Thesis (M.A.P.S.)--Catholic Theological Union at Chicago, 2008. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-74).

Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Design in the Faculty of Informatics and Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology / In today’s world of mass production, many traditional craft expressions are being forgotten and techniques are getting lost. Thereby, this research proposes to deal with selected traditional African textile design and Chinese folk (fabric) craftwork technique, in order to create unique children’s products. As a designer of Chinese origin studying in South Africa, I have been drawn to Africa’s traditional material culture. I have designed some interior products for children, which combined two different traditional cultures; African and Chinese. My research focuses on the importance of cultural specificity amidst globalisation trends that affect design, and how the development of a range of design products based on the fusion of the two different traditional craft techniques can effectively be marketed locally and in China. The research methodology is exploratory; field work was conducted in China and South Africa and the theoretical component dovetails with the practicum to inform an iterative process of design, development, and prototype production.

This study introduces rapid design ethnography as a research strategy that may be used in design as an alternative to conventional ethnography. It interrogates this strategy by means of a study of the Ghanaian Adinkra symbols. Adinkra is an indigenous graphic language that carries specific cultural narratives that embody proverbs and or poetic messages. In view of this, this study discusses how a collaboration between ethnography (and rapid ethnography) and design can be merged to create appropriate visual communication with specific reference to this indigenous visual vernacular. The study also highlights the evolution of rapid ethnographic techniques in comparison to conventional ethnography, as well as the way that these techniques may be of assistance to both designer and ethnographer. / Mini Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Visual Arts / MA / Unrestricted