Cross-Cultural Design Innovation Through Technology And Creativity

Over the past 15 years, a research collaboration has been established between several universities within the Latin Design Network as a Process, involving numerous academic exchanges and participation in international forums on topics such as design, biodiversity, territory, and emergencies. This collaboration culminated in the eighth forum in Bologna in 2022, focusing on “Disrupting Geographies in the Design World.” The project explores innovation at the intersection of design, technology, and traditional craft across Colombia, Brazil, and Italy. Its primary aim is to bridge cultural gaps by incorporating modern technology to breathe new life into traditional art forms, focusing on transformative design practices and cross-border collaboration. The project reflects the evolution of co-design from user-centered methodologies to co-creation, showing how contemporary technologies such as artificial intelligence, data visualization, and biocreativity can redefine traditional craftsmanship and educational practices. Designers act as mediators between knowledge, emphasizing interdisciplinary contamination to add complexity and developing collaborative and cross-disciplinary skills that foster creative innovation based on cultural diversity. Through “Design Experience” modules, participants gain hands-on experience with innovative tools and methodologies. These workshops explore the potential of these technologies to enhance traditional crafts and foster new modes of artistic expression. The use of AI allows for unprecedented levels of data-driven creativity, while bio-creativity emphasizes sustainability through circular and local materials. The outcomes of the workshops indicate a broader potential for AI and technology to reshape design and art fields, fostering unique design practices and creative exploration. The project emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration, uniting students, researchers, and artisans from different countries in shared learning and experimentation, leading to a comprehensive understanding of traditional crafts and innovative design processes.