Many might wonder how education and design are truly connected. Yet, when we look closely, design is embedded in everything related to learning—from classrooms and textbooks to learning spaces.

“Science and art are inseparable. A well-designed presentation makes information easier to understand and enhances its impact,” explains Ajarn Ton – Dr. Jirasin Koonthongkaew, a Microbiology lecturer from the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. He emphasizes that design and education cannot be separated and should be integrated for greater benefit rather than dismissed.

Similarly, Bangkok Design Week highlights how design can play a vital role in education—not only in arts and general design but also in creating value for local products and improving livelihoods.

We invited Ajarn Ton, with his extensive experience in researching local products, to share positive+ programs from his perspective as an educator. His insights aim to inspire those interested in how design can enhance education while adding value to local products and communities.

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“Sometimes staying in a classroom for too long gets boring. It makes you want to step out, breathe fresh air, or explore new spaces—just like kids today who enjoy visiting beautifully designed cafés or trying different activities. I think they’d enjoy this as a refreshing break from the usual routine.”

This is why Ajarn Ton chose to highlight the ‘Music Makes Senses’ program. Combining music performances and exhibitions, it uses music as the core to create new experiences that blend local wisdom from Bang Yi Khan with cultural diversity in a contemporary, global context. It’s also a platform for artists from different disciplines to collaborate.

“After exploring and enjoying Bangkok Design Week, take some time to relax with the ‘Music with Flavor’ program.”

📍Music Makes Senses

PGVIM

Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music

08-09 / 15-16 / 22-23 February 2025

“As we all know, Thailand is an agricultural country with abundant produce. However, much of what sells is the top-grade selection, leaving lower-grade produce undervalued and underpriced. For instance, programs like mek Oort show how using low-grade fruits to create beverages can significantly boost their value.”

The first program Ajarn Ton recommends focuses on local products, particularly using low-grade fruits to create value-added items like mek Oort. This aligns with his research interests in microbiology and enhancing the value of local products, especially beverages.

“When the value increases, farmers can sell at higher prices, ultimately improving their quality of life. Additionally, it ties into sustainability—rather than discarding raw materials, we can process them into products with higher market value. This approach is ideal for educators or students interested in transforming local products or designing packaging that elevates these items further.”

📍mek Oort

Charoenkrung – Talat Noi

Front Square, Grand Postal Building, Charoenkrung Road

13-16 February 2025

More Information : https://www.bangkokdesignweek.com/en/bkkdw2025/program/109749

The program Froot focuses on kombucha, blending fruity sour, sweet, and smooth flavors. Beyond adding value to fruits, it highlights the role of design in enhancing the product’s appeal, making it more desirable and easier to understand.

In addition to using microbiology to elevate local products, Ajarn Ton also emphasizes the importance of packaging design.

“For example, local Thai brands often lacked attractive packaging in the past. But with better design, these products become more appealing, even to people who might not have been interested before. It makes them want to try and explore the products.”

From an academic view, Ajarn Ton sees this program as a great research topic, aligning with Thailand’s sustainability goals (SDGs) and the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) economy model. Thailand has plenty of agricultural by-products and lower-grade materials that could be improved through innovation and research.

“For students, it’s a great learning opportunity. Many science students today dream of starting businesses back home. This program could teach them how to start and show how science can combine with art and design to create something meaningful.”

📍Froot

Charoenkrung – Talat Noi

Front Square, Grand Postal Building, Charoenkrung Road

13-16 February 2025

More Information : https://www.bangkokdesignweek.com/bkkdw2025/program/105108

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