A Literature-Based Study on Leveraging Cultural Elements to Boost MSME Product Value
- I Ketut Sida Arsa
- I Made Mertanadi
- Ni Luh Putu Agustini Karta
- Ni Made Ary Widiastini
- 1330-1343
- Feb 5, 2025
- Economics
A Literature-Based Study on Leveraging Cultural Elements to Boost MSME Product Value
I Ketut Sida Arsa 1, I Made Mertanadi 2, Ni Luh Putu Agustini Karta 3 , Ni Made Ary Widiastini 4*
1,2 Faculty of Art and Design, Institut Seni Indonesia, Institut Seni Indonesia Denpasar
3Faculty of Business and Tourism, Universitas Triatma Mulya
4Faculty of Economics Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha
*Corresponding Author
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.9010112
Received: 29 December 2024; Accepted: 07 January 2025; Published: 05 February 2025
ABSTRACT
This study aims to examine how cultural elements can be a major added value in strengthening the identity of MSME products in the global arena. With a literature study approach, this study analyzed 38 relevant articles obtained through Google Scholar and other academic databases using keywords such as “cultural product design”, “SME product innovation”, “Kansei Engineering”, “ecodesign”, and “design management in MSMEs”. Although many studies have discussed culture-based innovation and design, the main gap found is the lack of integrated guidelines that link the stages of MSME growth with the application of culture-based design principles and sustainable innovation. Therefore, this study proposes an approach based on five stages of MSME development, namely at the initiation stage, information about culture-based product design is needed; at the growth stage, social networks are used to drive product innovation; at the stability stage, Kansei Engineering is adopted to meet the emotional needs of consumers; at the expansion stage, ecodesign principles are applied to increase global competitiveness; and at the maturity stage, MSME actors need to face complex design management challenges while ensuring sustainable innovation to remain relevant in the market. This study offers an integrated way to consolidate research related to culture-based design, while the scope for further research is directed at developing a culture-based strategy model for MSME business sustainability and empirical studies on specific MSME sectors.
Keywords— Cultural Elements; Literature Approach; MSMEs; Product Design
INTRODUCTION
The Product design is an important consideration for every business actor today because it can determine the success of a product’s sales. The literature has recognized the development of culture-based product design as an effective strategy to create unique products that stand out from competitors (Purba et al., 2018). According to culture-based branding theory, products that display local cultural elements are able to provide a strong emotional bond with consumers and add attractive aesthetic value. The article “A History of the Concept of Branding: Practice and Theory” discusses culture-based branding theory through the development of branding from a historical perspective and symbolic meaning in culture (Bastos & Levy, 2012). One of the theories mentioned is Consumer Culture Theory (CCT), which explores how brands become cultural symbols and integral parts of consumer identity beyond the underlying product function. This theory of culture-based branding underscores that consumers perceive brands not just as business identities, but also as tools that embody social and cultural values. The article explains that consumers buy products not only for their function but also for the meaning they symbolize in culture. Culture-based design can be a powerful strategic tool to increase market appeal because consumers tend to value products with a distinctive cultural identity, which are difficult to imitate by standard products (Prasetyo & Febriani, 2020; Hubeis, 2012; Zainurossalamia, 2020). With this approach, MSMEs should be able to strengthen their position through unique and authentic designs that reflect the richness of local culture and values that distinguish their products in the global market.
Many MSMEs face challenges in incorporating cultural elements into their product designs during the development phase. Several studies by Hermawan, (2022); Amalia et al., (2012); Sari & Asad, (2018); Darwanto, (2013)show that limited resources and design management capabilities in MSMEs hinder their ability to adopt culture-based designs effectively. In addition, many MSMEs still rely on standard designs that do not reflect local cultural elements, reducing their attractiveness in the eyes of consumers who are looking for products with unique values and characteristics, even in line with developing trends. In many cases, MSMEs also do not have access to professional designers or supporting institutions that can help them implement cultural elements in product design effectively.
