Designing a Mobile Digital Application for the Museum of Asia Minor Culture: Enhancing Intangible Cultural Heritage Through Digital Storytelling
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The Asia Minor Catastrophe (1922) marked a pivotal moment in modern history, resulting in the forced migration of millions of individuals and the loss of invaluable tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The Museum of Asia Minor Culture in Aigaleo, Greece, aims to preserve the memory and traditions of Asia Minor refugees, who carried with them fragments of their cultural identity amidst destruction and displacement. This study explores the development of a mobile digital application that leverages interactive storytelling to document and safeguard intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tied to such historical conflicts. By drawing connections between past and present crises, the research highlights how digital tools can bridge the gap between tangible exhibits and the cultural traditions of displaced communities. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative data collection from oral histories, archival photographs, and traditional artifacts. Technical implementation included the design and prototyping of the mobile application using state of the art development tools and frameworks. Digital storytelling techniques were central to the design, integrating multimedia elements such as video, audio narrations, 3D modelling and interactive visuals. This approach draws inspiration from contemporary methodologies in digital cultural heritage, which emphasize participatory and immersive experiences. User experience (UX) design principles were applied to ensure accessibility and engagement, while iterative usability testing involved target audiences, including museum visitors and Asia Minor cultural experts. The mobile application successfully linked the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Asia Minor refugees by providing users with an immersive exploration of historical narratives, daily life stories, and traditions. Preliminary testing indicated increased visitor engagement, with users reporting a deeper understanding of the museum’s exhibits and the broader cultural context. Furthermore, interactive features such as virtual tours, narrated life stories, and multimedia galleries enhanced the personalization and relatability of the content. This research demonstrates the transformative potential of mobile digital applications in cultural heritage preservation and education. By emphasizing digital storytelling, the application bridges the gap between tangible artifacts and intangible traditions, making cultural heritage more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. The study also highlights the value of leveraging technology to support museums in their mission to preserve and disseminate cultural heritage. These findings align with broader discussions on the role of digital tools in safeguarding ICH, particularly in making heritage accessible to younger generations and global audiences. This project offers a valuable case study for museums and cultural institutions, providing practical insights for similar initiatives worldwide.
Institution: University of the Aegean
Language: English
Subfield: Museology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7081671339
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