Browsing by Author "Ranasinghe, WMND"

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Colour and visual perception: exploiting visual perception of colour, in traditional ‘laksha’ products in Sri Lanka.
(2019) Amarakoon, AMD; Ranasinghe, WMND; Samarawickrama, S
Design decisions behind colour compositions of a product, play a major role in communicating an identity, purpose and functionality of a product. Also, how this particular product would fit in with what’s around it. When considering a multicoloured object; change in colour choice and compositions has a great potential to impact the visual perception an object. The Visual perception of a product is the main factor considered in this research; functionality, usability and socio-cultural factors are omitted. The exploration limits only to five case studies of Kandyan era ‘Laksha’ products found at Colombo and Kandy National museums. The methodology of research is based on qualitative methods. In order to evaluate “how multi-coloured objects are visually perceived with regard to ‘Laksha’ products”, a common ground was established on how humans visually perceive. For this purpose, secondary sources of biological, psychological and physical aspects of visual perception and theories related were used to build up the theoretical background for the research. With this background, images of ‘Laksha’ products were made in to primary graphics and then dissected into different graphics (Secondary graphics); which are analysed to understand how they are perceived visually. The dissected graphics are used as tools in the study. These graphics of the visual perception of multi coloured ‘Laksha’ products will be used as a stepping stone to discover the fossilized contextual creative knowledge regarding the use of colour in design. Moreover, the methodology of the study implies many future studies and possibilities.
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Design Approach to Rehabilitation: Developing Therapy Assistive Products for Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy
(2018) Perera, GYASI; Ranasinghe, WMND
Therapy plays an important role in rehabilitation of children suffering from physical disabilities. Disability conditions like Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy require vigorous therapy measures, which could be unappealing to children. Using therapy assistive products for rehabilitation can make therapy activities engaging and appealing to children and yield effective outcomes. However, there is limited availability of context based therapy assistive products, which are engaging, and appealing to children suffering from Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy. This study explores how design methodology can be used to develop therapy assistive products for rehabilitation of children with disability. The study is based on developing a set of therapy assistive products to improve the hand-skills of children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy. Developing therapy assistive products require comprehensive understanding of therapeutic aspects, design aspects and careful integration of the two disciplines. Hence, practicing multidisciplinary and participatory design approaches in the design process is imperative. Usability of therapy assistive products are highly impactive in nature, and therefore an iterative process of prototyping, testing, receiving constructive feedback and developing the products based on feedback should be adopted to achieve feasible and functional outcomes.
item: Conference-Full-text
development of clay material as an ancient inspiration for cooling enclosed space for contemporary sri lanka
(2019) Liyanarathne BLSW; Ranasinghe, WMND; Samarawickrama S
Huge energy demand can identify in the contemporary world not only in Sri Lanka. Environment cooling is a most considerable aspect in energy consumption. The research discovers the possibility of using ancient techniques with clay material for maintain indoor thermal comfort. Clay is a material which has remote history and numerous qualities. The research is based on the ‘clay’ material which creates a cooling condition. When concern on the properties of clay, evaporative cooling and low heat conductivity are pair of main important properties. Clay and mud were used in civilizations which were in hot climatic regions. Sri Lanka also used clay material in various methods for traditional houses as wattle, roofing tiles and floor and domestic usage as Guruleththuwa, pinthaliya etc on maintain a cooling condition. The research investigates condition of cooling indoor space in traditional houses. It analyses data from quantitative and qualitative methods based on interviews and observations in traditional houses which were made from clay material under three climatic regions. According to investigation clay material maintain cool space in afternoon comparatively outdoor. It was a positive behaviour of clay material that contradictory adapts in indoor temperature comparatively outdoor temperature. The research investigates how effect clay properties in house envelopes for enhancing cooling effect. It reveals that the clay body can develop as a product for cooling enclosed space with value additions. This study is the initial step of the innovation to identify clay properties in building envelops as a traditional inspiration.
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Effect of emotional factors to product functionality on hot beverage containers.
