Short answer
Prioritize design solutions for tourism that emphasize authenticity, local culture, and environmental preservation, aligning with the intrinsic and relational values that are deeply held by communities and increasingly by visitors.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- AMBIO (2025)
- Method
- Mixed-methods research combining survey data with Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS).
- Sample
- 690 participants
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Designers and managers should prioritize small-scale tourism models that respect and maintain the intrinsic and relational values of landscapes, as these are often prioritized by local communities and can be threatened by large-scale tourism development. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in AMBIO. Using Mixed-methods research combining survey data with public participation geographic information systems (ppgis). with 690 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize design solutions for tourism that emphasize authenticity, local culture, and environmental preservation, aligning with the intrinsic and relational values that are deeply held by communities and increasingly by visitors.
Preserving Heritage: Small-scale tourism aligns with intrinsic landscape values.
Designers and managers should prioritize small-scale tourism models that respect and maintain the intrinsic and relational values of landscapes, as these are often prioritized by local communities and can be threatened by large-scale tourism development.
AMBIO · 2025
Key Findings
- 01Intrinsic values were the most significant factor across all groups.
- 02Locals prioritized intrinsic and relational values, while recreationists and tourists emphasized relational and instrumental values.
- 03There is a preference for small-scale tourism that preserves landscapes and heritage.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize design solutions for tourism that emphasize authenticity, local culture, and environmental preservation, aligning with the intrinsic and relational values that are deeply held by communities and increasingly by visitors.
How to apply
When designing tourism experiences or infrastructure in natural or heritage areas, conduct stakeholder value mapping to understand and prioritize intrinsic, relational, and instrumental values. Design small-scale, low-impact solutions that resonate with these identified values.
Project actions
- 01When researching a design problem involving natural or cultural heritage, consider how different user groups perceive the value of that heritage.
- 02Use qualitative methods to explore the emotional and cultural connections users have with a place, not just its functional aspects.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Combines quantitative survey data with qualitative insights from PPGIS.
- +Applies a recognized theoretical framework (IPBES Values Typology) to a practical design problem.
Limitations
The specific values identified may be unique to the studied region and its cultural context. Generalizing these findings requires careful consideration of local specifics.
Reliability & validity
The use of a large sample size and a recognized typology enhances reliability. Validity is strengthened by combining survey data with PPGIS, providing multiple perspectives on user values.
Think critically
To what extent can a universal typology of values effectively capture the nuanced and context-specific perceptions of different user groups in diverse design settings?
Design Principles
"Design for place-based value: Ensure that design interventions enhance and respect the intrinsic, instrumental, and relational values that stakeholders associate with a place."
Understanding the diverse values people associate with natural landscapes is crucial for sustainable design and management of tourism. By recognizing that intrinsic and relational values often outweigh instrumental ones for locals, designers can create experiences that foster genuine connection and long-term stewardship, rather than solely focusing on economic utility.
What This Means for Your Design
When designing for places like nature reserves, think about what makes the place special to people – its natural beauty, its history, and how it makes them feel. People often care more about these things than just what they can get out of it. Small-scale tourism that respects these feelings is usually better.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of understanding user values beyond basic functionality in your design project.
- 2.Use the IPBES typology as a framework for analyzing user values in your own research.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that intrinsic and relational values, related to a landscape's inherent qualities and cultural significance, are often prioritized by stakeholders in tourism contexts. This suggests that design interventions should aim to preserve and enhance these aspects, favoring small-scale, heritage-focused tourism over development that solely emphasizes instrumental or economic benefits, as this approach better aligns with user preferences and promotes sustainable outcomes.
Source
AMBIO
Balancing landscape values and tourism choices: Integrating participatory mapping and the IPBES Values Typology
journal · 2025
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about preserving heritage: small-scale tourism aligns with intrinsic landscape values?
- Prioritize design solutions for tourism that emphasize authenticity, local culture, and environmental preservation, aligning with the intrinsic and relational values that are deeply held by communities and increasingly by visitors. Evidence: AMBIO (2025).
- Why does "Preserving Heritage: Small-scale tourism aligns with intrinsic landscape values." matter for design?
- Understanding the diverse values people associate with natural landscapes is crucial for sustainable design and management of tourism. By recognizing that intrinsic and relational values often outweigh instrumental ones for locals, designers can create experiences that foster genuine connection and long-term stewardship, rather than solely focusing on economic utility.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize design solutions for tourism that emphasize authenticity, local culture, and environmental preservation, aligning with the intrinsic and relational values that are deeply held by communities and increasingly by visitors.
- What were the main findings?
- Intrinsic values were the most significant factor across all groups.. Locals prioritized intrinsic and relational values, while recreationists and tourists emphasized relational and instrumental values.. There is a preference for small-scale tourism that preserves landscapes and heritage.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods research combining survey data with Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS). with 690 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from AMBIO.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing tourism experiences or infrastructure in natural or heritage areas, conduct stakeholder value mapping to understand and prioritize intrinsic, relational, and instrumental values. Design small-scale, low-impact solutions that resonate with these identified values.
- What are the limitations?
- The study was conducted in a specific Biosphere Reserve, and findings may not be directly generalizable to all tourism contexts. The IPBES typology, while comprehensive, may not capture all nuances of human values.