Diseño de una línea de accesorios para productos tecnológicos elaborados con material biodegradable a base del culmo de maíz, como alternativa sostenible a los plásticos convencionales y aprovechamiento de la merma agrícola guatemalteca

Abstract

El presente trabajo de graduación se enfoca en el diseño y desarrollo de una línea de accesorios tecnológicos sostenibles en Guatemala, elaborados a partir de un biomaterial formulado con culmo de maíz. Este material surge como una alternativa ecológica a los plásticos convencionales, aprovechando los residuos agrícolas locales y promoviendo el uso responsable de los recursos naturales a través del diseño de productos. El proceso metodológico se estructuró en cuatro etapas: investigación y exploración de materiales, definición del concepto y diseño de producto, prototipado y validación, e iteración con propuesta final.

This graduation project focuses on the design and development of a line of sustainable technology accessories in Guatemala, manufactured from a biomaterial formulated with corn stalks. This material emerges as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics by utilizing local agricultural residues and promoting the responsible use of natural resources through product design.

Based on experimentation with the biomaterial, functional and aesthetically appealing product proposals were developed that reflect Guatemalan identity while addressing the needs of the emerging market for sustainable products. The methodological process was structured into four stages: material research and exploration, concept definition and product design, prototyping and validation, and iterative refinement leading to the final proposal.

Throughout the development process, principles of sustainability, circular economy, and user-centered design were applied, integrating tools such as Design Thinking to guide both creative and technical decision-making.

The results demonstrate the potential of corn stalks as a functional biomaterial for the accessories industry, confirming the feasibility of its application in a product line that combines innovation, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.