(2019) Kulathunga, WDD; Ranasinghe, WMND; Samarawickrama, S
Every human in the world is born with five sensory organs. Each of them is capable of identifying different sensory perceptions. The combination of these sensory organs makes a path to the most interesting subject in human lives which is human emotions. Each human is different from one to another so as the emotions. Also, it is important to keep our body hydrated. Water is the main beverage used by humans. beverage containers are an intelligent design created by humans. it can be found in different shapes and forms according to the purpose and relevant to the beverage philosophy it contains. This study was carried out to identifying emotional effects on product functionality. This research is focused to study only about hot beverage containers in Sri Lanka. It is based on mix methods and conducts a real product observation to analyze the written data. The results revealed that particular effect of designs and materials which are directly affected by human emotions and functionality of products. It was identified that the emotional effects of metal, ceramic, glass, plastic, and the impact of the surface finishes and forms. Also, by the research, it was identified the emotional levels and the effect of materials and designs on hot beverage containers on each level respectively.
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Enhancing mangrove restoration through innovative and sustainable design solution for Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2024) Uresha, EDT; Ranasinghe, WMND
Mangrove forests are critical for coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon storage, but they suffer substantial risks from coastal development and climate change. This study critically evaluates previous mangrove conservation initiatives and emphasizes the need for innovative ways to improve present methods. Based on sustainable design principles, the research proposes identify a path to develop a product for increasing the mangrove restoration challenges, to focus to the product's design, assesses. The success and limitations of prior protection techniques, and investigates the integration of environmentally friendly materials and sophisticated design elements. This study seeks to improve mangrove restoration efforts and encourage their preservation by offering a novel strategy that combines sustainable materials and current technologies. The findings offer practical recommendations for enhancing mangrove protection and underscore the potential for continued innovation in this field.
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Examination on methods, techniques in structural designs of green wall conecepts: application to concrete brick wall in sri lanka
(2019) Rahuman, AA; Ranasinghe, WMND; Samarawickrama, S
Green and eco-friendly environment systems are having an evolution within the architecture and design fields. When designing built environments, it is the duty and responsibility of architects and designers to pay attention to environment and ecofriendly factors. With respect to the above, the concept of “green wall” or “vertical garden” reached a rapid development in structural and irrigation systems. Sri Lanka has been home to creative architects and designers for centuries, a fact that the country’s ancient irrigation systems, can attest to. This island nation has a monsoon based tropical climate, which is primarily governed by rainfall and humidity, are thoroughly considered when developing irrigation patterns. For plantation purposes, pipelines are often used, and is a major component in vertical garden systems. Considering vertical garden through climatic landscape technology and cost of procedure, this research attempts to explore how different green wall types respond to the Sri Lankan climate, with reference to its basic structural design systems used. The entire process was carried out through the help of RAYMAN software, which was checked by sample testing using a similar type of building within the University of Moratuwa Sri Lanka, University of Wayamba and the University of Jaffna, followed by an analysis of qualitative research methodology, thus based on its simulation, research will conclude that Green facades are more suitable than Living Walls in the Sri Lankan Context.
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Form development of clay module for optimize evaporative cooling with wind flow
(2018) Liyanarathne, BLSW; Ranasinghe, WMND; Halwatura, RU; Samarawickrama, S
Evaporative cooling is one of most important passive cooling systems which is used since ancient times. As a passive cooling system direct evaporative cooling is the basic method. There are most of evidences in use of wetted clay material in evaporative cooling method. Mashrabya and wetted clay conduits used in wind towers are the proofs on this passive cooling system. Clay exhibit excellent properties on evaporative cooling as a porous material. Porous ceramics exhibit properties such as high permeability, low bulk density, high surface area, and low thermal conductivity. There are more possibilities on enhancing the evaporative cooling. The research focused on the form development which multiplying the cooling efficiency. Provide a large surface area to air touching, access to easy air flowing and making a speed for air flow are the archived aims which are multiplying the cooling effect in the research. Various forms have tested in the research with the smoke flows as air flow and identified best form. And the form has developed with the literature which is about clay form development. Close ended form of clay has identified as more efficient on the evaporative cooling. This basic form has a possibility to develop as a sustainable product design for people. The formed product changes the situation of Natural wind or created wind flow as a chilled air by the evaporative cooling in zero energy. In a warming world, heating energy demands should reduce while cooling energy demands rise. Further investigations of the form development respond for this circumstance as a design solution.