The discrepancy between the ideal and actual experiences of business actors, particularly MSMEs, highlights significant research gaps in the literature concerning the role of cultural elements in MSME product design and their influence on market value. Research (Lusch, 2014) has shown the great potential of cultural elements in increasing product appeal. His book provides a perspective on the value created through product and consumer interactions, which is relevant to culture-based products that can create added value through consumer emotional experiences. Nakata & Sivakumar, (2001) have conducted more in-depth studies on how culture-based design can enhance the value of MSME products and attract international consumers. In their study Nakata & Sivakumar, (2001) hey describe how the marketing concept adapts to the national culture and show how cultural elements can influence product acceptance in international markets, which is relevant to culture-based design in MSMEs. In addition, studies are still needed that explore effective ways for MSMEs to integrate cultural elements with modern design methods.
Cultural elements in product design have proven to enhance the value of MSME products in the global market. MSMEs face the primary challenge of crafting designs that are not just visually appealing, but also imbued with emotional value and profound cultural significance for their consumers. Products with local cultural elements can provide uniqueness, increase competitiveness, and connect consumers with a broader cultural identity. However, MSMEs often do not have the knowledge and resources to effectively integrate these cultural elements into their products. The goal of this study is to investigate the integration of cultural elements into MSME product design, with the aim of enhancing the product’s value and competitiveness in the market. We review the concepts related to culture-based design, relevant design techniques and methods, and their impact on market acceptance through a literature review of 38 related articles. This study contributes to providing guidance for MSMEs in creating unique, culture-based, and commercially relevant product designs. This study concentrates on cultural elements as the primary source of added value, exploring ways to enhance the distinctiveness of MSME products in the global market.
Local cultural elements significantly boost product competitiveness in the market, according to research on culture-based product design (Gumulya et al., 2023; Tristiyono et al., 2018; Wibisono et al., 2022; Dwitasari et al., 2022; Bangun et al., 2023). According to Kansei Engineering theory, product design must be able to influence consumer feelings and desires, which in this context can be achieved through attractive cultural elements (Nagamachi, 2003; Suzianti & Aldianto, 2020; Hartono, 2021; Ushada et al, 2019). Other studies emphasize that cultural elements can be a source of innovation and unique product development, especially for MSMEs in developing countries (Aksoy, 2017; Lita et al., 2018 Burtic, 2018). Research on MSMEs in the creative industry in Indonesia shows that products with cultural elements such as batik motifs or traditional symbols have a special appeal to domestic and international consumers (Raya et al., 2021). The concept of “cultural design,” which argues that cultural elements can provide authentic value that competitors cannot easily imitate, also supports this (Acklin et al., 2013). This study integrates various theories concerning cultural value in products and explores their application to MSMEs. This research model presents a framework that describes the relationship between cultural elements, product design, and increasing product added value.
METHODS
This study uses a literature study approach that aims to understand the role of cultural elements in MSME product design, especially in creating added value and attracting consumers. This literature study collects and analyzes information from relevant articles on culture-based product design, innovation, and design management strategies for MSMEs. We obtained the main sources of articles from academic journals available on Google Scholar and other trusted databases, with a focus on articles that discuss the role of cultural elements in product design, design techniques like Kansei Engineering and ecodesign, and the challenges and opportunities MSMEs face in implementing culture-based design. We collected literacy data by searching for relevant articles using keywords like “cultural product design,” “SME product innovation,” “Kansei Engineering,” “ecodesign,” and “design management in SMEs.” We selected 38 articles from the search results, focusing on cultural aspects and product design in MSMEs, for further analysis. The selected articles must meet the following criteria: (1) focus on product design with integration of cultural elements; (2) have a context or case study that is relevant to MSMEs; and (3) use a method that includes a discussion of the added value and market attractiveness of culture-based products ethical approval code.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Analysis of UMKM Product Design Articles
This study sources its study material from academic journals available on Google Scholar and other trusted databases, emphasizing articles that explore the role of cultural elements in product design, design techniques such as Kansei Engineering and ecodesign, and the challenges and opportunities faced by MSMEs in implementing culture-based design.
