Strategy · Service Design · System design · Social & Environmental Impact · Creative direction
The Challenge
Solution
Approach
The first part of the project focuses on bringing together the different stakeholders affected by the pacas phenomenon. This involves collaborating and utilizing already established tools, practices, systems, and spaces. A partnership is proposed between pacas (used clothing stores) and skilled weavers to optimize the value of the damaged garments.
A systematic sorting and categorization system is implemented by pacas to match the most suitable garments with weavers for upcycling. Weavers, equipped with their expertise in textile craftsmanship, utilize innovative techniques and design approaches to transform the damaged t-shirts into unique, high-quality upcycled products. This collaboration generates economic opportunities for both pacas and weavers, promotes sustainable practices, and reduces textile waste while fostering skill development in the weaving community.
Comprehensive A/B testing was conducted to analyze the preferred type of storytelling by the target audience. This data-driven approach helped in understanding the cultural nuances and preferences of the audience, ensuring that the messaging and branding resonated effectively with the local market in Guatemala.
Five prototypes were created to showcase the possibilities of transforming damaged garments into upcycled products. These prototypes were carefully designed to demonstrate the potential for innovative techniques and creative storytelling. Different types of damages were intentionally incorporated into the prototypes to showcase how they can be transformed into unique and desirable products. The prototypes were crafted by skilled weavers, who used their expertise to breathe new life into the damaged garments while infusing their own storytelling elements.
The second part of the project involves creating a service to facilitate communication between pacas, weavers, and other stakeholders. A form is created for pacas to participate in the project, providing information about the damaged garments. Parameters based on type of damage, material, type of intervention, and region to be worked on are established. A custom-made Google Sheets is used to track the journey of the damaged shirts and ensure quality throughout the process. The shirts pass through the organization's headquarters for filtering and decision-making. Region representatives meet monthly to discuss the interventions that need to be made. Workshops are organized every three months to update weavers on trending topics and techniques in the fashion industry, enhancing their skill development. Weavers intervene on the garments based on the parameters given, adding their own unique storytelling elements. The finished garments are marked with a card that becomes their passport and represents added value.
The service is called "Re-thread" and includes a website that educates stakeholders about the project, provides a shop for the upcycled shirts, and serves as a platform to connect with stakeholders.
