First Proposal for work in Gambia.

In The Gambia, I hope to look at design with relation to tourism and business. This could manifest itself in many ways. One of the avenues I’d like to explore is souvenirs and gifts that tourists could take away from their holidays. I want to use western design techniques, incorporated with techniques already established in Africa to develop exciting new designs that can generate commerce for the people of The Gambia. All design would be centered on sustainability and honest, clever design. I would really like to base my design around emotion and culture to make it specific to Africa and in particular The Gambia. For example something that a tourist could take away that would remind them how lucky and privileged they are to live in the developed western world. I really want to retain the skills and crafts that are in place already, but want to move away from the generic wooden carvings that so many travelers bring back. This will of course have to be done with the up most care taken not to offend anyone.