Table 1. Article Review
No | Article Title | Problems | Implications |
1 | External designers in product design processes of small manufacturing firms (Berends et al., 2011) | The influence of external designers on the product design process in small companies | The importance of collaboration with external designers for optimal design results |
2 | Design of product service systems in SMEs : a review of current research and suggestions for future directions (Åkesson et al., 2024) | Challenges of SMEs in designing product-service systems | Encourage practical support to assist MSMEs in designing sustainable product-service systems |
3 | The effects of electronic collaboration in reducing production time: product design process in SMEs (Jafari et al., 2010) | Reducing product development time through e-collaboration. | E-collaboration accelerates product development in MSMEs |
4 | Development of a Design Audit Tool for SMEs (Moultrie et al., 2007) | Development of a design audit tool to improve design practices in SMEs. | Increase awareness of the importance of design in supporting business performance in MSMEs |
5 | New product development process design for small and medium enterprises: A systematic literature review from the perspective of open innovation (Iqbal & Suzianti, 2021) | Challenges of product development in manufacturing SMEs. | Encourage MSMEs to adopt a more structured and strategic NPD (New Product Development) process |
6 | An Iterative Design Method from Products to Product Service Systems—Combining Acceptability and Sustainability for Manufacturing SMEs (Feng et al., 2022) | Design of a PSS method that considers sustainability and acceptability by SMEs. | Assist MSMEs in implementing sustainable PSS design according to their capacity |
7 | Design Management and the SME Product Development Process: A Bibliometric Analysis and Review (Caneiro et al., 2013) | Integration of design management in product development in SMEs. | The need for a methodology that helps MSMEs integrate design into their products |
8 | Participative Creativity Serving Product Design in SMEs: A Case Study (Cullmann et al., 2015) | Enhancing collective creativity in product design in SMEs. | MSMEs can leverage internal creativity to strengthen product innovation |
9 | A Tool to Evaluate Design Performance in SMEs (Moultrie et al., 2007) | Evaluation of design performance in NPD in SMEs. | Focus on better design quality in MSMEs for higher competitiveness |
10 | Design contribution to the competitive performance of SMEs: The role of design innovation capabilities (Landoni et al., 2016) | How design innovation capability can enhance SME competitiveness. | Designing relevant innovation strategies can help MSMEs to be more competitive |
11 | Innovation and Competitive Edge: Effective Designer Management in Chinese SMEs (Han et al., 2010) | Effective designer management to support innovation and competitive advantage in Chinese SMEs. | Integrating design as a primary strategy in MSMEs can increase their competitiveness |
12 | Influence of quality, innovation and new product/services design on small and medium enterprises (Hanif & Manarvi, 2009) | The influence of innovation and quality initiatives on SME performance. | Focus on innovation as a strategy to achieve competitive advantage in MSMEs |
13 | The integration of industrial design capability within UK SMEs: the challenges, opportunities and benefits (Wormald & Evans, 2009) | Challenges of industrial design capability integration in UK SMEs | Collaboration with universities can help MSMEs develop their design capabilities |
14 | Design research units and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs): An approach for advancing technology and competitive strength in Australia | Challenges of SMEs in innovating and adapting new technologies. | This strategy is important for long-term innovation in MSMEs in high-risk environments |
15 | A QFD-based method to support SMEs in benchmarking Co-Design Tools (Germani et al., 2012) | Implementation of co-design in SME product design process. | Implementation of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) can help MSMEs increase involvement in product co-design processes |
16 | Sustainable product service systems in small and medium enterprises (SMEs): opportunities in the leather manufacturing industry (Hernández et al., 2012) | Opportunities to develop sustainable product-service systems in SMEs. | Sustainable Product Service Systems (PSS) enable MSMEs to improve the sustainability of their operations |
17 | Collaboration between SMEs and External Designers in Product Innovation (Stulties, 2009) | Collaboration between SMEs and external designers in product innovation. | Collaboration with external designers can solve innovation barriers in MSMEs |
18 | Product Life Cycle Design: Integrating Environmental Aspects into SMEs Product Design (Jeganova, 2004) | Integration of environmental aspects into SME product design. | Encourage MSMEs to consider sustainability from the early stages of product design |
19 | Are Design-Led Innovation Approaches Applicable to SMEs? (Gulari & Fremantle, 2015) | Implementation of design-based innovation approaches in MSMEs | Low-cost design-led innovation approaches such as rapid prototyping can be applied to MSMEs to reduce innovation risks |
20 | Integrating ecodesign by conducting changes in SMEs (Le Pochat et al., 2007) | Challenges of ecodesign integration in MSMEs and the lack of organizationally integrated methods. | Enabling MSMEs to implement sustainable ecodesign, which focuses on organizational change |
