17. A Fuzzy-Based Approach to Identify Tacit Knowledge in Craft Objects

The paper aims to identify and represent tacit knowledge of the craftsman through a fuzzy-based approach. The slow depletion of the crafts culture has been a concern to the researchers. Craft products are being replaced by alternative plastic products. This has depreciated the skills involved in the making of the craft products. An attempt has been made to digitally represent the knowledge embedded in craft objects as well as its roots in the craftsman involved. Knowledge, which is embedded in the craft object, is captured digitally. The paper attempts to answer two basic questions: Is it possible to capture the tacit knowledge of the craftsman in a digital format? If so, how can this knowledge of the craftsman be represented and used in designing more craft products in design? The outcome is in the form of a fuzzy model, which binds the knowledge/skills of the craftsman embedded in his creation. The proposed fuzzy-based model accesses craft products in terms of various design elements like color, shape, pattern, size, and texture value. This fuzzy model developed is a step forward toward categorization of the craft product uniquely in terms of tacit knowledge of craftsman and craft product.