This paper sets out to explore possibility of increasing the usage of bamboo stems in product design. The researchers argue that bamboo stem is a sustainable material that provides similar benefits as bamboo sheet materials and represents an untapped resource. Through market research, field story, and interviews with manufacturers, the researchers found that both internal and external constraints prevent bamboo stems to be adapted for mass production. The main internal constraint Is the inconsistency of bamboo stems' diameters. The researchers examine several forms of connectors used in bamboo stem products and found two joint types that might help solving this problem. To better understand the external constraints, the researchers conducted a survey and follow-up interviews to reveal the gap between user needs and the cağability of manufacturers. In conclusion, several key issues that should be resolved by design are listed to prove design directions.

Authors: Ping Wu, Tao Huang