21 | Challenges of Going Global for SMEs (Mubarak et al., 2016) | Challenges faced by MSMEs when entering the global market, especially related to scale and competition. | MSMEs should prioritize appropriate market penetration strategies and government support to overcome these barriers |
22 | A New Model to Introduce SMEs with Design (Er et al., 2013) | How new design models can be introduced to MSMEs to drive innovation. | Help MSMEs adopt design as a strategic tool in increasing competitiveness |
23 | Developing complex, mass-customized products in SME networks: Perspectives from co-creation, solution space development, and information system design (Grafmüller et al., 2018) | Challenges of personalized product development in MSME networks. | Emphasize the need for cross-organizational support in complex product development |
24 | Knowledge Acquisition and Product Innovation Flexibility in SMEs (Liao & Barnes, 2015) | Flexibility of product innovation through knowledge acquisition in MSMEs. | MSMEs can leverage knowledge acquisition to achieve greater product innovation flexibility |
25 | E xploring barriers and opportunities in adopting crowdsourcing based new product development in manufacturing SMEs (Qin et al., 2016) | Barriers and opportunities in adopting crowdsourcing for product development in MSMEs. | Show the importance of education and platforms that support the adoption of crowdsourcing |
26 | Digital Transformation Process and SMEs (Ulas, 2019) | Digital transformation processes in MSMEs and the challenges faced. | Support digital transformation leading to higher efficiency and productivity in MSMEs |
27 | Design Management Capability and Product Innovation in SMEs (Fernández et al., 2013) | The role of design management as a dynamic capability in MSME product innovation. | Strengthen the importance of design management in improving innovation performance in MSMEs |
28 | Positioning SMEs with a lone designer: A qualitative study of small design firms (Chen & Schiele, 2017) | Positioning strategies of MSMEs that only have one designer compared to large organizations | Provide MSMEs with effective strategies to compete despite limited resources |
29 | Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Wood-Furniture Firms in Central Java, Indonesia (Kusumawardhani & Mccarthy, 2013) | Innovation challenges in MSMEs in the Central Java wooden furniture industry. | Provide insight into the importance of innovation tailored to industry characteristics local |
30 | Product Development of Chocolate with Quality Function Deployment Approach: A Case Study in SMEs Chocolate Industry in Indonesia (Purba et al., 2018) | Chocolate product development based on consumer needs in Indonesian chocolate MSMEs. | Directing MSMEs to improve product quality according to consumer needs |
31 | Challenges, open innovation, and engagement theory at craft smes: Evidence from Indonesian batik (Raya et al., 2021) | Open innovation challenges in batik MSMEs in Indonesia. | Proposing a combination of open innovation and engagement theory to overcome challenges |
32 | Redesign of product packaging with Kansei engineering: Empirical study on Small-medium enterprises in Indonesia (Suzianti & Aldianto, 2020) | Less attractive product packaging quality in MSMEs. | Increasing the attractiveness of packaging is expected to increase the competitiveness of MSME products |
33 | Effect of networks on product innovation: Empirical evidence from Indonesian SMEs (Indarti & Postma, 2013) | The influence of social networks on product innovation in MSMEs | MSMEs can increase innovation by expanding external networks and interactions |
34 | Cultural product design as a key strategy for innovation capability development: Evidence from Indonesian creative social enterprises (Gumulya et al., 2023) | Culture-based product design as an innovation development strategy | The importance of utilizing local cultural elements in MSME product design strategies |
35 | The effects of product innovation, process innovation and government policy on SMEs performance: Evidence from Indonesia (Sidik & Anik, 2021) | The influence of product innovation, processes, and government policies on MSME performance. | Government support is needed to facilitate MSME innovation |
36 | New product development from inactive problem perspective in indonesian SMEs to open innovation (Prabowo et al., 2020) | New product development from the perspective of dormant problems. | Enabling MSMEs to achieve long-term competitive advantage |
37 | Challenges of introducing new design and design management knowledge into the innovation activities of SMEs with little or no prior design experience (Acklin et al., 2013) | Challenges of design knowledge adoption in SMEs without prior design experience. | MSMEs need to develop design management capabilities to absorb innovation |
38 | Family governance at work: Organizing for new product development in family SMEs (De Massis et al., 2016) | The influence of family governance on new product development in family SMEs | Proposing appropriate design principles to increase innovation in family MSMEs |
Each article underwent a thorough examination and comparison with other articles to verify the validity and reliability of the findings. This approach aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of culture-based design and provide relevant recommendations for MSMEs in integrating cultural elements into their product designs. This method was carried out to identify the most effective culture-based design approaches for MSMEs, as well as identifying challenges that still need to be overcome so that MSMEs can utilize the added value of cultural elements in their product designs.
