Search Results (41)

Digital storytelling has become a central component of emerging communication strategies, particularly in competitive higher-education environments where audience attention and engagement are increasingly mediated by social platforms. This study evaluates the impact of an emotional storytelling format—Historia(s) de Universidad (HdU)—implemented by the University of Murcia (UMU), comparing its performance with traditional institutional content across Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn. A dataset of 6096 posts (September 2020–September 2023) and 25,636 audiovisual items was analysed using descriptive metrics, negative binomial and quasi-binomial regression models, and a differences-in-differences (DiD) design aligned with the formal launch of HdU in September 2022. The results indicate that emotionally driven storytelling posts consistently outperform institutional content in terms of visibility and interaction: HdU posts nearly double the engagement rate (OR ≈ 2.0) and increase interactions by 80% (RR ≈ 1.8; p < 0.001). The DiD analysis indicating a variation associated with the implementation of HdU with no pre-existing trends. Findings demonstrate that emotional narrative formats constitute an effective strategic tool for digital communication management, reinforcing institutional identity, enhancing stakeholder relationships, and contributing to reputation-building in higher education. The study highlights implications for the design of narrative-driven digital communication and offers pathways for future research combining quantitative performance metrics with qualitative audience insights. The study discusses practical implications for crafting narrative-driven communication strategies and identifies avenues for future research, such as combining quantitative performance data with qualitative audience insights to deepen understanding of storytelling’s impact in university contexts. Full article

The polar regions face growing threats from climate change, making sustainable practices in polar cruise tourism essential. This study examines the role of marketing in promoting sustainability by analysing cruise operators’ websites (n = 50) and testing alternative advertising strategies. Survey findings (n = 790) highlight that well-crafted sustainability advertisements can reduce interest in close-up wildlife interactions, increase willingness to pay for conservation-focused trips, and promote the adoption of sustainable technologies in travel. Content analysis shows that award-winning operators emphasise conservation, sustainability, and community engagement through distinctive digital traits. While traditional adverts were preferred for their adventure focus, sustainability adverts resonated with those valuing education. This study provides valuable insights for operators, policymakers, and researchers dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism in the polar regions. Full article

This study explores how teenagers from Madeira Island perceive traditional crafts and envision their future through digital communication. Addressing the limited research on youth participation in safeguarding crafts, it applies a co-design approach to capture creative and critical perspectives from younger generations. Sixty students aged 17–20 participated in structured 90 min workshops conducted in classroom settings. Working in small groups with colour-coded worksheets, participants brainstormed, conceptualised, and sketched ideas for preserving and promoting Madeiran crafts such as embroidery and wickerwork. Thematic analysis revealed that teenagers link heritage strongly to identity and belonging but often merge formal traditions with popular culture. Their proposals relied heavily on gamification, social media, and storytelling, suggesting that digital environments are viewed as essential bridges between tradition and youth culture. While findings cannot be generalised due to the small and context-specific sample, they offer transferable insights into how co-design can engage young people as active agents in intangible heritage communication. The study underscores the need for participatory spaces where youth co-create cultural futures, providing practical implications for educators, designers, and heritage professionals. Full article

Street art increasingly reshapes aesthetic hierarchies by introducing previously marginalised media into the public sphere. A compelling example is the artistic practice of the Polish artist NeSpoon (Elżbieta Dymna), whose work merges the visual language of traditional lace with the communicative strategies of contemporary urban art. Active since the late 2000s, NeSpoon combines stencils, ceramic lace imprints, and large-scale murals to translate the intimacy of handcraft into the visibility of public space. Her works function as both aesthetic interventions and acts of civic pedagogy. This study employs a qualitative visual research design combining multi-site digital inquiry, iconological and semiotic analysis, and mini focus group (N = 22). Three purposefully selected cases: Łódź, Belorado, and Fundão, were examined to capture the site-specific and cultural variability of lace murals across Europe. The analysis demonstrates that lace functions as an agent of cultural negotiation and a medium of heritage literacy, understood here as embodied and place-based learning. In Łódź, it monumentalises textile memory and women’s labour embedded in the city’s industrial palimpsest. In Belorado, micro-scale responsiveness operates, strengthening the local semiosphere. In Fundão, lace enters an intermedial dialogue with azulejos, negotiating the boundary between craft and art while expanding local visual grammars. The study introduces the conceptualisation of the monumentalisation of intimacy in public art and frames heritage literacy as an embodied, dialogic, and community-oriented educational practice. Its implications extend to feminist art history, place-based pedagogy, urban cultural policy, and the preventive conservation of murals. The research elucidates how domestic craft once confined to the private interior operates in public space as a medium of memory, care, and inclusive aesthetics. Full article

