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Marketplace Strategy for Preserving Indigenous Arts - Authentique

Parsons School of Design, Strategic Design Group Project, 2024

What is the project?
A strategic design project to develop an e-commerce concept that balances cultural preservation, social impact, and commerce. The goal was to create a marketplace platform that honors indigenous and refugee artisans, educates buyers through storytelling, and ensures equitable profit-sharing.

The Challenge

Many traditional crafts are threatened by mass production, cultural appropriation, and a lack of fair economic opportunities for artisans.

Keffiyeh patterns carry regional and cultural significance. In modern fashion applications, their original context and symbolism can be reduced.

Tatreez patterns are based on traditional craftsmanship but are often used by brands without regard for their original meaning.

Persian and Anatolian rugs carry symbolic patterns and traditional methods. When adapted for mass production, their cultural context and history risk being minimized.

Research on Indigenous and Black art movements informed the approach to cultural storytelling, supporting a design that respects context and meaning.

Traditional Afghan fish necklaces appear in bohemian-inspired jewelry lines, simplifying their cultural meaning.

Classic Afghan fur-trimmed coats are adapted as fashion items like the “Penny Lane” coat, minimizing cultural context.

We examined traditional crafts, market practices, and existing platforms to understand the gap between cultural meaning and commercial design. Interviews and competitive analysis helped shape our approach.

What is our value proposition?

E-Commerce with Cultural Preservation: A dedicated marketplace honoring indigenous arts
Education Through Storytelling: Sharing artisans’ stories and craft significance
Social Impact Through Commerce: Showing buyers the real impact of their purchases

Prototype

If you'd like to know more about our strategy process, research details, or interviews, I would love to connect!