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Identification of drawbacks and barriers plastic based upcycling industry in Sri Lanka
(2017) Wijesinghe, MANA; Ranasinghe, WMND
The Upcycling converts waste materials into new products giving higher value and/or quality in their second life. Though it encourages low energy consumption and the law cost of raw materials, still it is not well-established industry in Sri Lanka which the country needs of sustainable businesses opportunities and waste management methods. Three case studies of Plastic based upcycling brands in Sri Lanka have been studied to identify the current state of the industry considering the manufacturing process, scale of production, distribution and manufacturers’ approach to the industry. It mainly targets niche markets which appreciates eco-friendly and sustainable products. Product designs which can get the customer attraction by finishing, aesthetic and functionality could have achieved its target market and it does not depend on the manufacturing technique. In Sri Lanka, applying marketing strategies which can be used in promoting upcycling products positively much not have been practiced in the industry. Low awareness about the upcycle products is one of the issues appears in the local context. Through the study, inability of practicing product design and marketing strategies is identified as the barrier because of the low production cost and continuous supplement of raw material reduce the economic barrier in the plastic based upcycle industry in Sri Lanka.
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Identification of functionality and usability aspects of traditional paathraya’ in sri lanka
(2018) Thilakarathna, KCM; Ranasinghe, WMND; Samarawickrama, S
Functionality and usability can be identified as main key factors under the field of Product design. Traditional products have survived for many years in the history of a particular region or culture. In the perspective of product design, traditional products have gone through stages of designing and tested continuously with actual context. Therefore, those traditional products can be identified as well-designed products even though there is no any particular person to identify as a designer for them. Sri Lankan culture is believed to be more connected with the nature and sustainable concept according to social scientists, historians, archaeologists and folklore explorers. `Paathraya` is a traditional identical product that used by Buddhist monks not only in Sri Lanka but in other countries also. Therefore, it has a psychological platform combined with its physical characters. Paathraya is known as alms bowl in English, Patra in Sanskrit, Patta in Pali and Hatsu or Hachi in Japanese. As Product Designer, researching about traditional Paatraya of Sri Lanka gives exposure to the design principles and elements, material identification, product functionality and usability. The Research is carried out as an ethnographic research. Empirical Data is gathered by observing Museum collections and Paathra, which are currently used, interviewing archaeologists, Buddhist monks, artisans, potters, designers, scientists, sociologists by experimentation and analysing chronological development of Paathraya. Secondary data are collected through books and journals to enhance the functions, interpretation and design theories. Research will be based on lay Paathraya to explore the importance of material ,design and its usability. Research Findings are behaviour of the product in tradition and in practise, character, norms and the message it conveys. It was found that Paathraya provides knowledge to define functionality and usability with its physical and psychological character.
