Design Thinking & Technology for Cirebon’s Small and Medium Industries (IKM)

Industrial Engineering students and lecturers from ITB Cirebon collaborated with five craft-based SMEs—pottery, rattan, batik, leather, and bamboo—in a Design Thinking & Prototyping Workshop. The activity began with field visits to map real problems on site: imprecise pottery molds, non-ergonomic working positions, and inefficient production tools.

From these observations, students designed and tested practical solutions using additive manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling. The results included modular mold prototypes and textured molds to accelerate production processes. All solutions were co-designed with SME owners through a design thinking approach—from empathy and problem sensing to prototyping.

More than just technology, this activity showcases the role of industrial engineering in creating contextual innovations through co-creation. Students learned to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, while SMEs gained relevant solutions. This is the face of engineering education that is grounded and impactful.