Bamboo Incense Stick Cluster, Nalbari - Design Clinic Scheme

Design Awareness Programme
(Need Assessment Survey and Design Clinic Workshop)
Checklist for Design Expert(s) to conduct Need Assessment Survey
Name and address of MSME unit: Maniram Bah‐bet Udyog, PO Kaithalkuchi Village, Thana Belsor, Nalbari district
Contact Person with designation and contact details: Arun Barman, Proprietor. Phone: 98543 19114
Product range: Lamps, furniture and small decorative items in cane and bamboo
Nature of work: Manufacture of cane and bamboo products, retail through stores or direct orders from clients
Turnover: Not divulged
Infrastructure set‐up: Micro enterprise
Employee strength: 3‐5
Date of visit: 18‐07‐13
Sl. no. Opportunity areas for design intervention Covered? Remarks
Design of products has remained static ‐ no noticable change over the years. Need inputs
1 Product design, redesign, product development Y in design of products for the contemporary market
2 Technology, modernisation and collaboration Y
Scope for use of better tools, jigs and product finishing techniques. Collaboration with
institutes dealing with bamboo research and product development will be useful for
regular inputs into product design and processes. Also important to initiate collaborations
with agencies that aid in the marketing of new products. Smaller units in this area may be
able to collaborate with agarbatti making units to create packaging using bamboo and
cane
3 Research and development directions for future initiatives Y
Bamboo's versatility and the artisans facility with the material can be adapted into
products that find a place in the contemporary market aesthetic, while retaining the
essence of its cultural roots. Can also explore options of collaborations with architects and
furniture stores, to co‐create products
4
Innovation in process and related areas for design
intervention Y More finesse in joinery and finishing techniques needed
5 Workstation and tooling design Y
Work sitting cross‐legged or squatting on the ground. Tools: hacksaw, dao, katari,
kerosene blow lamp, pliers
6
Market and competition study for design advantage and
distinction
Y
Though the quality of cane and bamboo work in the north‐east region is exemplary,
products tend to sell less as designs have become redundant. Fresh designs or a
reinterpretation of existing designs is required to revive interest in cane and bamboo
products
7 Training and skill upgradation, if any Y In the areas of finishing of products and use of jigs
8 Ergonomic and environment factors Y
Packaging, logistics and storage related design
9 opportunities
Y
Organizing of workspace with all tools within reach, and designated areas for specific
activities (such as use of the blow lamp) will speed up the pace of work.
Can explore possibilities of stackable products. Currently, ready products are stored all
through the artisan's home as there is no large storage area.
10
Infrastructure and capability enhancement from design
perspective
Y
Organizing of workspace with all tools within reach, and designated areas for specific
activities (such as use of the blow lamp) will speed up the pace of work.
11 Exhibition / display design opportunities Y
12
Visual identity and branding from communication design
point of view
13 Inter cluster communication Y
To create a visible impact and effectively develop
14 capabilities of MSME
Y
Y
Participates in exhibitions and fairs at Dillihaat and trade fairs in Pragati Maidan. A long
term collaboration with a designer / architect / retailer would aid the craftsmen through
regular inputs on new requirements in the marketplace.
Creation of an identity linking the quality of material used and craftsmanship to its
provenance will help build value for the product. As the north‐easters states of India
possess remarkarable technical and aesthetic mastery of cane and bamboo, instating a
brand highlighting these qualities will make buyers aware of the value and hand‐crafted
nature of the product
Moderate. Building a Common Facility Centre could aid all the uits in the area in terms of
infrastructure as well as improving communications
By initiating regular design collections, which are shown to retailers and receipt of orders
for the same.
15 To improve the process of manufacturing and productivity Y Covered in points 2, 7, 8
16 To increase market share and profitability Y Covered in points 2, 3, 11
17
To reduce rejections, wastages in material, process,
resources and drudgery in labour Y Covered in point 8
18
19
20
To improve product manufacturability, servicability,
manufacturing process, packaging, logistics operations etc. Y Covered in point 8, 9, 11
To add value to the product or services concerned and
increase their competitiveness Y Covered in points 1, 2, 11
To create a positive difference to the MSME, either in
absolute revenues (indicating higher profits) or in
By initiating the establishment of a body of design and marketing profesionals resposible
percentage terms
Y for design development and marketing of the same to interested buyers. The
Remedial design solutions suggested
Identification of target market(s) and reinterpretation or redesign of products to suit the target market(s). Cane and bamboo furniture used in conjunction with other materials,
such as, a metal inner structure to give it longevity and lightness can be marketed especially in cities. People on the move would prefer furniture that is light, easy to stack and
durable.
As mentioned in point 12, promoting the products of the north‐east especially in cane and bamboo as a brand with certain qualities of finesse and durability will help capture
the attention of potential buyers.
A careful study of extreme temperatures on cane and bamboo products and ways and means of controlling the effects (if any) should be done. This will enable export of
products with a guarantee of durability to other countries.