Contribution short abstract:

The Craeft project uses simulation and realistic visualisation to create immersive environments for craft training and design. These innovations enhance safety, conserve resources, and enable craft-specific artefact design, supporting sustainable transmission of traditional skills.

Contribution long abstract:

The Craeft project explores innovative approaches to safeguarding and transmitting traditional craft knowledge in the digital age. A key focus is the development of advanced simulation and realistic visualisation capabilities that enable the detailed rendering of craft actions. By creating immersive and interactive environments for craft education and training, Craeft facilitates the transmission of embodied knowledge while addressing critical concerns such as safety, energy conservation, and material efficiency. These simulations not only enhance training but also support craft-specific design processes, allowing designers to create artefacts that align with the constraints and possibilities of traditional crafting techniques. Additionally, Craeft's cutting-edge visualisation capabilities include realistic rendering of transparent, translucent, and shiny materials, further enriching its potential for design and review. This paper examines how such digital innovations can transform the learning, practice, and design of traditional crafts, contributing to durable and future-proof strategies for preserving cultural heritage in the context of emerging technologies.