Integrated Design Research Journal

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Benefits and barriers to accelerate craft revival for traditional Agasti jewellery craft in Sri Lanka
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Dias, TN; Rathnayaka, RT
The rapid decline of the traditional Agasti jewellery craft creates significant gaps in knowledge, skills, and ultimately affects the endurance of the entire craft community, including the traditional craft code. This decline draws increased attention to the need for regenerating the craft through the preservation of traditional knowledge, skills, and craft codes—a concern shared by both academia and the jewellery industry. However, ensuring the longevity of this craft goes beyond preserving traditional knowledge; it encompasses cultural, social, economic, environmental, ethical, and political dimensions. This study explores the unique heritage of Agasti jewellery within three main domains: artistic, historical, and ethnic values. It emphasises the importance of craft restoration as a means to safeguard the craft’s future. From the data collected, the study identifies the need for an indigenous knowledge database specific to traditional Agasti jewellery. This database includes the craft’s originality, artistic features, design motifs, intricate craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and, most importantly, the narratives that validate the craft’s worth and potential for revival. Furthermore, this work examines and debates key factors contributing to the craft's decline to facilitate its restoration. Strong insights are obtained through structured and unstructured interviews, surveys, and comprehensive literature reviews, which help develop a thematic structure aimed at identifying strategies for craft revival. Identifying the barriers and enabling factors behind current practices helps synthesise a thematic understanding that supports the sustainability and longevity of the traditional craft code. An established conceptual framework for revival not only fosters the preservation of knowledge but also promotes the socio-economic growth of the craft, ensuring its relevance and vitality for future generations.
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Causative factors for the acceptance of denim as a clothing fashion by Sri Lankan consumers
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Munasinghe, KR; Senanayake, R
“Denim” has united the world from its origin to the present day, playing different roles to satisfy different requirements of society as a clothing fashion. This has been accepted throughout the world due to different factors that are unique to a specific community, context, or period of time. This research was a comprehensive study to identify the factors that have caused the acceptance of denim as a clothing fashion in Sri Lanka despite its extrinsic origin. The study was done using a mixed methods approach where both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through literature, structured interviews, and questionnaire surveys to support the analytical framework, which was modified from the consumer behaviour process. The behaviour of Sri Lankan Denim consumers has been observed through a dual perspective approach to identify the causative factors for the acceptance of Denim. As the final outcome of this research, a set of causative factors that were identified by the consumers and supported by the manufacturers, designers, or marketers were analysed in three phases of the consumer behaviour process to elaborate on how the acceptance of Denim has occurred and continued within the context of Sri Lanka.
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Communicative factors in visual abstraction of a Kithul tree in an 18th century mural painting of Sri Lanka
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 11/21/2024) Perera, WPSG; Dissanayake, MK
The semi stylistic tradition came to a peak in mural paintings of Sri Lanka during the 18th century along with an enormous distribution throughout the central and suburban Kandyan domain. Scholars have explored and interpreted the story lines, its history and elements of paintings for centuries. However, knowledge on the communication factor of visual abstraction is comprehended only to a minimal extent. Understanding the communication factor of these elements contributes to the consecutive exposition of historical evidence. This research aims to concentrate on ‘kithul tree’ which is identified as a unique foliage element in 18th century mural paintings to investigate the communicative factor in visual abstraction by studying the perception of present-day people. A drawing was reconstructed by hand painting, and used as a source to collect data and analyse based upon modern visual design principles. Thereafter the reconstructed drawing was exposed to participants in two different age categories 15-24 and 25-60 in equal ratios of male and female who are residents in Sri Lanka. The findings through interviews and guided questionnaires revealed the effective use of communication factor in the drawing based on the manipulation of a supportive socio-economic element; a toddy pot on a kithul tree, rather than restraining it to the original components of the tree; leaves and the crown.
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Editor’s Note
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Samarawickrama, S
As the founding editor, it is with great pride that I introduce the inaugural issue of the Integrated Design Research (IDR) Journal, Volume 01, Issue 01. This publication marks the culmination of dedicated efforts to create a platform that bridges design research, education, practice, and industry. The scope of the IDR Journal emphasises the significance of design subcultures, with a particular focus on design in the Global South and Asia. It values the exploration and understanding of diverse design practices, movements, and contributions from these regions, encompassing areas such as society and culture, vernacular knowledge and practice, economy and industries, design pedagogy and thinking, design across technologies, and circularity and sustainability. These rich design solutions often differ from mainstream global trends and bring unique perspectives to the forefront.
