New design and manufacturing technologies for craft products

Abstract Considering the principles characterising the craftsman and industrial production systems as a starting point, this article explores mechanisms that promote the interdisciplinary relationship between industrial designers, industrial manufacturers and craftsmen. The main objective is to enhance knowledge contributing to the development and consolidation of the craft activity. The performed analysis demonstrated that some fundamental concepts and strategic plans can be applied to craft processes. These factors support a viable proximity between the three centres of industrial production, technological innovation and craftsmanship. This study allows the definition of a strategic plan for restructuring the craft activity, providing the craftsman with upgraded skills to new media and industrial technologies, allowing them to adapt its work to the current market demands. This proposal has been validated by a qualitative research work performed using collaborative tools, which was conducted in the field of wicker crafts in Madeira, Portugal.