New Design Ideas

This paper presents a visual and narrative study on how Bidayuh material culture, mainly focused on art and craft, representing one of the rich ethnic groups in Sarawak, Malaysia, inspires contemporary design, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and cultural storytelling. While the existing literature on Bidayuh culture primarily documents aspects such as language, music and food, there is a noticeable lack of research on its unique handicrafts, traditional costumes and indigenous beadwork techniques. This study examines how traditional artistic expressions can be creatively incorporated into contemporary design to help preserve this rich heritage. Through interviews with eight Bidayuh designers and artists, supported by visual documentation, a unique aspect of this paper, this research examines how traditional crafts and techniques, deeply symbolic and rooted in community values, are being reimagined in modern design contexts. These practices not only express cultural identity but also act as a bridge for intergenerational dialogue and heritage preservation. The study also highlights key challenges while simultaneously pointing to promising opportunities for cultural revival through ethical fashion design and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Ultimately, this paper contributes to ongoing conversations about decolonizing design and promoting culturally grounded sustainability by positioning indigenous knowledge within the framework of contemporary design.