item: Conference-Abstract
Identification of the key considerations to design assistive tools for blind lottery sellers in Sri Lanka
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Manawasinghe, MDRN; Ranasinghe, WMND; Samarawickrama, S
Without the gift of sight, they bravely and independently navigate life, demonstrating that real vision is beyond what the human eye can see. The highest percentage of people with disabilities are visually impaired, making it one of the most prevalent disabilities in the world (World Health Organisation , 2023). According to a study conducted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and Sri Lanka's Vision-2020 project, 15.4% of people were blind (Wickramaarachchi, et al., 2023). With their challenges, people with visual impairments are essential to society, making contributions in a variety of sectors and enhancing communities through their abilities and endurance. To create a society that is inclusive and where everyone has an opportunity to succeed, it is essential to recognize their contributions and respond to their particular needs. In Sri Lanka, just a small number of visually impaired people get to higher education, and they face significant challenges in their goals of education which limits their access to steady, well-paying jobs in the public or private sectors. Due to this circumstance, the majority—roughly 60–70%—have turned to self-employment as a source of income (Suraweera, et al., 2021). This study examines the particular challenges experienced by blind lottery sellers in Sri Lanka, namely in the Colombo District, where lack of specialised assistance and urban congestion makes it more difficult for the blind. According to self-observations, the blind population in Sri Lanka most frequently engages in self-employment through lottery selling, which offers a sustainable source of income. It was also observed that Colombo has the largest number of blind lottery sellers, which reflects a notable trend in the district. This study highlights the necessity of removing specific barriers to enhance these sellers' economic stability, efficiency, and safety. The lottery sellers who live in the Colombo district were the main sample group of this research. To collect factual data, grounded theory was applied as the main data collection method in this research to investigate the difficulties faced by blind lottery sellers. Apart from that, the self-observations provided a preliminary insight into the daily difficulties faced by these sellers, while the questionnaires gathered participant feedback and personal reports during the sample group discussions. To better understand their daily life, this study was conducted comprehensively by concerning the psychological, physiological, social, and economic elements that affect the stability and well-being of blind lottery sellers. These methods provide insightful information on the various issues faced by sellers, highlighting the specific way in which these aspects impact their everyday lives and workspaces. One of the main issues noted was the need for risky navigating in crowded places, which puts blind lottery sellers at serious risk as they navigate crowded streets without support. This increases their risk of accidents and adds significant physical and psychological strain to their daily routine. Furthermore, financial exploitation is a serious issue as some sellers may be manipulated by unethical individuals who depend on their blindness, leading to unequal transactions or lost revenue. Their job is made more difficult by social stigma, as common misunderstandings about blindness result in discrimination and isolation from society, which affects their confidence and customer relations. Finally, everyday activities that are simple for sighted people, including handling lottery tickets and cash, become difficult. Blind lottery sellers must constantly fight difficulties to maintain their incomes because of these issues, which emphasises the need for focused assistance to improve their safety, independence, and financial stability. To improve the efficiency, safety, and independence of blind lottery sellers, this study highlights the urgent need for assistive design solutions. It became clear from the interviews and observations that these people need specialised gadgets for safety, lottery and money management, and navigation to assist their employment. According to data analysis, this research revealed that to empower blind sellers, effective assistive technologies could address several important issues. Encouraging independence and dignity by giving blind sellers the tools they need to do their work with little help from others or need for sympathy, enhancing mobility and safety by adding lightweight weather covers to provide comfort and weather protection, as well as accessible navigational aids that lower the chance of accidents in crowded places., reducing theft risk by implementing mechanisms that provide transaction confirmation and fair pricing verification, are increasing sellers' trust in financial dealings, enhancing money management and lottery handling by the development of specialised wallets, lottery holders, or devices that enable safe cash and lottery handling. These innovations would allow individuals to keep one hand free for using a white cane to navigate, improving independence and convenience. By focusing on these particular areas, assistive technologies and equipment enhance blind lottery sellers' ability to carry out their jobs safely and freely while also enhancing their financial security, dignity, and general quality of life.
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Identification of traditional surface decoration techniques in earthenware products of Sri Lanka
(2014-01-10) Ranasinghe, WMND; De Silva, N
Clqy is a natural, earth made resource, JJJhichgoes back to the pre history of man, JJJithits infanry as a useful material in the past. Clqy was identified as a material to produce culinary utensils and obiects. When fired, c!qy gets hard enough to make durable objeas and it adds a value to the product. At the beginning, designs were in primary stage and the onlY purpose JJJasto fulfil the requirements and functional value, but later on people considered about the aesthetical pleasing value. People came up with decorative effects to enhance the beauty and functionality of the product. Outer appearance or suiface decoration gives more value and the first impression about the product. According to the above considerations suiface appearance could be identified as an important aspect of a ceramic product.
