Abstract: This study aims to design and implement an “Ancient Loom Virtual Weaving Interactive Experience System” using VR (Virtual Reality) technology, enabling users to experience the operation of ancient looms—specifically focusing on the Song Dynasty vertical loom- and to validate the system’s usability. Methods: Six representative ancient looms were selected, and their structures and environments were digitally recreated through 3D modeling, rendering, and animation using specialized 3D software. Taking the Song Dynasty vertical loom as a case study, the “Ancient Loom Virtual Weaving Interactive Experience System” was designed for future museums. Results: The system was developed using the Unity 3D engine, followed by usability testing, which demonstrated its ability to provide users with weaving experience. Conclusion: Using the Song Dynasty vertical loom as a case study, this research preliminarily develops a system that allows future museum visitors to operate ancient looms in a virtual environment through VR devices, providing an immersive weaving experience. The study also validates the effectiveness of gesture recognition as a method for virtual interaction, offering valuable insights for enhancing the display and user experience of ancient looms in future museum settings.

Abstract: The Ahmedabad Declaration of 1979 marked a pivotal moment for design in India, advocating the integration of indigenous heritage with advancements in technology to address local needs. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the “craft-design-technology” nexus, it is essential to examine recent studies across the world in detail. This domain has been a persistent subject of research over the past three decades across the world, with its significance steadily growing, as evidenced by the increasing number of articles, scholarly research, and recent special issues in reputable craft and design journals. To gain key insights into the field, we conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using the TCCM framework, which facilitated the analysis of Theories (T), Contexts (C), Characteristics (C), and Methodologies (M) employed in the articles published in this domain. A total of 58 articles published between 2010 and 2023 were selected for this review, with the aim of considering the impacts of recent technological advancements. In this paper, we present the key theoretical perspectives employed by the researchers in this domain and discuss which of these perspectives may be most suitable for the Indian context. We also discuss why such studies are infrequent in India and highlight the significant potential this area holds for future research. The insights gained from the SLR underscore the need for in-depth explorations, balanced representation, and the development of structured co-creation frameworks for research in this domain in India.

Abstract: Design orientation has emerged as a critical strategic factor for companies seeking to achieve a competitive advantage and plays a pivotal role in the process of new product development (NPD). However, the understanding of the interaction between product design and other strategic capabilities and how design orientation strategically affects new product development is still limited, and the existing literature and empirical results are fragmented and controversial. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic factors affecting new product development and the contribution of design to strategy, this study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature. The study extracted effect values from 15 international journals for analysis and found that strategy factors significantly influence NPD success. Moreover, in the exploration of moderating variables, it was found that firm size, firm type, innovation type, and design orientation play a significant moderating role in new product development, and design-oriented involvement provides a significant competitive advantage for firms in NPD. The findings provide new theories on NPD decision-making and design orientation, as well as practical references for managers.

Abstract: In recent years, the development model that integrates intangible cultural heritage with tourism has been strongly emphasized in national cultural policy, especially in villages and towns with intangible cultural heritage. These areas have enhanced their market attractiveness and competitiveness by developing tourism branding. However, tourism branding projects in China often face issues such as fragmented brand images and inadequate exploration of local culture. The study addresses the brand image of intangible heritage tourism from the perspective of narrative design. Focusing on Lianzhou Township in Guangdong Province, China, it explores the composition and design application strategies of tourism brand imagery by examining a narrative design framework that includes the narrative theme, structure, channels and visual expression of cultural and tourism brands. Through literature and field investigation, the study found that boat-dwelling culture -rooted in historical changes, traditional skills and local customs-serves as an important narrative element in shaping the cultural tourism brand of the town. Based on this finding, the study validates a narrative design strategy for brand development. Unlike conventional branding approaches that focus on visual image, this study aims to propose a new narrative design approach to tourism brand construction in intangible cultural heritage villages, offering meaningful insights for advancing rural revitalization.