Short answer
Embrace emerging technologies like XR and AI in heritage preservation design, and consider the unique challenges of documenting intangible heritage.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Journal of Information System and Technology Management (2025)
- Method
- Bibliometric analysis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Academic research in digital heritage preservation is experiencing significant growth, with a notable increase in publications over the past decade. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in Journal of Information System and Technology Management. Using Bibliometric analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Embrace emerging technologies like XR and AI in heritage preservation design, and consider the unique challenges of documenting intangible heritage.
Digital heritage preservation research is rapidly expanding, driven by technological advancements.
Academic research in digital heritage preservation is experiencing significant growth, with a notable increase in publications over the past decade.
Journal of Information System and Technology Management · 2025
Key Findings
- 01Research productivity in digital heritage preservation is steadily increasing.
- 02European universities, particularly from Italy, Spain, and Greece, are prominent contributors.
- 03Key research areas include 3D scanning, photogrammetry, GIS, and HBIM, with emerging interest in XR and AI.
- 04Challenges exist in documenting intangible heritage and in the inclusion of external entities in European research networks.
Application
Design takeaway
Embrace emerging technologies like XR and AI in heritage preservation design, and consider the unique challenges of documenting intangible heritage.
How to apply
When designing digital tools for heritage preservation, consider incorporating functionalities for 3D scanning, photogrammetry, and explore the potential of XR and AI for immersive experiences and data analysis.
Project actions
- 01When researching a design problem, look for trends in academic literature to understand the current state of the art.
- 02Identify key research areas and technologies that are gaining traction in your field.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a broad overview of research trends in a specific domain.
- +Identifies key technologies and research areas of interest.
Limitations
The scope of the bibliometric analysis might be limited by the databases used and the time period covered.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings depends on the comprehensiveness of the Scopus database and the accuracy of the VOSviewer analysis. Validity is supported by the systematic approach to data collection and analysis.
Think critically
How might the dominance of European institutions in this research area influence the global development and accessibility of digital heritage preservation technologies?
Design Principles
"Continuously integrate emerging technologies into design solutions to address evolving user needs and research frontiers."
Understanding the trajectory of research in digital heritage preservation is crucial for designers and engineers developing new tools and methodologies. It highlights emerging areas and identifies key players, enabling more informed design decisions and strategic collaborations.
What This Means for Your Design
Research about using technology to save old things is getting bigger and bigger, with lots of new ideas popping up.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use findings on emerging technologies to justify the selection of specific tools or approaches in your design process.
- 2.Reference the growth in research to demonstrate the importance and relevance of your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research indicates a significant and growing interest in digital technologies for heritage preservation, with a clear trend towards integrating advanced techniques like 3D scanning, photogrammetry, and emerging fields such as XR and AI. This growth suggests a fertile ground for innovative design solutions that can leverage these technologies to enhance preservation efforts and address current challenges, such as the documentation of intangible heritage.
Source
Journal of Information System and Technology Management
MAPPING THE DIGITAL FRONTIER: A BIBLIOMETRIC EXPLORATION OF HERITAGE PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES
journal · 2025
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about digital heritage preservation research is rapidly expanding, driven by technological advancements?
- Embrace emerging technologies like XR and AI in heritage preservation design, and consider the unique challenges of documenting intangible heritage. Evidence: Journal of Information System and Technology Management (2025).
- Why does "Digital heritage preservation research is rapidly expanding, driven by technological advancements." matter for design?
- Understanding the trajectory of research in digital heritage preservation is crucial for designers and engineers developing new tools and methodologies. It highlights emerging areas and identifies key players, enabling more informed design decisions and strategic collaborations.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Embrace emerging technologies like XR and AI in heritage preservation design, and consider the unique challenges of documenting intangible heritage.
- What were the main findings?
- Research productivity in digital heritage preservation is steadily increasing.. European universities, particularly from Italy, Spain, and Greece, are prominent contributors.. Key research areas include 3D scanning, photogrammetry, GIS, and HBIM, with emerging interest in XR and AI.. Challenges exist in documenting intangible heritage and in the inclusion of external entities in European research networks.
- What research method was used?
- Bibliometric analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from Journal of Information System and Technology Management.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing digital tools for heritage preservation, consider incorporating functionalities for 3D scanning, photogrammetry, and explore the potential of XR and AI for immersive experiences and data analysis.
- What are the limitations?
- The analysis is based on Scopus database publications and may not capture all relevant research. The focus on European contributions might overlook significant work from other regions.