THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOTYPES FOR ART, RECREATION, AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES USING PEARLESCENT SAND FROM MUSSEL SHELLS

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) Investigate the specific needs of the target group regarding the design of art, recreation, and cultural preservation activities using pearlescent sand from mussel shells and 2) Develop a prototype for art, recreation, and cultural preservation activities using pearlescent sand from mussel shells. A mixed methods research approach was employed, integrating quantitative data to support qualitative findings. The study surveyed the needs of a target group, consisting of over 100,000 individuals, with a sample size of 400 selected via accidental sampling, including parents of school-aged children, working-age adults, and the elderly. The results were used to design and develop art activity prototypes, which were tested and evaluated with 256 participants. Data analysis involved frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation for quantitative data, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings of the study are as follows: 1) The needs assessment revealed that participants preferred art activities to last between one to two hours, with a willingness to pay between 751 to 1,000 Baht per session. A significant expectation identified was that the materials used in the art activities should be environmentally friendly (mean = 4.46, S.D. = 0.778), and the activities should enhance participants' happiness (mean = 4.53, S.D. = 0.843). The three most preferred art activities identified were coloring, drawing, and crafting. 2) The developed prototype included four distinct activities: 1) Activities for community learning, historical sites, and tourist attractions; 2) Activities for an “Innovation Center for Future and Sustainability”; 3) Activities for learning about aquatic ecosystems; and 4) Activities for learning about the ecosystems of exotic pets. Participants' satisfaction with these activities was rated at the highest level (mean = 4.61, S.D. = 0.65).