Cultural Element-Based Design to Increase the Value of MSME Products Through a Literature Approach
We used qualitative data analysis methods, based on the (Miles & Huberman, 2002) model, to analyze cultural elements in the design of MSME products to enhance their value. During the data collection stage, we conducted a literature search on a reliable database, sorting and selecting articles that met the criteria. We also carried out data reduction to obtain articles that aligned with the study’s target, which led to the formation of themes. We sorted and classified 38 articles into the following categories (1) culture -based product design, (2) product innovation through social network, (3) design method by Kansei Engineering, (4) implementation of eco-design for sustainability; (5) challenges of design management in MSMEs.
Table 2. Classification of Articles and Their Contribution to MSMEs
Classification | Article Title | Contribution to MSMEs |
Culture-based product design
Product innovation through social networks Design methods with kansei engineering |
Cultural product design as a key strategy for innovation capability development: Evidence from Indonesian creative social enterprises (Gumulya et al., 2023) | Increasing product competitiveness by utilizing local cultural values, helping MSMEs attract a wider market. |
Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Wood-Furniture Firms in Central Java, Indonesia (Kusumawardhani & Mccarthy, 2013) | Developing culture-based products to meet local and international consumer preferences. | |
Challenges, open innovation, and engagement theory at craft SMEs: Evidence from Indonesian batik (Raya et al., 2021) | Enabling collaboration and openness in culture-based product innovation, strengthening MSMEs’ position in the market. | |
Implementation of ecodesign for sustainability
Classification Culture-based product design Product innovation through social networks |
The effects of electronic collaboration in reducing production time: product design process in SMEs (Jafari et al., 2010) | Increasing production time efficiency through digital collaboration, which accelerates product innovation. |
Collaboration between SMEs and External Designers in Product Innovation (Stulties, 2009) | Enabling MSMEs’ access to new ideas and designs through collaboration with external designers. | |
Effect of networks on product innovation: Empirical evidence from Indonesian SMEs (Indarti & Postma, 2013) | Strengthening product innovation with the support of social networks and increasing MSMEs’ competitiveness in the market. | |
Knowledge Acquisition and Product Innovation Flexibility in SMEs (Liao & Barnes, 2015) | Encouraging innovation flexibility and continuous learning in MSME product design. | |
Exploring barriers and opportunities in adopting crowdsourcing based new product development in manufacturing SMEs (Qin et al., 2016) | Helping MSMEs overcome barriers to innovation through crowdsourcing, opening up opportunities for broad collaboration. | |
Design methods with kansei engineering
Implementation of ecodesign for sustainability |
Redesign of product packaging with Kansei engineering: Empirical study on Small-medium enterprises in Indonesia (Suzianti & Aldianto, 2020) | Increasing customer satisfaction through packaging design that suits consumers’ emotional preferences. |
A QFD-based method to support SMEs in benchmarking Co-Design Tools (Germani et al., 2012) | Facilitating MSMEs to evaluate design performance and improve products according to customer needs. | |
Challenges of design management in UMKM
Classification Culture-based product design Product innovation through social networks |
Sustainable product service systems in small and medium enterprises (SMEs): opportunities in the leather manufacturing industry (Hernández Pardo et al., 2012) | Helping MSMEs adopt sustainability principles, reducing environmental impacts, and improving product image. |
Product Life Cycle Design: Integrating Environmental Aspects into SMEs Product Design (Jeganova, 2004) | Providing guidance for MSMEs to consider the product life cycle, reducing negative environmental impacts. | |
Integrating ecodesign by conducting changes in SMEs (Pochat et al., 2007) | Facilitating changes for ecodesign implementation, increasing the sustainability of MSME products. | |
An Iterative Design Method from Products to Product Service Systems—Combining Acceptability and Sustainability for Manufacturing SMEs (Feng et al., 2022) | Helping MSMEs achieve a balance between consumer acceptance and product sustainability. | |
Design methods with kansei engineering | Design Management Capability and Product Innovation in SMEs (Fernández-Mesa et al., 2013) | Improving design management capabilities for sustainable and relevant innovation in the market. |
