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Intelligent Interaction in Cultural Heritage
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Intelligent Interaction in Cultural Heritage

A special issue of Information (ISSN 2078-2489). This special issue belongs to the section "Information Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 11028

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Markos Konstantakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Cultural Technology and Communication, Aegean University, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
Interests: human–computer interaction; user experience; ubiquitous computing; digital culture; cultural personalization and classification techniques; digital museum
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. George Caridakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Cultural Technology and Communication, Aegean University, 81100 Mytilene, Greece
Interests: human–computer interaction; cultural informatics; affective computing; artificial intelligence and machine learning; digital culture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores the role of emerging technologies in enhancing the interaction between users and cultural heritage. It aims to showcase innovative research that integrates advanced tools such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), 3D modeling, and personalization and recommendation systems within the cultural heritage domain. We welcome contributions on topics like how artificial intelligence, affective computing, and machine learning can enhance user engagement, and how personalization can be used to offer tailored cultural experiences. Emphasis is placed on the role of these technologies in museums, archaeological sites, and other cultural heritage environments, demonstrating their potential to enrich both digital and physical interactions with cultural assets.

Dr. Markos Konstantakis
Dr. George Caridakis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Information is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • emerging technologies in cultural heritage
  • personalization and recommendation systems in cultural heritage
  • AR/VR in cultural heritage
  • 3D modeling for cultural heritage
  • artificial intelligence in cultural heritage
  • affective computing in cultural heritage
  • machine learning for cultural applications
  • human–computer interaction in cultural heritage
  • digital heritage technologies
  • intelligent systems for museums