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Identification of Traditional Surface Decoration Techniques in Earthenware Products of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Ranasinghe, WMND; De Silva, N
useful material in the past. Clay was identified as a material to produce culinary utensils and objects. When fired, clay gets hard enough to make durable objects and it adds a value to the product. At the beginning, designs were in primary stage and the only purpose was to fulfil the requirements and functional value, but later on people considered about the aesthetical pleasing value. People came up with decorative effects to enhance the beauty and functionality of the product. Outer appearance or surface decoration gives more value and the first impression about the product. According to the above considerations surface appearance could be identified as an important aspect of a ceramic product. At the beginning, different decorative methods were used to enhance their ideas throughout the ceramic body. They were decorated with social stories and creative designs; it was an explanation media for the society. Pottery is a horizon of the cultural empire and solid item which explains the past. Decoration is the aspect that makes a piece of art more than the utilitarian communicating to the user and contributing to the total appearance. Evolution and variety of decoration methods in Sri Lanka cannot be omitted because it has a great history than contemporary situation. Pinching, Engobing, Engraving, Stamping, Springing, Painting could be identified as traditional decoration methods. They add an aesthetical appearance and a value, giving a meaning and a life to a ceramic product. Studying the surface decoration methods of ceramic ware is a vast area. This research focuses only on the identification of various traditional decorative techniques in low temperature earthenware products in Sri Lanka. Present products have less design qualities compared to traditional clay objects. Even though the consumer expects a design value, the manufacturer pays a less consideration on the aesthetical value of the product; it is a main problem in the current clay ware industry. Because of that people try to use other alternative products to fulfil their needs. But if it has a good design quality they would like to use earthenware products for their day to day needs. The information and data collected using the following methods will be analyzed under several key sections of the research. Primary data will be collected from the primary source by using structured questionnaires and field visit. The questionnaires will be given to people live in urban areas (Colombo & Kandy). The questionnaires mainly focus on the surface decoration methods in present clay vessels. Secondary data will be collected from the previous and existing earthenware vessels, from the books, research journals, research articles, archaeological excavations etc. This research will be an investigation to identify traditional decorative techniques in earthenware products and it will be helpful to re design earthenware clay vessels with aesthetical pleasing and reestablish the creative tradition in the earthenware industry in Sri Lanka.
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Identifying the key factors to re-design a sustainable transportation device for postmen in Sri Lanka postal department
(Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa., 2024) Uresha, EDT; Ranasinghe, WMND; Samarawickrama, S
This study aims to address the key factors to consider the transportation method currently used by the postmen in the Sri Lanka postal Department, which currently uses general-purpose bicycles and motorbikes that are not specifically designed for postal delivery. With the evolution of postal routes since the 1960s, during the British colonial era, the demands on postmen have significantly changed. As cities expanded and postmen’s beasts became smaller, motorcycles gave way to bicycles (Department of Posts Sri Lanka, n.d) In the current context some postmen are using their motorbikes and some of them are using bicycles. These general-purpose transportation modes now fall short of meeting the specific needs of modern postal delivery, Particularly in terms of sustainability and ergonomic design. Currently, the Sri Lanka Postal Department is seeking to develop postman’s transportation devices to develop their services Currently, the Sri Lanka Postal Department is seeking to develop new transportation devices to enhance its services (Lanka News Web, 2023). This study involves identifying the ergonomic requirement necessary to minimise the physical strain and safety enhancement in sustainability approaches. The objective of this research is to analyse and find out the main key factors to consider when designing a new transportation