The integration of industrial design capability within UK SMEs: the challenges, opportunities and benefits (Wormald & Evans, 2009) | Identifying opportunities and challenges in the application of industrial design, supporting MSME capacity building. | |
Challenges of introducing new design and design management knowledge into the innovation activities of SMEs with little or no prior design experience (Acklin et al., 2013) | Helping MSMEs overcome challenges in introducing new designs and managing innovation. | |
New product development process design for small and medium enterprises: A systematic literature review from the perspective of open innovation (Iqbal & Suzianti, 2021) | Providing relevant open innovation perspectives for MSMEs in new product development. | |
External designers in product design processes of small manufacturing firms (Berends et al., 2011) | Providing opportunities for MSMEs to collaborate with external designers to improve product quality. | |
Design Management and the SME Product Development Process: A Bibliometric Analysis and Review (Caneiro et al., 2013) | Providing insights into effective design management, improving the efficiency of MSME product development. | |
Positioning SMEs with a lone designer: A qualitative study of small design firms (Chen & Schiele, 2017) | Exploring strategies for small MSMEs with limited resources to remain competitive through design. | |
Developing complex, mass-customized products in SME networks: Perspectives from co-creation, solution space development, and information system design (Grafmüller et al., 2018) | Encouraging collaboration within the MSME network to produce products tailored to consumer needs. |
The results of the analysis show that cultural elements have a significant influence on increasing the added value of MSME products, both aesthetically, emotionally, and commercially. Products that integrate cultural elements, such as traditional motifs, local symbols, or cultural narratives, can increase visual appeal while strengthening consumers’ emotional connections with the product. (Indarti & Postma, 2013) research on furniture products in Indonesia found that the addition of cultural elements not only attracts consumers’ attention but also creates a deep emotional connection. In addition, (Suzianti & Aldianto, 2020) showed that the Kansei Engineering method is effective in designing designs that are able to convey cultural values aesthetically and psychologically, thereby increasing consumer appreciation of the product. Literature analysis of 38 articles obtained from Google Scholar, other relevant databases, shows a research gap, namely the lack of a comprehensive approach that connects the application of culture in product design with the stages of MSME development, from initiation to maturity. This study proposes a stage-based approach, where culture-based design is introduced at the early stage to build product identity, while at the growth and maturity stages, strategies such as the application of Kansei Engineering and ecodesign are integrated to expand the market and improve business sustainability. This study underlines the importance of MSMEs’ mastery of culture-based strategies that not only create a unique identity but also provide a competitive advantage in the increasingly competitive global market. For further research, it is necessary to develop a culture-based strategic framework that can be applied to various MSME sectors, as well as empirical studies that evaluate the effectiveness of implementing culture in design on the sustainability and competitiveness of MSMEs in various industry contexts.
Figure 1. Life Cycle of MSME Business Development Design Based on Cultural Elements
Figure 1 above explains that MSMEs undergo initiation, growth, stability, expansion, and maturity stages. Each stage involves a specific process that necessitates distinct management. At the initiation stage, which is the initial stage of product development, MSMEs focus on building an identity to be able to attract consumers with culture-based products. At the growth stage, once the market has accepted the product, MSMEs start collaborating through social networks to speed up innovation and expand their market reach. Following this, MSMEs transition into the stability stage, where they concentrate on enhancing the product’s emotional appeal using the Kansei Engineering method to align with consumer preferences. The next stage is expansion, which requires MSMEs to consider sustainability and begin to adopt ecodesign to attract consumers who care about the environment. The final stage, known as maturity, represents the pinnacle and greatest challenge for MSMEs. During this stage, business actors must confront increasingly complex design management challenges and ensure sustainable innovation to stay relevant in the market and align with market needs and desires.
