Short answer
Design experiences that foster a deep emotional and sensory connection to cultural heritage, rather than solely focusing on factual information.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Leisure Sciences (2020)
- Method
- Qualitative analysis of visitor perceptions
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Chinese visitors are motivated by a desire for sensory and emotional connections with both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, particularly when linked to natural environments. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Leisure Sciences. Using Qualitative analysis of visitor perceptions, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design experiences that foster a deep emotional and sensory connection to cultural heritage, rather than solely focusing on factual information.
Chinese tourists prioritize emotive and experiential engagement with cultural heritage abroad.
Chinese visitors are motivated by a desire for sensory and emotional connections with both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, particularly when linked to natural environments.
Leisure Sciences · 2020
Key Findings
- 01Chinese tourists seek experiential qualities in heritage tourism, especially those connected to nature.
- 02There is a strong desire for emotive and sensual engagement with cultural heritage signifiers.
- 03Exoticism plays a role in attracting Chinese visitors to overseas heritage sites.
Application
Design takeaway
Design experiences that foster a deep emotional and sensory connection to cultural heritage, rather than solely focusing on factual information.
How to apply
When designing cultural tourism packages or exhibitions for Chinese audiences, incorporate elements that stimulate senses, evoke emotions, and connect with natural landscapes.
Project actions
- 01Consider how your design can evoke specific emotions in the user.
- 02Think about incorporating sensory elements (sight, sound, touch, smell) into your design.
- 03Explore how natural elements can be integrated into non-natural design contexts.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilizes an integrated methodological approach for rich data interpretation.
- +Provides practical guidance for destination organizations.
Limitations
The findings are specific to Chinese perceptions of Western heritage and may not apply universally. The study's context is an exhibition, which might differ from broader tourism experiences.
Reliability & validity
The study's validity is strengthened by its integrated methodology, but reliability might be influenced by the subjective nature of interpreting 'emotive' and 'experiential' perceptions.
Think critically
To what extent do these findings on emotive and experiential authenticity apply to other cultural groups and their perceptions of heritage?
Design Principles
"Design for emotive and experiential resonance in cultural heritage engagement."
Understanding these motivations is crucial for heritage sites and tourism organizations aiming to attract and engage Chinese outbound tourists. It shifts the focus from mere historical presentation to creating immersive and emotionally resonant experiences.
What This Means for Your Design
Chinese travelers want to feel and experience foreign cultural heritage, not just see it. They like things that feel new and exciting, especially if nature is involved.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify design choices that prioritize emotional connection and sensory experience.
- 2.Reference findings on emotive and experiential engagement when discussing user needs and motivations.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that Chinese tourists are significantly motivated by emotive and experiential qualities when engaging with overseas cultural heritage. This suggests that design interventions should prioritize creating sensory-rich environments and narratives that foster emotional connections, rather than solely focusing on informational content. For instance, integrating natural elements and highlighting the exoticism of a destination can enhance user appeal and create a more memorable experience.
Source
Leisure Sciences
Chinese Perceptions of Overseas Cultural Heritage: Emotive Existential Authenticity, Exoticism and Experiential Tourism
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about chinese tourists prioritize emotive and experiential engagement with cultural heritage abroad?
- Design experiences that foster a deep emotional and sensory connection to cultural heritage, rather than solely focusing on factual information. Evidence: Leisure Sciences (2020).
- Why does "Chinese tourists prioritize emotive and experiential engagement with cultural heritage abroad." matter for design?
- Understanding these motivations is crucial for heritage sites and tourism organizations aiming to attract and engage Chinese outbound tourists. It shifts the focus from mere historical presentation to creating immersive and emotionally resonant experiences.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design experiences that foster a deep emotional and sensory connection to cultural heritage, rather than solely focusing on factual information.
- What were the main findings?
- Chinese tourists seek experiential qualities in heritage tourism, especially those connected to nature.. There is a strong desire for emotive and sensual engagement with cultural heritage signifiers.. Exoticism plays a role in attracting Chinese visitors to overseas heritage sites.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative analysis of visitor perceptions.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2020 journal from Leisure Sciences.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing cultural tourism packages or exhibitions for Chinese audiences, incorporate elements that stimulate senses, evoke emotions, and connect with natural landscapes.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on perceptions of Western heritage by Chinese visitors, which may not be generalizable to other cultural groups or heritage types.