The Chu-style lacquerware (CSL) dataset is a digital resource specifically developed for the digital preservation and inheritance of Chu-style lacquerware, which constitutes an important component of global intangible handicraft heritage. The dataset systematically integrates on-site photographic images from the Hubei Provincial Museum and official digital resources from the same institution, comprising 582 high-resolution images of Chu-style lacquerware, 72 videos of artifacts, and 37 images of traditional Chinese patterns. It comprehensively demonstrates the artistic characteristics of Chu-style lacquerware and provides support for academic research and cultural dissemination. The construction process of the dataset includes data screening, image standardization, Photoshop-based editing and adjustment, image inpainting, and image annotation. Based on this dataset, this study employs the Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) technique to train three core models and five style models, and systematically verifies the usability of the CSL dataset from five aspects. Experimental results show that the CSL dataset not only improves the accuracy and detail restoration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated images of Chu-style lacquerware, but also optimizes the generative effect of innovative patterns, thereby validating its application value. This study represents the first dedicated dataset developed for AI generative models of Chu-style lacquerware. It not only provides a new technological pathway for the digital preservation and inheritance of cultural heritage, but also supports interdisciplinary research in archeology, art history, and cultural communication, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in safeguarding and transmitting Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Full article

Stained glass has played important roles in heritage building construction, however, conventional fabrication techniques have become economically prohibitive due to both capital costs and energy inefficiency, as well as high-level artistic and craft skills. To overcome these challenges, this study provides a new design methodology for customized 3D-printed polycarbonate (PC)-based stained-glass window alternatives using a fully open-source toolchain and methodology based on digital fabrication and hybrid crafts. Based on design thinking and open design principles, this procedure involves fabricating an additional insert made of (i) a PC substrate and (ii) custom geometries directly 3D printed on the substrate with PC-based 3D printing feedstock (iii) to be painted after the 3D printing process. This alternative is intended for customizable stained-glass design patterns to be used instead of traditional stained glass or in addition to conventional windows, making stained glass accessible and customizable according to users’ needs. Three approaches are developed and demonstrated to generate customized painted stained-glass geometries according to the different users’ skills and needs using (i) online-retrieved 3D and 2D patterns; (ii) custom patterns, i.e., hand-drawn and digital-drawn images; and (iii) AI-generated patterns. The proposed methodology shows potential for distributed applications in the building and heritage sectors, demonstrating its practical feasibility. Its use makes stained-glass-based products accessible to a broader range of end-users, especially for repairing and replicating existing conventional stained glass and designing new customizable products. The developed custom patterns are 50 times less expensive than traditional stained glass and can potentially improve thermal insulation, paving the way to energy efficiency and economic savings. Full article

While digital religion and digital protest can ideally serve the common good, religious nationalist and fundamentalist movements have exploited these tools to disrupt the social fabric and create dangerous political outcomes. This paper examines how religious communicators within Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and Alternative for Germany (AfD) perceive and enact their responsibility within digital spaces, leveraging the power of “networked communities” and the collective identity of the digital “crowd” to advance their agendas of religious fundamentalism and political conservatism. Bypassing traditional media, groups like the AfD and TLP exploit digital religion to build communities, spread propaganda that merges religion with national identity, frame political issues as religious mandates, and mobilize collective action. Campbell’s concept of the “networked community” demonstrates how digital technologies form decentralized, fluid, and global religious communities, distinct from traditional, geographically bound ones. Both the TLP and AfD have tapped into this new digital religious space, shaping and mobilizing political and religious identities across virtual borders. Gerbaudo’s idea of the “digital crowd” complements this by examining how collective action in the digital age reshapes mass mobilization, with social media transforming how political movements operate in the 21st century. Although the AfD’s platform is not overtly religious, the party strategically invokes ethno-Christian identity, framing opposition to Islam and Muslim immigration as a defense of German cultural and Christian values. Similarly, the TLP promotes religious nationalism by advocating for Pakistan’s Islamic identity against secularism and liberalism and calling for strict enforcement of blasphemy laws. Recognizing digital spaces as tools co-opted by religious nationalist movements, this paper explores how communicators in these movements understand their responsibility for the social and long term consequences of their messages. Using Luhmann’s systems theory—where communication is central to social systems—this paper analyzes how the TLP and AfD leverage individuals’ need for purpose and belonging to mobilize them digitally. By crafting emotionally charged experiences, these movements extend their influence beyond virtual spaces and into the broader public sphere. Finally, this paper will reflect on the theological implications of these dynamics both on and offline. How do religious communicators in digital spaces reconcile their theological frameworks with the social impact of their communication? Can digital religious communities be harnessed to foster social cohesion and inclusivity instead of exacerbating social divisions? Through this lens, the paper seeks to deepen our understanding of the intersection between digital religion, political mobilization, and theological responsibility in the digital age. Full article

