DesignNweave: Bridging Traditional Craftsmanship with Digital Innovation
SRINAGAR: Marking a major step towards blending technology with age-old artistry, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, today launched DesignNweave — an indigenous design software poised to transform the digital design process for Kashmir’s renowned handicrafts and handlooms.
Developed jointly by the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar, and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Srinagar, under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the software represents a significant stride in modernizing traditional design systems.
The formal handover ceremony was attended by Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam; Director IICT, Srinagar, Zubair Ahmad; and Director I/C NIELIT, Srinagar, Ashiq Hussain Dar.
In a statement, Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, congratulated IICT and NIELIT for developing a comprehensive software tailored for carpet and textile design creation and management. “DesignNweave supports the traditional Taleem Design System while offering advanced digital tools that enhance innovation and production efficiency,” he said.
Key features of DesignNweave include an intuitive interface, an extensive pattern and motif library, instant design previews, seamless data exchange, and a single-user licensing system.
Director IICT stated that the software will be made accessible to designers and artisans, including those in remote areas, through a secure login system at nominal charges. “After necessary approvals, licensed copies will also be provided to eligible individuals in the handicraft and handloom sectors,” he added.
Highlighting its broader impact, Director Handicrafts and Handloom said the software aims to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and digital innovation — empowering artisans to preserve Kashmir’s artistic legacy while catering to global markets. “We encourage all stakeholders and start-ups in the handicrafts and handloom sector to approach IICT, Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan, Srinagar, for access to the new software, which will foster innovation and meet contemporary design demands,” he added.
