DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT THE JIAN SHUI PURPLE POTTERY FOR GENERATIONS Y: A CASE STUDY OF YUN TAO CERAMICS STUDIO

Abstract

This study is aimed at exploring how traditional Jian Shui purple pottery can be innovatively designed to meet the aesthetic, cultural, and functional preferences of Generation Y consumers in Yunnan Province. The research applies a user-centered design (UCD) approach combined with the New Craft Design Theory to guide the design process. Two primary research objectives guide this study: (1) to identify the ceramic design needs and consumption habits of Generation Y, and (2) to develop new design solutions for Jian Shui purple pottery.Through a mixed-methods approach including survey questionnaires, and expert interviews, this study identified five key design dimensions: functionality, cultural symbolism, personalization, sustainability, and modern aesthetics. These were validated by empirical data from 102 Generation Y respondents and feedback from three ceramic design experts. Based on the findings, three design prototypes were created, and one final design was refined through iterative feedback and expert evaluation.In conclusion, the study finds that Generation Y consumers value design that combines minimalism and practicality with emotional resonance, local cultural identity, and ecological awareness. The project contributes to the ongoing transformation of traditional crafts by offering a design strategy that balances tradition with innovation, thus providing a viable pathway for the revitalization of Jian Shui purple pottery in contemporary markets.

-