The Enhancement of Creative Souvenir Products Inspired by Buddhist Innovative Arts of Digital Printmaking based on Lanna Vihara’s Decorative Patterns

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) study the concepts of designing and developing art-based souvenir products; 2) design and develop creative souvenir products derived from Buddhist innovative art in digital printmaking based on Lanna vihara decorative patterns; and 3) examine approaches for enhancing the products for commercialization. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The research areas covered important viharas in Upper Northern Thailand, representing the artisan traditions of Chiang Mai, Lampang, Nan, and Phayao. The target groups consisted of 30 interviewees and 20 participants involved in product enhancement. The research instruments included documentary study, interview forms, observation, and a practice-based design process for creating digital prints and developing product prototypes.
The findings revealed that: 1) the design concept for art-based souvenir products focuses on transforming artistic value into functional and economic value while preserving the identity, meaning, and narrative of the original artwork; 2) the product development process can be carried out systematically, beginning with the selection and extraction of Lanna vihara decorative patterns, their adaptation into digital formats, and the arrangement of composition, color, and product personality, resulting in various functional prototypes such as calendars, ceramic mugs, vacuum tumblers, tote bags, T-shirts, and framed jigsaw puzzles; and 3) product enhancement should be implemented through both online and offline distribution channels, together with further development into digital products on Photostock platforms, as well as knowledge dissemination through articles, exhibitions, and academic forums in order to sustainably increase economic and cultural value.