collaboration between designers, artisans, and manufacturers, yet it confronts nuanced challenges within this dynamic triad.

• Divergent Vocabularies: Bridging the artistic vision of a designer, the craft-specific terminology of artisans, and the technical jargon of manufacturers proves challenging, leading to potential misunderstandings.

• Cultural and Creative Variances: Harmonizing the creative standpoint of designers, cultural nuances brought by artisans, and the business-focused approach of manufacturers demands meticulous communication to ensure alignment.

• Geographical Disparities: Global collaboration introduces challenges with different time zones, language barriers, and limited face-to-face interactions, necessitating efficient virtual communication tools.

• Intermediary Misinterpretations: Communication passing through multiple channels raises the risk of misinterpretation, emphasizing the need for clear channels and direct communication.

• Lack of Structured Communication Plans: Chaotic collaboration can result from ambiguous communication protocols, highlighting the importance of establishing clear lines, regular check-ins, and structured feedback mechanisms.

• Technological Disparities: Integrating diverse technological platforms demands efforts to standardize, adapt, or find compatible interfaces, considering variations in tools used by designers, artisans, and manufacturers.

• Limited Feedback Loops: Hierarchical structures or cultural norms might inhibit critical feedback, emphasizing the need for an open feedback culture crucial for continuous improvement.

• Dynamic Project Scope: Communicating changes promptly, especially when impacting different facets, is vital to prevent confusion and disruptions in the workflow.

Creative differences:

'Creative differences' during collaboration in business can present both opportunities and challenges. Here's an elaboration on how these differences can become a challenge:

• Divergent Vocabularies: Communication challenges arise from distinct professional languages used by designers, artisans, and manufacturers, leading to misunderstandings.

• Cultural and Creative Variances: Harmonizing diverse perspectives, such as creative visions, cultural nuances, and business considerations, demands meticulous communication to align cohesively.

• Geographical Disparities: Global collaboration brings challenges like different time zones, language barriers, and limited face-to-face interactions, requiring effective use of virtual communication tools.

• Intermediary Misinterpretations: Passing communication through multiple channels or individuals heightens the risk of misinterpretation, emphasizing the need for clear channels and direct communication.

• Lack of Structured Communication Plans: Chaotic collaboration may result from ambiguity regarding who communicates what and when, necessitating clear communication protocols, regular check-ins, and structured feedback mechanisms.

• Technological Disparities: Integrating diverse technological platforms, from cutting-edge design software to traditional techniques, requires efforts to standardize, adapt, or find compatible interfaces.

• Limited Feedback Loops: Hierarchical structures or cultural norms may hinder critical feedback from artisans and manufacturers to designers, underscoring the importance of an open feedback culture.

• Dynamic Project Scope: Changes in project scope demand effective communication of modifications to prevent confusion and disruptions in the workflow, highlighting the need for a well-structured communication plan.

Logistics Challenges:

Logistical challenges can significantly impede the smooth collaboration between designers, artisans, and manufacturers, introducing complexities that need careful consideration and strategic solutions.

• Supply Chain Coordination: Ensuring a cohesive supply chain is paramount in collaborative endeavors. Design changes, material requirements, or modifications in the production process can disrupt the supply chain. Implementing advanced supply chain management systems that offer real-time visibility and adaptability can mitigate disruptions and enhance overall efficiency.

• Production Synchronization: Coordinating the production schedules of artisans and manufacturers is crucial for timely project completion. Artisanal work may be intricate and time-intensive, while manufacturers often operate on tight schedules. Employing production scheduling software and regular collaborative meetings can aid in synchronizing timelines and identifying potential bottlenecks.

• Quality Assurance Protocols: Maintaining consistent quality across design, craftsmanship, and manufacturing stages is challenging. Logistical challenges may arise if there is a lack of standardized quality assurance protocols. Establishing clear quality benchmarks, conducting regular inspections, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement can address these challenges and ensure the final product meets the desired standards.

• Shipping and Distribution: Once the product is ready, efficient shipping and distribution become critical. Coordinating logistics, selecting reliable carriers, and managing customs requirements in case of global collaborations are potential hurdles. Employing logistics experts or utilizing third-party logistics services can streamline this aspect, ensuring products reach their destinations without delays or damages.

• Data and Information Flow: Logistical challenges often stem from inadequate information flow between collaborators. Establishing transparent channels for sharing production updates, inventory levels, and shipping details is essential. Integration of collaborative platforms that enable real-time data sharing can enhance overall logistical coordination.

Solutions

• Unified Communication Platforms: Implementing unified communication platforms that facilitate seamless interaction among designers, artisans, and manufacturers can bridge the gap in vocabularies and provide a centralized space for clear, real-time communication. Utilizing tools with features like instant messaging, video conferencing, and collaborative document editing can enhance understanding.

• Cross-Training and Workshops: Conducting cross-training sessions and workshops that bring together designers, artisans, and manufacturers can promote a deeper understanding of each other's roles and perspectives. This can help in aligning vocabularies, fostering empathy, and breaking down cultural and creative barriers, ultimately enhancing communication and collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Utilizing project management software with robust communication features can streamline collaboration by providing a structured communication plan. These tools allow for clear assignment of roles and responsibilities, setting up feedback loops, and tracking project progress. Additionally, they can serve as a centralized repository for project-related information, reducing the risk of misinterpretations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, envisioning a business as a human body illuminates the interconnected roles of designers, manufacturers, and artisans. Like the various components of a body working in harmony, collaboration is vital for the seamless functioning of a company. Designers, akin to the brain, initiate the creative process by conducting market and user research, leading to ideation and design creation. In larger companies, specialized teams may handle research, while in smaller enterprises, designers take on multifaceted roles. The collaboration then extends to manufacturers, who analyze the designs and navigate the technical intricacies to organize the production process efficiently. Manufacturers, acting as the company's limbs, bring the designs to life and ensure a feasible and streamlined production workflow.

Finally, the artisans, representing the hands and heart of the company, translate these designs into tangible products, infusing them with craftsmanship and hand skills. This collaborative journey, mirroring the circulatory system of a body, involves the seamless flow of ideas, technical expertise, and artisanal craftsmanship. The success of this symbiotic relationship lies in effective communication, understanding each unit's unique contribution, and fostering a collaborative culture.

Much like the intricate workings of a human body, where every organ plays a distinct yet interdependent role, a successful business integrates the diverse talents of designers, manufacturers, and artisans. By recognizing and appreciating the significance of each unit, businesses can achieve not only creative excellence but also sustainable growth and success.