Presentation of Swiss Research Partnership Projects

Swiss Universities for Applied Sciences and Swisscontact
A development promotion program backed by SDC

Final Report for the Project Pro Pueblo Design 2

Context
In the context of two main projects (Pro Pueblo Design 1, 2004/2005 and Pro Pueblo Design 2, 2005/2006, cp. http://propueblo.hgkz.ch, under ‚Hauptprojekte’) a total of over 20 designers from Europe (lecturers and students of HGK Zürich und Köln International School of Design) developed ideas as well as contextual knowledge and competence, tested in direct dialogue. More than a quarter took part in both projects or decided to take part in a further project (Pro Pueblo Design 3, from January 2007). The projects were substantially co-funded by KFPE/DEZA/Swisscontact.

Since 2005, the partner institution Pro Pueblo Foundation is fast approaching the sales objectives that will make it economically sustainable from its own side. In 2006, sales grew by 40% against the previous year. The majority of artesanías remains committed to the conventional Pro Pueblo style. The „Pro Pueblo Design Products“ with their very specific profile of requirements that involves the possibilities of both partners have reached a minimum goal: they are vehicles of learning that enhance the quality standard, create the basis for further products, and (partially) emerge as products with potential in European markets.

The overarching priority aim of all collaborative activity consists in the development of the Foundation Pro Pueblo in terms of product conception, infrastructure, organisation and business strategy. On the basis of the experience gained in the project, the Pro Pueblo representatives who were closely involved in both projects (the manager, the promoters, a representative from the sales department and a technician) have initiated a number of changes with regards to design methodology, design concepts and production technology, which they understand and practice as a „change of attitude“. Some of them transformed from organisers/administrators into „designers“ in the sense that they conceive of new products and further develop existing ones. Pro Pueblo’s preliminary summary: „We have received many substantial impulses. It was very worthwhile.“

The direct links, urged on by HGKZ, between Pro Pueblo and the Guayaquil Design Schools Universidad Catolica de Santander respectively Universidad Jefferson is taking concrete shape in that from 2007 regular internships for students from Guayaquil will take place in San Antonio, Pro Pueblo’s centre of production.

Pro Pueblo Design 2, Review

Thanks to a high degree of commitment from all participants, it was possible within 2 ½ years to turn the partnership into a kind of „virtual development lab“, which is in a position to function on a sustainable basis within an increasingly appropriate level of expenditure. With the stand at the Blickfang Zürich 2006 and the product sold there, the cycle between conception, production and sale could be closed for the first time – with very encouraging feedback from the visitors and buyers at the fair, and with the result that several distribution channels were interested in offering the product to their customers. Pro Pueblo will therefore be in a position to place the initial and emerging segment of Pro Pueblo Design products (high production quality, balance between aesthetic value and use value, no ‚Third World’ design) in Europe, while the HGKZ can focus on its contribution in the areas design/development, product conception and networking as well as research/studies (see below).

With the working party Tagua Textile (Pro Pueblo Design 2) the developmental perspective related not only to the production technique but at least as much to product aesthetics (market positioning). Two marketable products (bag and wind chimes) are so far the manifest products of this research and development work. If in addition the necessary players and proposals are found, the likelihood will be high that not only the „virtual development lab“ but also the idea of a collection of a range of common, attractive products with a clear profile will stand on firmer ground than previously and take shape over the coming years. All this is desirable. It does not change the fact that after each project stage the HGKZ as a partner must reach higher standards and with each partial success must further approximate the aim to become „redundant“ as a partner.

More informations: http://propueblo.hgkz.ch

¹ Frau Peralta ist sowohl an der Universidad Católica wie an der Universidad Jefferson tätig.