Exploring how cultural product design models from China/Taiwan can contribute to the design of culturally relevant products in Botswana

Abstract

Contemporary design involves not only technical standards and functional needs, but also conveys the ideologies and cultural phenomena in a particular society. Botswana’s National Development Plan 10 indicates that the economic value of Botswana’s cultural and heritage products have not been fully realized due to a lack of exposure. There is, therefore, a need to market these products extensively to enhance consumer recognition and appreciation, which in turn will ultimately benefit the local communities and contribute to the diversification of the economy. This paper explores the design-related cultural models from China and Taiwan and how they may contribute to the development of appropriate culture-related design in Botswana. A case study is used to investigate the application of the Chinese design models in the development of local Tswana cultural products. The results demonstrate the possibility of enhancing product quality and uniqueness by developing brand competitive modern products inspired by Tswana cultural designs.