Traditional ethnographic methods have long been employed to study craft practices, yet they often fall short of capturing the full depth of embodied knowledge, material interactions, and procedural workflows inherent in craftsmanship. This paper introduces a digitally enhanced ethnographic framework that integrates Motion Capture, 3D scanning, audiovisual documentation, and semantic knowledge representation to document both the tangible and dynamic aspects of craft processes. By distinguishing between endurant (tools, materials, objects) and perdurant (actions, events, transformations) entities, we propose a structured methodology for analyzing craft gestures, material behaviors, and production workflows. The study applies this proposed framework to eight European craft traditions—including glassblowing, tapestry weaving, woodcarving, porcelain pottery, marble carving, silversmithing, clay pottery, and textile weaving—demonstrating the adaptability of digital ethnographic tools across disciplines. Through a combination of multimodal data acquisition and expert-driven annotation, we present a comprehensive model for craft documentation that enhances the preservation, education, and analysis of artisanal knowledge. This research contributes to the ongoing evolution of ethnographic methods by bridging digital technology with Cultural Heritage studies, offering a robust framework for understanding the mechanics and meanings of craft practices. Full article

The need for scalable, immersive training systems is universal and recently has been included in fields that rely on complex, hands-on processes, such as surgery operations, assembly operations, construction processes training, etc. This paper examines the potential to support immersive training via digital tool manipulation in the domain of traditional handicrafts. The proposed methodology employs Finite Element Method simulations to compute material transformations and apply them to interactive virtual environments. The challenge is to accurately simulate human–tool interactions, which are critical to the acquisition of manual skills. Using Simulia Abaqus (v.2023HF2), crafting simulations are authored, executed, and exported as animation sequences. These are further refined in Blender (v3.6) and integrated into Unity to create reusable training components called Action Animators. Two software applications—Craft Studio (v1.0) and Apprentice Studio (v1.0)—are designed and implemented to enable instructors to create training lessons and students to practice and get evaluated in virtual environments. The methodology has wide-ranging applications beyond crafts, offering a solution for immersive training in skill-based activities. The validation and evaluation of the proposed approach suggest that it can significantly improve training effectiveness, scalability, and accessibility across various industries. Full article

Citizen developers, individuals outside formal IT departments who create applications using low-code/no-code platforms, are becoming increasingly pivotal as organizations navigate digital transformation. The driving force behind this paradigm shift stems from an exponentially growing demand for software solutions that consistently outpaces traditional IT departments’ capacity. Consequently, companies are turning their attention toward citizen developers, entrusting them with crafting solutions. In this work, we perform a systematic review of the existing literature to unearth the pivotal themes and subthemes and identify the factors contributing to citizen developers’ effectiveness. Our systematic review revealed a significant gap in scholarly understanding of factors contributing to citizen developers’ effectiveness. While some studies touched on these factors, none explored them comprehensively or provided an integrated framework for understanding their interrelationships. To fill this void, we propose a conceptual model to advance the understanding of the factors that influence the effectiveness of citizen developers in creating applications. While the model contributes to the theoretical understanding of citizen development, practical implications further reinforce its value. By leveraging the model, organizations can make informed decisions to enhance the productivity of citizen developers, align digital transformation strategies, and foster innovation. Full article

This publication highlights the strategic combination of the preservation of heritage and innovation for supporting the sustainability of traditional crafts in Europe. Demonstrating both challenges and opportunities faced by artisans, there is a need to balance cultural authenticity and the pressures of current markets and environmental imperatives. The research has explored interventions at three levels of craft practice, education, and training and recommends practical directions on short- and long-term bases. Key findings include new materials and technologies to revitalize crafts, the integration of digital tools in education, and cross-border collaboration, which are considered vital for enhancing the visibility and viability of traditional crafts. The circular economy principles and eco-certifications emerge as key to aligning traditional crafts with global sustainability goals. The analysis also highlights cultural policies and funding mechanisms as a means of encouraging innovation and promoting the resilience of the craft sector. The publication, by weaving together case studies, policy analysis, and strategic recommendations, provides a comprehensive roadmap for stakeholders—from artisans and educators to policymakers and researchers—to ensure that the legacy and relevance of Europe’s rich craft heritage continue. Full article