device. The research is conducted by qualitative approach, combining grounded theory and case study methods to explore the challenges faced by postal workers. Data was collected through direct observation and Open-ended interviews done with the postmasters and postmen by focusing on the delivery methods, health, safety, and sustainability issues of the current transportation devices. The context for this study was specifically selected in the Piliyandala area, according to the observation, It is one of the large regions under the jurisdiction of 17 postal divisions with around 528.5 Km, representing a mix of densely populated urban areas and more rural, village-like settings in Colombo District. It revealed that transportation devices need to be developed to give positive interaction and conceit by addressing challenges in physical health, ergonomics, safety, productivity, and sustainability. Current transportation methods, including bicycles and motorbikes, impose significant physical strain, and environmental concerns. By incorporating ergonomic improvements like adjustable seating, lumbar support, and shock-absorbent frames, the new design can reduce health risks such as back pain, joint stress, and fatigue. Additionally, safety features such as a low centre of gravity, reflective materials, integrated lights, and secure storage compartments will enhance worker safety. The integration of electric assist technology, and solar-powered charging stations in post offices, where solar panels could charge the bikes, will address environmental concerns while improving the efficiency and sustainability of postal operations. Additionally, it needs to consider vernacular practices built by them such as adapting to the traditional bell, like even if they have their bike horn they are using the traditional bell sound for postmen to signal their arrival at homes, which became an iconic and reliable auditory cue in local communities. Overall, the considered key factors offer a holistic solution that not only improves worker well-being but also enhances productivity and reduces operational costs. By implementing these design considerations, the Sri Lankan Postal Department can modernise its operations, creating a safer, more efficient, and eco-friendly postal delivery system. This approach supports the Department’s goals of improving worker health, reducing financial strain, and aligning with global sustainability trends, ultimately ensuring the long-term viability and success of Sri Lanka's postal services.
item: Conference-Abstract
An Investigation of key factors to uplift traditional Lac (Laksha) Craft in Sri Lanka
Ranasinghe, WMND
Lac craft is a traditional craft in Sri Lanka and it has a traditional immense and endurance history. Lac is one of the decorative medium that can be applied on different types of materials, such as wood, ivory, pottery, clothes, horns, shells etc. Lac craft is an identical precious craft in Sri Lanka. But in current society it is not uplifted to cater present social needs. This can be considered as a dying industry and as a traditional craft that was continued from generation to generation, even though it is not continued as before. As the knowledge is not transferring to future generations; it will become a dilapidated craft in the craft milieu after three or four generations. It is needed to accompany for future generations to identify their tradition ethics, tools, equipment, decorations, manufacturing methods and market opportunities. This research oblige to identify the key factors that can affect endangered and upgrade to cater the present social needs which is a current need of the craft industry in Sri Lanka. It is a cast based industry and it was continued in several rural areas in Sri Lanka with a traditional identity, by the way still it continues in few areas in country. Especially craftsmen of Kandy and Matale districts still continue their practices in traditional manner. This research generally considers the craft places in central province to gather factual data. The methodology of the research was based on the Grounded theory method. The research followed the quantitative and qualitative research methods. The required data were collected through an extensive literature survey, case study use of variety of Lac crafts and structured questionnaires given to the people who are engaging in Lac work in Pallehapuvida to identify main factors that are affecting to uplift the Lac craft. The research identifies main six key factors in order of the importance as introducing new technology, new designs, new materials introducing new colour by experiments, conducting trainee programmes, and teaching as a traditional technical subject. These are the main key factors that should be considered to uplift the dying tradition of Sri Lankan lac craft to get keen and endorsed future.
