Ph. D. ThesisDigital heritage is becoming a significant component of cultural heritage, and cultural
organisations are increasingly using interactive technologies to showcase and safeguard
heritage assets. However, few studies focus on using interactive technology to enhance the
appreciation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) amongst cross-cultural audiences.
This dissertation explores the design of interactive technologies to support the cultural
appreciation, learning, and experience of Chinese ICH. In addition, the research seeks to
explore the value of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) design strategies in supporting the
appreciation of ICH. The research uses HCI design strategies to specifically explore how
interactive technology might be effectively utilised in two case-study contexts, supporting
traditional Chinese painting and traditional Chinese puppetry.
To this end, in stage one of the research, a qualitative study involving interviews, workshops,
and fieldwork for design was undertaken with potential cross-cultural audiences and both
Chinese and international painting and puppetry practitioners. Based on the results of these
studies, several suggestions were developed for safeguarding ICH across cultural boundaries.
In the next stage of the research, two interactive applications were designed and deployed that
supported cross-cultural audiences’ appreciation of traditional of ICH. One application
explored Chinese painting, the other Chinese puppetry. Using both qualitative and
quantitative methods, studies were conducted that examined the efficacy of both applications
and offered suggestions for a holistic approach to cross-cultural appreciation through the use
of interactive applications. The analysis focuses on the use of element-based archiving to
increase aesthetic appreciation, gestural/tangible interfaces for cultural engagement, and the
use of interactive access to inspire self-expression and collaborative appreciation.
Finally, this research relies on practical methods to deconstruct cultural elements from the
HCI perspective and enhance the cross-cultural appreciation of Chinese ICH. It thus provides
a framework for assisting non-Chinese people to better understand the cultural significance of
Chinese ICH. The findings have design implications for both HCI researchers and digital
heritage researchers
