Under the vision of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Higher Diploma in Traditional Product Development project, a collaboration between Politecnico di Milano and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts of KSA (WRTH), aims to integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern design methodologies. The project employs a design-driven approach to empower local artisans and emerging designers, connecting heritage techniques with contemporary market demands and achieving a harmonious balance between cultural preservation and innovation.

The project developed a comprehensive curriculum consisting of 11 courses, covering a broad spectrum from traditional crafts to advanced technologies. The program includes six core courses and four elective courses:

• Core Courses: Materials & Craft Techniques, Product Development 1 & 2, Manufacturing 1 & 2, Visual Communication, Market Studies, Graduation Project.
• Elective Courses: Advanced Studies in the Market, Creativity and Innovation, Principles of Craft Documentation and Preservation, E-Marketing.

The curriculum offers multi-dimensional support in design methodologies, production techniques, market research, and brand communication, equipping students with a complete understanding of the product development process—from concept to market launch. A cornerstone of the program, the Materials & Craft Techniques course, covers the theory of traditional handcrafted product design, explores the properties of traditional materials, and examines the integration of traditional manufacturing techniques with digital tools. The project not only hones students’ design and production skills but also encourages them to combine traditional crafts with digital fabrication, sustainability principles, and global market strategies to create products that blend traditional values with modern market competitiveness.

Beyond curriculum development, the project team also achieved a series of complementary outcomes to ensure the program’s sustainability and long-term impact. They developed a five-year Operational Plan, featuring detailed quality control guidelines and project development objectives, laying a solid foundation for the program’s continued growth.

The project team conducted three on-site training sessions in Riyadh and Milan. These sessions provided WRTH instructors with in-depth insights into the program’s teaching methodologies and facilitated cross-cultural understanding through active interaction between the Italian and Saudi teams. Additionally, the team developed technical documentation templates for WRTH’s Material Library, including technical sheets for material samples and model samples, further enhancing WRTH’s teaching resources.

Through these efforts, the project not only met its intended goals but also established a sustainable framework for the future development of local crafts and international academic collaboration. This initiative showcases the unique value of design education in the preservation of traditional culture and innovation, proving the feasibility and significance of connecting local craftsmanship with the modern market in a globalized context.