Blue-and-white porcelain, as a representative of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, embodies rich cultural genes and possesses significant research value. Against the backdrop of the generative AI era, this study aims to optimize the creative processes of blue-and-white porcelain to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of complex artistic innovations. Traditional methods of crafting blue-and-white porcelain encounter challenges in accurately and efficiently constructing intricate patterns. This research employs grounded theory in conjunction with the KANO-AHP hybrid model to classify and quantify the core esthetic features of blue-and-white porcelain, thereby establishing a multidimensional esthetic feature library of its patterns. Subsequently, leveraging the Stable Diffusion platform and utilizing Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) technology, a generative artificial intelligence (AIGC)-assisted workflow was proposed, capable of accurately restoring and innovating blue-and-white porcelain patterns. This workflow enhances the efficiency and precision of pattern innovation while maintaining consistency with the original artistic style. Finally, by integrating principles of sustainable design, this study explores new pathways for digital innovation in blue-and-white porcelain design, offering viable solutions for the contemporary reinvention of traditional crafts. The results indicate that AIGC technology effectively facilitates the integration of traditional and modern design approaches. It not only empowers the inheritance and continuation of the cultural genes of blue-and-white porcelain but also introduces new ideas and possibilities for the sustainable development of traditional craftsmanship. Full article

This study develops a sustainable evaluation framework for Yixing Zisha pottery design schemes generated by Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) technology, emphasizing the integration of cultural heritage preservation with innovation. As a traditional Chinese craft and a recognized element of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), Yixing Zisha pottery is celebrated for its cultural depth and unique design techniques. Guided by emotional design theory, the framework assesses aesthetic, functional, and emotional dimensions through hierarchical analysis. Using the Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), primary and secondary indicators were identified and weighted based on expert consensus. AIGC technology, underpinned by advanced AI algorithms, generates culturally authentic yet innovative design solutions, striking a balance between tradition and modernity. The findings reveal that this approach enhances design diversity, functionality, and efficiency while fostering global cultural awareness. By providing practical guidance for integrating AIGC technology into traditional craftsmanship, the research offers a replicable model for other traditional crafts and contributes to the theoretical advancement of sustainable cultural heritage practices. By bridging the gap between digital innovation and heritage preservation, this study addresses the critical need for sustainable strategies in the creative industries. Full article

Digital tools exhibit the potential to support the sustainability of traditional crafts through training and presentation applications. This work presents an integrated approach, combining state-of-the-art simulation and visualisation techniques to model mechanical actions characteristic of traditional crafts. This integration promotes a deeper understanding of the material behaviours and processes that are fundamental to traditional crafts, providing a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and conservators. Developed from an analysis of crafting activities regarding elementary actions, these tools support the safeguarding and education of craft techniques. The ability to realistically simulate and visualise crafting actions enhances applications in training and offers new avenues for the commercial presentation of craft products. The results demonstrate that this integrated approach yields detailed and realistic representations, providing a robust foundation for validating the traditional methods, comparing diverse techniques, and exploring innovative applications. Full article

Shipbuilding drawings, crafted manually before the digital era, are vital for historical reference and technical insight. However, their digital versions, stored as scanned PDFs, often contain significant noise, making them unsuitable for use in modern CAD software like AutoCAD. Traditional denoising techniques struggle with the diverse and intense noise found in these documents, which also does not adhere to standard noise models. In this paper, we propose an innovative generative approach tailored for document enhancement, particularly focusing on shipbuilding drawings. For a small, unpaired dataset of clean and noisy shipbuilding drawing documents, we first learn to generate the noise in the dataset based on a CycleGAN model. We then generate multiple paired clean–noisy image pairs using the clean images in the dataset. Finally, we train a Pix2Pix GAN model with these generated image pairs to enhance shipbuilding drawings. Through empirical evaluation on a small Military Sealift Command (MSC) dataset, we demonstrated the superiority of our method in mitigating noise and preserving essential details, offering an effective solution for the restoration and utilization of historical shipbuilding drawings in contemporary digital environments. Full article