item: Article-Full-text
An Investigation of Key Factors to Uplift Traditional Lac (Laksha) Craft in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2014-12) Ranasinghe, WMND
Lac craft is a traditional craft in Sri Lanka and it has a traditional immense and endurance history. Lac is one of the decorative medium that can be applied on different types of materials, such as wood, ivory, pottery, clothes, horns, shells etc. Lac craft is an identical precious craft in Sri Lanka. But in current society it is not uplifted to cater present social needs. This can be considered as a dying industry and as a traditional craft that was continued from generation to generation, even though it is not continued as before. As the knowledge is not transferring to future generations; it will become a dilapidated craft in the craft milieu after three or four generations. It is needed to accompany for future generations to identify their tradition ethics, tools, equipment, decorations, manufacturing methods and market opportunities. This research oblige to identify the key factors that can affect endangered and upgrade to cater the present social needs which is a current need of the craft industry in Sri Lanka. It is a cast based industry and it was continued in several rural areas in Sri Lanka with a traditional identity, by the way still it continues in few areas in country. Especially craftsmen of Kandy and Matale districts still continue their practices in traditional manner. This research generally considers the craft places in central province to gather factual data. The methodology of the research was based on the Grounded theory method. The research followed the quantitative and qualitative research methods. The required data were collected through an extensive literature survey, case study use of variety of Lac crafts and structured questionnaires given to the people who are engaging in Lac work in Pallehapuvida to identify main factors that are affecting to uplift the Lac craft. The research identifies main six key factors in order of the importance as introducing new technology, new designs, new materials, introducing new colour by experiments, conducting trainee programmes, and teaching as a traditional technical subject. These are the main key factors that should be considered to uplift the dying tradition of Sri Lankan lac craft to get keen and endorsed future.
item: Thesis-Abstract
The Key considerations to achieve design efficiency for functional use domestic earthenware in Sri Lanka
(2014-08-06) Ranasinghe, WMND; De Silva, N
Sri Lanka is famous for ‘Clay Cooking Pots’ from the historical days. Earthenware clay cooking pots have been used in each and every household as the main cooking utensil. However with the time these clay products became less popular. It has been found that they have not paid proper attention and concern during the process of manufacturing. This has resulted low quality clay products which make people dissatisfied of them. Therefore, it is obvious that clay cooking pots should be given due recognition, as they possess many good qualities which are unique to them only. This study on ‘Clay Cooking Products’ reveals that these clay cooking utensils do not cater to the needs of present society, due to less design qualities. Although there are cooking utensils made out of other materials, they do not possess the qualities which belong only to the clay products. However it has been identified that people live in the present society are willing to use clay cooking pots, if they are up to standard with good design qualities which fulfill their needs. Design Elements and Design Principles are very important factors which play a vital role in producing clay products. Other important factors that have to be considered are Shape, Form, Texture, Value and Balance of the products. Design elements and design principles are very important as they contribute a lot to produce a good designer product. Questionnaire survey was carried out with a view to finding out the effectiveness of those factors on present clay cooking pots. Main attempt was to collect information regarding the orifice, belly and base of the specific product which has been used in the study. The earthenware cooking pot “Hattiya” and the lid was used as sample objects in this study. Questionnaire survey was carried out in selected urban areas in the country (Kandy & Colombo). The data was studied and analyzed through the Chi-Square testing method in order to find out the most important factor. According to the analysis of data, and other investigations it has now been found out that the specific clay cooking pot (“Hattiya”) which is in use presently has to be developed paying attention to the design development of the product. Through the data analysis it was proved that factors such as Shape, Form, Texture, Balance and Value are key considerations of making “Hattiya”. These factors are important to achieve design efficiency when product is functionally used. Those factors have to be considered according to the mentioned order and they are important to the other clay cooking pots as well, in the process of manufacturing them.
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The key factors affecting design and structural technology for the efficiency of clay cooking pots - special reference to culinary item "Hettiya"
(2014-04-10) Ranasinghe, WMND
Water, fire, air, earth and space are the basic natural elements in the planet. The processes of clqy n/are manufacturing can be described as a result of the above mentioned elements. At the beginning clqy tuas used as a material to createfigures and sculptures rather than manufacturing objects. Sri Lanka is famous for the pottery industry from beginning of the civilization and it has a great history. GraduallY it u/as developed as a cottage level indtlStry. It can be identified as a knOilliedge transferring mift from generation to generation. Honeoer, with the passage of time clqy culinary items became less popular. It has been found that thry have not been paid proper attention and concern about the design. It is not updated to cater the present social context. The main objective of this research is to explore kry factors to uplift the culinary product in Sri Lanka. It has been inspired to conduct this research; otherwise it I1lz/1 become a cfying traditional craft in Sri Lanka.