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Editor’s Note
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Samarawickrama, S
This edition reflects the IDR Journal’s commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue in design research, practice, and education, with a particular emphasis on the diverse and dynamic contexts of the Global South and Asia. Continuing its exploration of culture, sustainability, innovation, and pedagogy, this issue offers distinct perspectives that highlight the unique contributions of our region to global design discourse. The IDR Journal remains steadfast in its mission to amplify voices that challenge mainstream design narratives, prioritizing vernacular knowledge, cultural integration, and sustainable practices. This issue features seven scholarly articles that exemplify the journal’s interdisciplinary ethos, bridging traditional practices with contemporary challenges and presenting future-oriented solutions. Several articles delve into the cultural dimensions of design, demonstrating how tradition, heritage, and identity are expressed through diverse visual media. For example, the analysis of early Sinhala newspaper layouts and the exploration of Christmas postage stamps reveal the profound role of visual design in encapsulating and communicating cultural values. These studies highlight the enduring significance of graphical elements and symbolic representation in crafting culturally resonant designs.
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Effects of pre-school architectural characteristics on the growth of children
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) De Saram, SA; Tirimanne, S; Samarasinghe, AM
This paper investigates the effect of preschool’s architectural characteristics on the growth of children. Children aged 1-5 years show rapid development in their cognitive development, social and emotional development, health and physical development, and language and early literacy. Therefore, the environment they stay in has a huge influence on this growth. Brain development at this stage has a significant effect on a child's ability for learning and achievement in life. Preschool is the place where they gain their basic education. Therefore, the preschool environment has a vast influence on the growth of children. The study of the architectural characteristics of a preschool is divided into three main parts: special arrangement, colours and lighting, and sustainable design methods. And then the influence of these factors is linked with the growth of children.
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Exploring the role of customer-centric car dealership interior design in Sri Lanka: a study on customer satisfaction
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 11/21/2024) Munasinghe, HV; Samarasinghe, AM
This research delves into the vital domain of vehicle dealership interiors, recognizing their pivotal role as the main point of connection between customers and manufacturers. It comprehensively explores the variables of product and furniture arrangement, lighting, and thermal comfort to understand their influence on customer satisfaction. Through meticulous analysis of these variables, the study aims to optimise the dealership environment, creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere that enhances customer experiences and fosters lasting relationships. The findings provide invaluable insights for car dealerships in Sri Lanka, empowering them to improve customer satisfaction, drive brand loyalty, and attain sustained business success. In conclusion, this research presents valuable recommendations for dealerships to improve their interior development strategies. By prioritising customer-centric enhancements in product and furniture arrangement, lighting, and thermal comfort, car dealerships can create an inviting and comfortable environment, thereby elevating customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and overall business success. These insights serve as a guiding framework for dealerships to elevate their competitiveness in the thriving automotive market of Sri Lanka, setting them apart as preferred destinations for automobile enthusiasts and potential customers alike.
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The Impact of green building interior to employee productivity with the special reference to the apparel industry in Sri Lanka
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Kariyawasam, TI; Samarasinghe, AM
This research investigated the influence of Green Building Interior on Employee Productivity within the Apparel industry, with a specific focus on MAS Thurulie, a Green clothing factory in Sri Lanka. The study addressed the growing importance of sustainable practices in the apparel industry and aimed to identify the potential benefits of Green Building designs on Employee Productivity. The research problem revolved around exploring the relationship between Indoor Air Quality, Lighting, and "Look and Feel" within Green Buildings and their impact on creating Productive work environment for employees. The study aimed to contribute valuable insights to the Apparel industry, emphasising the significance of incorporating sustainable design principles to enhance workforce Productivity and overall organisational success. To achieve the research objectives, data was collected through surveys conducted among employees at MAS Thurulie and interviews with relevant stakeholders. The methodology involved analysing the collected data to identify correlations between Green Building interior features and employee productivity levels. The key findings of this research shed light on the effectiveness of Green Building Interior design elements in influencing employee productivity. By creating a well-designed, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable work environment, organisations can positively impact Employee Productivity, potentially leading to increased efficiency and competitiveness. The implications of this study provided valuable information to apparel industry organisations aiming to improve employee well-being and productivity through sustainable design practices.