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 1323 KB  
Article
AI-Enhanced Modular Information Architecture for Cultural Heritage: Designing Cognitive-Efficient and User-Centered Experiences
by Fotios Pastrakis, Markos Konstantakis and George Caridakis
Information 2026, 17(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/info17010092 - 15 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1046
Abstract
Digital cultural heritage platforms face a dual challenge: preserving rich historical information while engaging an audience with declining attention spans. This paper addresses that challenge by proposing a modular information architecture designed to mitigate cognitive overload in cultural heritage tourism applications. We begin [...] Read more.
Digital cultural heritage platforms face a dual challenge: preserving rich historical information while engaging an audience with declining attention spans. This paper addresses that challenge by proposing a modular information architecture designed to mitigate cognitive overload in cultural heritage tourism applications. We begin by examining evidence of diminishing sustained attention in digital user experience and its specific ramifications for cultural heritage sites, where dense content can overwhelm users. Grounded in cognitive load theory and principles of user-centered design, we outline a theoretical framework linking mental models, findability, and modular information architecture. We then present a user-centric modeling methodology that elicits visitor mental models and tasks (via card sorting, contextual inquiry, etc.), informing the specification of content components and semantic metadata (leveraging standards like Dublin Core and CIDOC-CRM). A visual framework is introduced that maps user tasks to content components, clusters these into UI components with progressive disclosure, and adapts them into screen instances suited to context, illustrated through a step-by-step walkthrough. Using this framework, we comparatively evaluate personalization and information structuring strategies in three platforms—TripAdvisor, Google Arts and Culture, and Airbnb Experiences—against criteria of cognitive load mitigation and user engagement. We also discuss how this modular architecture provides a structural foundation for human-centered, explainable AI–driven personalization and recommender services in cultural heritage contexts. The analysis reveals gaps in current designs (e.g., overwhelming content or passive user roles) and highlights best practices (such as tailored recommendations and progressive reveal of details). We conclude with implications for designing cultural heritage experiences that are cognitively accessible yet richly informative, summarizing contributions and suggesting future research in cultural UX, component-based design, and adaptive content delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Interaction in Cultural Heritage)
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16 pages, 9469 KB  
Article
Immersion as Convergence: How Storytelling, Interaction, and Sensory Design Co-Produce Museum Virtual Reality Experiences
by Zhennuo Song and Leighton Evans
Information 2026, 17(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/info17010075 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1552
Abstract
Cultural heritage institutions today are experiencing a digital transformation. Virtual Reality (VR), with the promise of immersive and interactive features, has drawn the attention of artists and curators. Some prior museology research has attempted to investigate digital innovations like virtual museums and VR-based [...] Read more.
Cultural heritage institutions today are experiencing a digital transformation. Virtual Reality (VR), with the promise of immersive and interactive features, has drawn the attention of artists and curators. Some prior museology research has attempted to investigate digital innovations like virtual museums and VR-based exhibits to present the best of museum experiences; however, existing systematic research on the topic of interactive narrative experience with immersive VR technologies is rare. This paper reports on an original research project to understand the emergent issues concerning immersion, interactive and narrative in museum experience design. This research used multiple case studies, Claude Monet: The Water Lily Obsession; We live in the Ocean of Air; Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass; Curious Alice. In total, 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted with VR experts and museum curators to understand the motivation of the designers and developers. This research hopes to contribute to the digital revolution of museums, providing a foundation for curators and artists who are interested in using VR technologies in exhibitions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Interaction in Cultural Heritage)
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21 pages, 2831 KB  
Article
The Psychological Effects of AI Learning Assistants in Immersive Virtual Reality Environments
by Avgoustos Tsinakos, Nikoletta Teazi and Styliani Tsinakou
Information 2025, 16(12), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16121062 - 3 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1664
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are increasingly integrated into education, yet their combined psychological effects remain underexplored. This paper investigates the potential benefits and risks of AI-powered learning assistants within immersive VR environments. The study builds on insights from a previous [...] Read more.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are increasingly integrated into education, yet their combined psychological effects remain underexplored. This paper investigates the potential benefits and risks of AI-powered learning assistants within immersive VR environments. The study builds on insights from a previous pilot involving a virtual tour guide for Athens and proposes a case study with 52 high school students. In groups of three, students would use Oculus headsets with an AI assistant (pre-programmed and AI-generated modes), explore content for a week, and complete questionnaires on usability, trust, and psychological impact. The analysis is expected to support a balance of positive outcomes including greater engagement, motivation and autonomy but also negative ones such as over-reliance, diminished critical thinking, and social isolation. The paper also identifies key psychological dynamics, including the critical role of social influence and teacher-led adoption, and the nuanced nature of student trust in AI-generated information. Ethical implications, such as data privacy and the digital divide, are also discussed. The study concludes by proposing that AI-VR can enrich learning, especially in cultural contexts, but requires safeguards for trust, ethics, and accessibility, with further research on long-term effects, psychological impact and cross-cultural and linguistic nuances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Interaction in Cultural Heritage)
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18 pages, 686 KB  
Article
Towards Evolving Actor–Network Ontologies: Enabling Reflexive Digital Twins for Cultural Heritage
by George Pavlidis, Vasileios Arampatzakis, Vasileios Sevetlidis, Anestis Koutsoudis, Fotis Arnaoutoglou, George Alexis Ioannakis and Chairi Kiourt
Information 2025, 16(10), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16100892 - 13 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1600
Abstract
This paper introduces the concept of evolving actor–network ontologies (EANO) as a new paradigm for cultural digital twins. Building on actor–network theory, EANO reframes ontologies from static representations into reflexive, dynamic structures in which semantic interpretations are continuously negotiated among heterogeneous actors. We [...] Read more.
This paper introduces the concept of evolving actor–network ontologies (EANO) as a new paradigm for cultural digital twins. Building on actor–network theory, EANO reframes ontologies from static representations into reflexive, dynamic structures in which semantic interpretations are continuously negotiated among heterogeneous actors. We propose a five-layer architecture that operationalizes this principle, embedding reflexivity, actor salience, and systemic parameters such as resistance and volatility directly into the ontological model. To illustrate this approach, we present minimal simulations that demonstrate how different actor constellations and systemic conditions lead to distinct patterns of semantic evolution, ranging from expert erosion to contested equilibria and balanced coexistence. Rather than serving as predictive models, these simulations exemplify how EANO captures semantic plurality and contestation within a transparent and interpretable framework. The contribution of this work is thus twofold: it provides a conceptual foundation for evolving ontologies in digital heritage and a lightweight demonstration of how such models can be instantiated and explored computationally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Interaction in Cultural Heritage)
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30 pages, 725 KB  
Article
Balancing Tradition and Digitalization: Enhancing Museum Experiences in the Post-Pandemic Era
by Vasile Gherheș, Claudiu Coman, Anna Bucs, Marian Dalban and Dragoș Bulz
Information 2025, 16(8), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16080711 - 20 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3643
Abstract
This study analyzes how museums in Brașov County integrated digital technologies into their activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on online communication and audience interaction. This research is based on a mixed-methods approach, including content analysis, semi-structured interviews with museum representatives, [...] Read more.
This study analyzes how museums in Brașov County integrated digital technologies into their activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on online communication and audience interaction. This research is based on a mixed-methods approach, including content analysis, semi-structured interviews with museum representatives, and a questionnaire applied to the visiting public. The aim is to identify the digital strategies used, the challenges encountered, and visitors’ perceptions regarding the usefulness of these tools. The results indicate an accelerated but uneven adoption of digital technologies, influenced by available resources, internal competencies, and institutional support. Frequent online interaction is positively correlated with the perceived quality of digital content, and openness to virtual activities is higher among younger and more educated audiences. Identified limitations include the lack of specialized personnel, reduced budgets, and administrative difficulties. This study emphasizes the need for institutional reforms and investments in digitalization to ensure the sustainability of the digital transition, without losing the value of the physical museum experience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Interaction in Cultural Heritage)
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