Development of a Community Product Prototype under the Thailand 4.0 concept for the OTOP Product of WatBot Bamboo Handicraft Group, WatBot District, Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study community context, format of existing pattern, and bamboo handicraft products, as well as to survey consumers’ opinions towards the developed bamboo product prototype. Qualitative data were collected from 10 elderly people who earned their living from bamboo handicrafts at Ban WatBot and analyzed with content analysis. Quantitative data were collected from questionnaires that surveyed opinions towards the developed product prototype supplied by 84 people who were interested in products and analyzed with descriptive statistics. The results showed that, firstly, the WatBot Bamboo Handicraft group produced bamboo handicraft products for sale, such as baskets, wicker baskets, fans, etc., using existing patterns; two twill and three twill patterns.  The patterns were adjusted to keep pace with modernity and consumers’ needs while still maintaining the community’s uniqueness. Secondly, a prototype bamboo bag was developed using two twill patterns, decorated with Japanese-style cotton fabric, and equipped with a bamboo handle. The prototype bag looked simple, beautiful, and modern, and could meet the needs of working women who wear traditional Thai-style dresses with quality assessment results in good level passing the standard criteria TISI 40/2003. Finally, overall opinions towards the developed bamboo prototype product were at a high level.