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Integrated Design Research Journal - Vo1 01 Issue 01 (Pre-Text)
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Samarawickrama, S; Gopura, S; Dalvi, G; Mahakalanda, I; Sreekumar, GV; Leonidas, G; Nawarathne, DJ; Wasala, K; Dharmalingam, UK; Girdher, TD; Karunaratne, PVM; Samarasekara, I
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Integrated Design Research Journal - Vol. 01 Issue 02 (Pre-Text)
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Samarawickrama, S
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Investigating the paradox of bad seating postures despite good ergonomics: identifying causal factors
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 11/21/2024) Pathirana, ITH; Wasala, KD
This study explores the puzzling phenomenon of individuals maintaining poor posture while sitting in ergonomically designed chairs intended to promote good posture and comfort. The goal of the research is to identify the underlying causes of this paradox and provide practical recommendations for addressing the persistence of poor sitting postures in environments that adhere to sound ergonomic principles. Using a mixed-method approach, the study involves a diverse sample of participants from various industries and occupations, incorporating quantitative posture evaluations, questionnaires, qualitative interviews, and observations. The research investigates the most common poor seating postures observed in settings with well-designed ergonomic chairs and examines the psychological and behavioural factors influencing posture, including personal habits, peer influence, and workplace culture. Findings indicate that despite ergonomic interventions, certain tasks and prolonged sitting periods contribute to the adoption of poor seating postures. The study highlights the potential impacts of these postures on musculoskeletal health and overall well-being, even in environments with established ergonomic practices. This research contributes by shedding light on the intricate relationship between ergonomic chair design and seated posture behaviour, showcasing the complexity of the issue. It offers evidence-based solutions for addressing the challenges posed by poor seating postures, providing valuable insights for chair designers, employers, and individuals to promote healthier seating practices in ergonomic settings. The practical applications of this study are extensive, offering potential benefits for workplace ergonomics, posture training programs, and chair design to enhance the well-being of individuals who spend significant time sitting. By uncovering the persistence of poor postures in ergonomic environments, this study aims to advance ergonomic practices and encourage healthier seating habits for improved health and comfort.
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The logical hierarchy of the front-page layouts of the earliest Sinhala newspapers published in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Kumarik, MHE; Samarawickrama, S
In this paper, we present a logical analysis of the graphical elements used to structure the earliest Sinhala newspaper front page layouts. Furthermore, a hierarchical structure is proposed logically to represent the structure of the front page layout of the earliest Sinhala newspapers. In addition, to improve the aesthetics of the entire design, hierarchy makes it easier to convey both primary and secondary information printed on a structured document that is composed of elements. A hierarchical level represents the structure of a newspaper's front page. Graphical elements help to develop the visual structure of a newspaper front page. Identification and analysis of graphical elements are performed by visual analysis. The approach is a top-down method, and based on domain knowledge, the front pages of the earliest Sinhala newspapers were analysed. The researcher tries to find the answer to the statement, whether the earliest Sinhala newspaper front pages also follow the same logical hierarchical structure as presented for the printed forms.
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Online education: teachers’ endeavours in adaptation and optimization of digital tools and features for distance learning in Sri Lanka during COVID19 pandemic
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 11/21/2024) De Mel, WTD; Rodrigo, KBU
This research contributes to the knowledge of digital tools in the domain of online education. This is an exploratory study done to identify Teachers’ endeavours in adapting and optimising familiar digital tools and features for distance learning in Sri Lanka during the Covid19 Pandemic. Identifying and understanding teachers’ intentions of using the features and investigating whether those intentions were cohesive with the student expectations can be stated as the main objectives of the research. This study was carried out as a case study consisting of three sample cases from urban, suburban, and rural geographies. Data were collected primarily through non-participant observations where the education methods were observed, and in-depth interviews, interviewing both teachers and students within the cases. Collected data were encoded to analyse and identify themes using the thematic analysis method with an inductive approach. The analysis was done while establishing the connection between the encoded data to identify teachers’ intentions in using the features of the tool and to investigate whether the intentions were aligned with the student expectations. The study was concluded with the identification of the base intentions of the teachers in adaptation and teacher’s endeavour of mimicking the in-person classroom attributes in the online learning environment using digital tools were cohesive with the student expectations to an extent. The conclusion led towards a vital range of further studies and EdTech application development.
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Post-structural possibilities in architectural design: deconstruction as a strategy to start architecture of postcolonial knowledge and ideology
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Rupasinghe, R
Architecture is politically powerful, and its interdisciplinary nature makes it rich and colourful. Postcolonial critique is one of the ways that one could look at and understand architecture and the built environment of post-independent Sri Lanka. By looking at architecture and architectural approaches through a postcolonial eye, one can see the remains of colonial dichotomies of colonials finding their other in indigenous people. Deconstruction, introduced by Jacques Derrida, understands that the logocentric vision is violent. Deconstruction is commonly used in reading and interpreting subtexts of literary texts, although there is an architectural style called ‘deconstructionism’. The deconstructive strategy leads to questioning the ideological approaches toward architectural designs considered as “good architecture” especially in postcolonial situations like Sri Lanka, where the most prominent architectural narratives are highly elite and colonial. And from pedagogical aspects, “problem-solving” architectural approaches are privileged in which the vernacular-inspired buildings are appreciated. In a postcolonial critique, these attempts are remnants of the colonial gaze on indigenous groups of people. This paper examines the ideological issue of the post-independent era architecture of Sri Lanka by using deconstruction and also suggests deconstruction as a way of approaching architecture of postcolonial ideology.
