Preserving Heritage through Participatory Design Process: Sustainable packaging for traditional orang asli game kerchang

Siti Farhana Zakaria; Muhammad Hariz Salehudin; Intan Natasha Abdul Azim; Nur Suzieana Hassan Nazri

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI36.7594

Authors

Siti Farhana Zakaria Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Muhammad Hariz Salehudin Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Intan Natasha Abdul Azim Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Nur Suzieana Hassan Nazri Faculty of Art & Design, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI36.7594

Keywords:

Orang Asli, Sustainable packaging, Cultural integrity, Participatory Design

Abstract

Kerchang, a traditional Orang Asli puzzle, faces declining continuity due to modernization and limited cultural transmission. This study explores how sustainable packaging, developed through participatory design and design thinking, can support cultural preservation while addressing issues of misrepresentation and minimal youth engagement. Orang Asli representatives and museum practitioners co-created eco-friendly packaging incorporating natural motifs, recyclable materials, and a QR-linked instructional feature. Findings show that participatory co-design enhances cultural visibility, community ownership, and product value. Challenges remain in protecting Indigenous intellectual property. The study advocates Indigenous-led design collaborations to strengthen ethical cultural industries and sustainable heritage preservation.

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