Diagnóstico de la cultura de diseño, como factor determinante en la calidad del producto, en micro-talleres familiares de acabado de cuero en la provincia de Tungurahua

Abstract

This research examines how design culture directly influences product quality in family-run leather finishing micro-workshops in the province of Tungurahua. Although the region constitutes Ecuador’s most important leather–footwear production cluster, its workshops operate largely under traditional, empirical practices that lack formal planning, process standardization, and strategic design integration. These limitations affect the value chain, increase rework, reduce consistency in product finishing, and restrict the sector’s competitiveness in national and international markets. Using a descriptive approach and a case-study design centered on the Torino workshop, the study applies interviews, coding matrices, and an analysis of tangible, intangible, and sustainable dimensions of the production process. Findings reveal that design culture conceived as the set of shared practices, knowledge, and values guiding production plays a critical role in ensuring durability, aesthetics, comfort, and reliability in leather finishing. The absence of such culture results in inefficiencies, higher defect rates, and inconsistent surface performance. The research identifies improvement opportunities through workspace reorganization, process standardization, documentation of finishing formulas, adoption of accessible technologies, and strengthening of technical training. Based on these insights, a technical guide is proposed to optimize finishing operations, enhance quality standards, and promote sustainability within micro-workshops. Implementing this guide can significantly reduce material waste, improve finish uniformity, and reinforce Tungurahua’s artisanal identity, enabling workshops to compete more effectively in diverse markets.