Reviving a Vanishing Tradition

This project, part of the Resurssiviisas taitoverkko research initiative, explored the traditional and increasingly rare method of under-ice net fishing. The practice requires significant knowledge and skill, once passed down orally but now at risk of being lost, and most of the tools used have remained unchanged despite technological advances. Our goal was to understand this practice deeply and explore how design could support its future evolution.

The research phase began with ethnographic fieldwork following a household fisherman on Lake Inari. Using the "A Day in the Life of" method, we documented the entire process through notes and photography, gaining insight into the daily realities of this demanding practice. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with hobbyists, household fishers, and professionals, each lasting around an hour. The collected data was synthesized into user personas and service journey maps, which guided our design direction.

Concept development was rooted in this research. Our aim was not to reinvent the tradition but to identify opportunities where design thinking could improve usability, efficiency and safety while respecting cultural context. Early ideas were tested in real-world conditions during a field trip to Pöyrisjärvi in northern Lapland. These tests provided valuable feedback on concept feasibility and revealed where further technical expertise would be necessary.

The final presentation reflected openly on both successes and shortcomings. While our prototypes were not product-ready, we identified key areas for further exploration and highlighted the potential for multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly with engineering expertise, to bring the ideas closer to reality.

This project was a significant learning experience in Arctic design, combining human-centered research, fieldwork and concept iteration. It deepened my understanding of how design can act as a bridge between tradition and innovation, helping preserve cultural heritage while introducing solutions that support its continuation in modern contexts.