Batik Sarong Motifs as Modern Jewellery Design Inspiration: Exploring Student Creativity and Design Potential

This study explores the reinterpretation of traditional batik sarong motifs within modern jewellery design through a structured design course at the College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Kelantan. Using content analysis, the research examines how diploma-level students applied cultural visual elements into the design and rendering of bracelets as part of the Jewellery Design Fabrication Project (JMD246). The study focuses particularly on the third phase of the design process: manual and digital rendering. Students were required to develop their concepts through the integration of traditional Malaysian motifs, supported by a structured consultation and critique process. The outcomes were assessed using established design criteria, including visual appearance, aesthetics, form and function, telesis, innovation, and lifespan. Additionally, students rendered their final jewellery designs using SolidWorks CAD software, enabling detailed visualization and design refinement. The findings reveal that students were successful in translating cultural inspiration into wearable art forms while simultaneously developing technical competency in both manual and digital design practices. The study highlights the value of integrating cultural heritage into design education and the potential for modern jewellery to function as a medium of cultural storytelling and preservation.