aikyam fellows
aikyam fellows work on important and urgent needs of the planet and underserved communities, across education, environmental conservation, poverty alleviation, public health, and art and culture.
What aikyam fellows did here
Tote Bag Handle Redesign and Adjustability Testing
We conducted design experiments to improve the functionality and comfort of our tote bag handles. To evaluate aesthetic balance and physical usability, we stitched a prototype where one of the two handles was made slightly wider and longer. While the visual proportions looked promising, determining a single standardized handle length proved challenging because user heights and body types vary significantly. We briefly evaluated the idea of reducing the entire bag dimensions to balance shorter handles, but ultimately discarded that approach since the bag is already built to an established standard size and changing it would create unnecessary production complications. To ensure the handle fits users of all heights without altering the core bag dimensions, we explored incorporating an adjustable strap mechanism. We selected sustainable strap buckles as a potential solution and planned a trial fitting to evaluate their usability, aesthetic integration, and practical handling. During our design review, we identified durability as a primary concern, particularly regarding machine washability. We noted that metal buckles pose a risk of rusting and permanently staining fabric panels during repeated wash cycles, while any alternative material must withstand tumbling and mechanical stress. Moving forward, we have defined baseline handle dimensions and are acquiring sustainable adjustable buckles to complete physical wash and wear testing before finalizing the component design.
Quality Control in Fabric Pre-Treatment: Managing Shrinkage and Color Bleed
During this session, all team members gathered to collectively select a fresh batch of cotton fabrics recently acquired from a new supplier offering higher-grade materials. Working under the assumption that premium quality would prevent dye transfer, we soaked all the colorful fabric pieces together in a single washing container for initial pre-treatment. However, during the soaking and washing process, we observed significant color bleeding across multiple pieces, alongside visible fabric shrinkage as the cotton fibers reacted to the water. To accurately assess the structural and aesthetic impact of the wash, we carefully dried and ironed each fabric panel. Ironing allowed us to closely examine the extent of color fading, cross-staining, and dimensional shrinkage across the batch. This experience provided a crucial quality control lesson: even high-quality cotton fabrics naturally release excess surface dye and contract during their first wash. We recognized that incorporating unchecked, color-releasing fabrics into finished bag production would cause dyes to bleed onto adjacent panels, ultimately ruining the final products. Consequently, we established a mandatory quality control protocol requiring all newly purchased cotton fabrics to be washed individually and thoroughly inspected before being approved for bag construction.
We continued our Kantha work by joining the fabric strips prepared in earlier sessions. The aim was to practise following a design, aligning fabric strips and keeping hand stitching even. Each participant used their design from the Kantha app, printed on A4 paper, to select and arrange the matching 6 cm-wide fabric strips. The printouts helped them check the colour order and placement before stitching the strips side by side into fabric panels. Participants then added rows of Kantha running stitches along the panels. We focused on consistent stitch lengths, even spaces between rows and thread tension, particularly at the thicker seams.
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Digital Visual Planning and Kantha App Pattern Printing
To bring structured design layouts into our assembly process, we utilized the Kantha App to map out creative pattern variations. The app allowed us to test how different fabric strip widths and color sequences look when paired together, offering a clear digital preview before physical stitching. Once optimal pattern combinations were finalized, we printed these digital design sheets directly onto A4 paper. Each printed page acted as a detailed visual roadmap, guiding artisans on how to align, order, and position their pre-cut fabric strips for the upcoming panel assembly.
Exploring photo frame designs for the Constitution’s Preamble
We are exploring the idea of making frames from sustainable materials. They would display the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. We visited IKEA to compare frame designs and chose one we liked as a reference. The idea is to make a similar model with carpenters. They come from Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. We will use local materials where possible. We hope to support local craftsmanship and make the frames more sustainable.
Three CDF fellows met in person for the first time
CDF STEM Femme fellows Fathima Hiba and Sharon C, with their programme manager Shana Shihab, came for the Tools for Storytelling Residency facilitated by aikyam fellows. The three met in person here for the first time. The residency included a website design session, and conversations about setting boundaries and about learning from stakeholders directly.
What people said
"I have been running iLAB for the past eight years, but I have rarely come across such in-depth support sessions. Most support programs for NGOs follow a ready-made, one-size-fits-all model. A mentoring program that takes the time to understand the organisation and its activities is incredibly valuable," says Nasmina.
Mary Gracy, facilitator, Stitching Club
“It is their genuine interest in learning that drives me forward everyday”
Revathy
“It's the coming together of so many women, the making of mistakes and sharing of knowledge that helped me gain confidence to start stitching bags”
Hiba, iLab India
“When I think about aikyam space, the first thing that comes to mind is the ambience.”
Sharon, architect and urban planner, Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd
“The most remarkable aspect is the spatial arrangement, which fosters a welcoming atmosphere with ample light and ventilation. The open kitchen enhances the overall experience, while the warmth and hospitality of the people make the space even more inviting.”
Meenu Yadav, co-founder of Udyami Tech
“We didn't think we could create a website with little to no coding.”
Preeti, ex-Sajhe Sapne
“This was so easy for me to understand. I'm excited to see what I can create with this.”
Kadeeja Fidha
“It was great to have a facilitator and at the same time, these interactions really showed me the potential of the team I am working with.”
Revathy Sreekumar, Executive Member
“The workshop helped me reflect on the greater impact of our projects and areas for improvement about the project in an easier way.”
Shilpa Sasi, Trustee
“The workshop was really nice with smooth interaction throughout the session. It provided great insights into various ways for fundraising and created a positive environment for open discussion.”
Ashik Maheen, Operations coordinator
“After the discussion, I got the understanding that the aspects initially perceived as smaller components of the project in fact constituted the significant part. These elements when examined in relation to the overall objectives, were found to have a meaningful impact on the project's outcome.”
Yasar Arafath, Co-Founder
“The opportunity to reflect on my past activities in a supportive and safe space made the experience truly meaningful.”
Junide Khalid Odungat, Co Founder
“Workshop encouraged me to reflect on previous actions.”