When MSMEs are in their early stages, entrepreneurs can utilize culture-based design to differentiate their products in a competitive market, especially to highlight local or cultural identity as a competitive advantage (Gumulya et al., 2023; Kusumawardhani & Mccarthy, 2013; Raya et al., 2021). This is relevant for MSMEs that have the potential to reach consumers who are interested in products that reflect cultural values. MSMEs require product innovation to grow, and entrepreneurs require support from social networks and collaboration with stakeholders to boost creativity and expedite product development (Jafari et al., 2010; Stulties, 2009; Indarti & Postma, 2013; Liao & Barnes, 2015; Qin et al., 2016). By utilizing social networks, MSMEs can access resources, new ideas, and external support that are important for developing new products or technologies.
Stable MSMEs, who also have products that have been tested in the market, must be able to increase customer loyalty or product appeal through designs that focus on consumer emotional experiences. At this stage, the Kansei Engineering method assists MSMEs in comprehending consumer emotional preferences (Suzianti & Aldianto, 2020; Germani et al., 2012), enabling them to better align their product designs with market desires and needs. To expand the market, business actors must consider environmental impacts and sustainability. At this stage, MSMEs who want to improve their brand image and meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers begin to implement ecodesign (Hernández Pardo et al., 2012; Jeganova, 2004; Pochat et al., 2007; Feng et al., 2022). Ecodesign helps MSMEs reduce the environmental footprint of products, optimize product life cycles, and increase the efficiency of raw material use, which can be an additional attraction for consumers who care about sustainability. MSMEs have grown and are now faced with the complexity of managing design and innovation. MSMEs in the maturity stage often face challenges in integrating design management into daily operations (Fernández-Mesa et al., 2013; Wormald & Evans, 2009; Acklin et al., 2013; Iqbal & Suzianti, 2021; Berends et al., 2011; Caneiro et al., 2013; Chen & Schiele, 2017; Grafmüller et al., 2018). Understanding design management can help MSMEs in managing the innovation process, increasing efficiency, and optimizing resource use, especially when they want to ensure that the designs produced are relevant and competitive in the market..
CONCLUSION
Cultural elements in MSME product design not only enhance visual appeal but also foster a stronger emotional bond between products and consumers. This can help MSMEs differentiate their products in a competitive market and provide a strong identity. Collaboration with external networks, such as professional designers and research institutions, is essential in supporting MSME product innovation. With a strong network, MSMEs can access new ideas, utilize external resources, and overcome internal limitations. The Kansei Engineering method is very effective in integrating cultural elements into product design in a more emotional and personal way. This method helps MSMEs to produce products that are psychologically relevant to consumers, which can ultimately increase customer loyalty. The implementation of ecodesign can provide added value in terms of environmental sustainability, which can attract consumer attention. The implementation of ecodesign not only supports sustainability efforts but can also increase product competitiveness in an increasingly environmentally conscious market. Many MSMEs have difficulty adopting culture-based designs due to a lack of design management capabilities. Increasing this capability is important to facilitate innovation and market-oriented product development. This study’s limitation lies in its limited use of literature, which only encompasses studies pertinent to the Indonesian cultural context, thereby omitting a global perspective on cultural aspects. We recommend conducting field studies or empirical experiments on MSME products from various cultural backgrounds to further understand the broader impact of this culture-based design.
Author contributions: This research article was written by several authors. Conceptualization was done by I Ketut Sida Arsa, I Made Mertanadi and Ni Made Ary Widiastini; methodology was done by Ni Made Ary Widiastini and Ni Luh Putu Agustini Karta; validation was done by I Ketut Sida Arsa, I Made Mertanadi, Ni Made Ary Widiastini and Ni Luh Putu Agustini Karta; Data curation I Ketut Sida Arsa, I Made Mertanadi; writing—original draft preparation was done by I Ketut Sida Arsa and Ni Made Ary Widiastini; writing—review and editing I Ketut Sida Arsa, I Made Mertanadi and I Made Mertanadi; Funding I Ketut Sida Arsa, I Made Mertanadi, Ni Made Ary Widiastini and Ni Luh Putu Agustini Karta.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest
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