Designing with Communities by Participatory Action Research on Nakhon Silver Nielloware Jewelry in Southern Thailand

Background Silver jewelry is known as an ancient handicraft of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. However, with existing production processes and patterns still restricted to traditional production, the price of silver jewelry is quite high and appeals to a specific customer group. Therefore, this study aims to develop a product of Nakhon silver niello jewelry for added commercial value in order to create the product which is beautiful, contemporary, valuable, and reflective of the identity from traditional wisdom. This complies with the tastes of modern consumers resulting in community development and can continue to produce in the process of creating works. Methods We studied forms and production processes of silver niello jewelry and current trends and demands of customers for the product. The researcher and the production community cooperated to brainstorm for data analysis. Suitability and feasibility for the product design development were also considered. As a result, the researcher proceeded to the data analysis step so that the data would be utilized for product design and development using participatory action research. Results The Nariang nielloware group would like to develop products. Thirteen participants joined the group. Guidelines on the development are as follows. First, newly designed products still sustain local wisdom. Second, the products are created using easy technical methods. Third, beauty and intriguing features are communicated through unprecedented designs. Fourth, the sizes are suited to the products’ utilization. Fifth, the product offers affordable prices, thus easing purchase decisions. Twenty-three product models were outlined, and 10 product prototypes were produced. The Nariang nielloware group further applied the synthesized prototypes in the creation of 12 various self-customized designs and marketed the prototypes. Overall evaluation results of the commercial development of Nakhon silver nielloware jewelry averaged 4.43. The project also resulted in recruiting youth leaders for the commercial development of Nakhon silver nielloware jewelry. Conclusions The research is beneficial for the community in terms of reducing production costs and time. The new products yield positive results for target group expansion leading to concrete commercial benefits.