DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF TABLEWARE PRODUCTS MADE FROM WATER HYACINTH

Abstract

The objective of this research aimed to 1) investigate problems and study design patterns for developing tableware products made from water hyacinth, 2) design alternative and functional products suitable for table settings, and 3) evaluate the efficiency and user satisfaction of the developed products. The sample group consisted of 20 consumers interested in community or handicraft products, selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments included a survey for usage analysis and an evaluation form to assess the efficiency and satisfaction of the tableware products. Field data were analyzed to create three prototype designs. Evaluation by three experts indicated that the third prototype was the most attractive and appealing to users. The researchers then improved the design based on expert recommendations. The results from the consumer evaluations revealed that the usability of the product was rated at a high level (Mean = 4.38, S.D. = 0.64), aesthetic value at a high level (Mean = 4.28, S.D. = 0.71), and manufacturability at a high level (Mean = 4.25, S.D. = 0.72). It can be concluded that the design and development of tableware products made from water hyacinth provide an effective approach to adding value to natural materials and have strong potential for further commercial development.