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The Key Factors affecting Design and Structural Technology for the Efficiency of Clay Cooking Pots: Special Reference to Culinary Item “Hattiya”
(2013-12) Ranasinghe, WMND
Water, fire, air; earth and space are the basic natural elements in the planet. The processes of clay ware manufacturing can be described as a result of the above mentioned elements. At the beginning clay was used as a material to create figures and sculptures rather than manufacturing objects. Sri Lanka is famous for the pottery industry from beginning of the civilization and it has a great history. Gradually it was developed as a cottage level industry. 1/ can be identified as a knowledge transferring craft from generation to generation. However, with the passage of time clay culinary items became less popular. It has been found that they have not been paid proper attention and concern about the design. It is not updated to cater the present social context, The main objective of this research is to explore key factors to uplift the culinary product in Sri Tanka. It has been inspired to conduct this research; otherwise it will become a dying traditional craft in Sri Tanka. This research followed the quantitative and qualitative research methods. The required data were collected through an extensive literature survey, case study use of different types of Hatty a and structured questionnaires given to the urban and rural consumers in selected areas. The result of the data analysis reveals that there are five key factors affecting the design and technology of Hattiya. The main findings of this research show that the key factors such as shape and form, texture, value, proportion and balance are needed to be considered when designing and manufacturing clay cooking pots.
item: Conference-Full-text
Key factors to consider when designing products to overcome the persistence of unsafe kerosene lamps among low–income households in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2024) Manawasinghe, MDRN; Ranasinghe, WMND; Dissanayake, MK
Even with advancements in alternative lighting technologies, a notable proportion of impoverished communities still use unsafe kerosene lamps for illumination. It exposes them to a myriad of dangers, including injuries, deaths, and accidents. the use of kerosene lamps is continued although developments in alternate lighting technology put human health and safety in danger. This research investigates the reasons behind the continued reliance on kerosene lamps among the residents of Waverley Estate Line Houses in Agarapathana, Sri Lanka. The study aims to discern and analyse the socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors contributing to the persistence of this perilous lighting practice. this study uses a mixed-method technique that combines focus group discussions with self-observation to gather qualitative data. The main obstacles identified are extreme poverty, large upfront expenses for legal electrical connections, ignorance about how to maintain alternate lighting options and cultural familiarity with kerosene lamps. Notably, fire risks are increased when flammable materials are used in domestic environments. The study highlights the need for multidisciplinary interventions, identifying key design considerations such as easy maintain and repair, community training initiatives, subsidised electricity connections, , and the development of affordable, safe lighting fixtures. It is also suggested that it is crucial to have long-term plans for raising living standards through economic development programs. These observations are intended to assist practitioners and policymakers in developing practical, long-lasting solutions that would lessen the risks of using kerosene lamps and enhance the wellbeing of these marginalised groups.
item: Conference-Full-text
Product personalization: stimulating attachment between product and consumers
(2020-11-06) Fernando, GNS; Ranasinghe, WMND
This study investigates about how product personalization can be used to stimulate attachment between products and Sri Lankan consumers. Through the literature it was evident that, consumer involvement and the final personalized product, in product personalization can act as the main sources which evoke positive emotions, through self-expression, enjoyment and memories, to stimulate attachment. Three hypothetical scenarios of product personalization followed by online questionnaires about the experience were created to verify these findings of literature. The feeling of attachment was evident towards these personalized products as discovered through literature, especially in the responses of female participants. It was also evident that they would most likely to protect and use the product for a longer time than male participants. Several methods providing personalization options to stimulate long term attachment were identified together with the literature and primary data. Additionally, providing adequate options to personalize the product to their satisfaction, requirement of less technical knowledge in personalization process and already having a need of personalizing the primary functionality of the product were identified to be promoting the feeling of attachment.