Valor agregado a través del diseño con sentido: propuesta estratégica para microempresas fabricantes de muebles en la provincia de Tungurahua con énfasis en el modelo 4-ITS

Abstract

The research was carried out within the context of microenterprises dedicated to furniture manufacturing in the province of Tungurahua, a sector characterized by artisanal practices and limited systematization. The study focused on Mueblería los Andes, where manual processes, dispersed records, and restricted visual control were identified, leading to measurement errors, rework, and communication difficulties within the workshop. These operational limitations revealed the need for an intervention aimed at improving the company’s efficiency and added value. For this purpose, a strategy based on the 4- ITS Model was proposed to understand the level of design integration within the workshop and to outline improvements across the intangible, tangible, and sustainable dimensions. The initial diagnosis placed the company at Level 2, Design as Aesthetics, which guided the development of a plan focused on strengthening traceability, standardizing processes, and optimizing communication. The methodology combined environmental analysis, direct observation, interviews, and the application of the 4-ITS matrix. This process was complemented by the development of the Integral System for Operational Coding and Validation (SICOV), which organizes productive information through forms, checklists, visual panels, and feedback mechanisms. Its implementation helped structure the workflow and improve the quality of technical documentation. The results show progress in operational control, error reduction, and communicative clarity, positioning the company toward a transition to Level 3, Design in Processes and Actions. The proposal demonstrates that the model and system developed can be applied to other microenterprises in the sector, strengthening competitiveness and local productive management.