Crafting Cultural Sustainability: Exploring Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation through Product Design in Henan Nigugu, China
Wu Qiang, Ahmad Zuhairi Bin Abdul Majid
This study explores the relationships between cultural perceptions, community engagement, design innovation, social cohesion, and the success of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) preservation initiatives through product design in Henan Nigugu, China. By investigating these relationships, the study seeks to comprehensively understand the mechanisms driving ICH preservation efforts and identify strategies to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability. The study employed a qualitative research design, conducting 17 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in ICH preservation and product design in Henan Nigugu. Interviews were conducted over two months until a saturation point was reached, and data were analyzed using a three-step thematic analysis approach. The study explored stakeholders' perspectives and experiences regarding cultural perceptions, community engagement, design innovation, and social cohesion about ICH preservation efforts through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. The findings reveal intricate relationships between cultural perceptions, community engagement, design innovation, social cohesion, and the success of ICH preservation initiatives through product design. Cultural perceptions influence stakeholders' attitudes towards ICH preservation, shaping their willingness to engage in design innovation processes. This study contributes to theoretical understandings of cultural sustainability and heritage preservation by examining the interconnectedness of cultural perceptions, community engagement, design innovation, social cohesion, and the success of ICH preservation initiatives through product design. The findings have practical implications for policymakers, practitioners, and community stakeholders involved in cultural sustainability initiatives, providing insights into practical strategies for preserving and promoting ICH in Henan Nigugu and beyond. The research also contributes to the growing literature on design innovation and cultural sustainability, offering empirical evidence to support theoretical frameworks and conceptual models. However, future research should explore the long-term impact of design innovation on ICH preservation and further investigate strategies to enhance community engagement.
Keywords: ICH, Product Design, Community Engagement, Cultural perceptions, Social cohesion