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Prototyping fragile buffer packaging: from existing to potential
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 11/21/2024) Ariyathilake, PBSD; Samarawickrama, S
The fragility of a product reflects its mechanical properties, particularly its ability to resist dynamic shock when subjected to impact or vibration. When the force exerted on the product exceeds its tolerance, the structure becomes compromised, leading to damage or failure. To prevent such occurrences, fragile buffer packaging plays a crucial role in packaging design. Its primary function is to absorb shocks and vibrations during handling and transport, thereby protecting delicate items from damage. This paper focuses on fragile buffer packaging through a single-case study—a waffle-based fragile product used as edible cutlery. It examines the existing packaging design that contributes to product damage and emphasizes the importance of applying fragile buffer packaging principles to develop a more effective final packaging through a step-by-step process of developing prototypes. Applying fragile buffer packaging requirements confirms that the proposed packaging design is a superior alternative to the existing one, with the potential for significantly enhanced product protection.
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Recyclability oriented packaging solutions for Sri Lankan export market: design development
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Aluthge, DH
Recyclability oriented packaging solutions (ROPS) are designed to be compatible with established recycling systems and facilitate the users to organise their waste management systems. It assists the global need of achieving a sustainable economy and reduction of environmental damage. So, when exporting products to EU countries, current legislation requires that the product packaging be designed in a way facilitating its recycling systems. Sri Lanka is one of the major exporters of spices to the western continent. So, incorporating ROPS into spice products packaging is equally important as the product quality. When considering the amount of research done towards the design development of ROPS for export products in the western continent, Asian countries like Sri Lanka are still at the basic level. To fill this gap, this research was conducted as a packaging design development project for Sri Lankan black pepper products exported by Sri Lankan Small and Medium Entrepreneurs. Considering ‘recyclability’ as a key factor, design development methodology was structured into three phases. First phase includes identifying potential target groups within EU regions. Second phase adapts the potential user group, product range for design development. Third phase was to test the final design and analyse the final design concept. As further research, the developed concept of packaging structure can be applied and tested considering different materials, product ranges, and it’s possible to develop supportive machinery for manufacturing purposes.
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Role of artificial intelligence text-to-image tools in design education
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Hrishikesh, RS
Unlike belief and knowledge, intelligence is not information: it is a process, or an innate capacity to use the information to respond to ever-changing requirements. Through assiduous practice, one can become more skilled. By diligent study and careful observation, one can become more knowledgeable. But creating machine intelligence, however, poses challenges of an altogether different order. Similarly, developing algorithms and designing a model to train the Artificial Intelligent software for generating concepts constantly requires attention to feed the software with appropriate data, although giving less assurance of predictive and accurate results. The assistance given by these tools is used by many designers across the world to explore the creativity of these software models. This paper aims to study and explore the rate of desired idea/concept generation with the help of Artificial Intelligence based computer software and understand its role in conventional design education. The study will use a relative comparison between the produced outcome and the expected ones as a parameter to investigate the efficiency of artificial intelligence-based tools. Design professionals and students that employ artificial intelligence-based software for developing concepts to speed up the concept generation process in their design process will be considered for the qualitative research stage.
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Visuals of cultural integration; christmas postage stamps of Sri Lanka
(Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, 2024) De Silva, S; Samarawickrama, S
Postage stamps primarily issued by governments as receipts of postal prepayment, are important sources of global material and visual culture. Other than its utilitarian purpose, postage stamps represent the issuing countries, commemorate important occasions, individuals and places, serve as a medium of advertising, propaganda and an important archival entity. Produced by people of a specific community for purposeful communication, a postage stamp is inherent of symbolic visual content, therefore can be viewed as an artefact of the culture that it was produced in. With regard to the density of cultural information they hold, postage stamps are recognized as a tangible movable cultural heritage item by UNESCO. When looking at philatelic practices of Sri Lanka, Christmas marks a notable commemoration. Christmas is celebrated religiously by over 2 billion Christians in Sri Lanka, as well as culturally by many non-Christians. Complementing the National Christmas celebrations, Sri Lankan government issues a Christmas postage stamp, annually. Since its inauguration in 1980, there have been a total of 36 issues of Christmas stamps, making it one of the longest continuing sequels of commemorative stamps in Sri Lanka. In this study 5 issues of Christmas postage stamps representing five decades were analysed to learn how the information intrinsic to culture is inscribed within them. At the end of the study it was found that Christmas postage stamps of Sri Lanka are planned as carriers of material as well as conceptual elements of Christian culture, while offering miniature visuals of cultural integration in the island to the audiences.

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