The International Journal of Art and Design (IJAD) (e-ISSN: 2710-5776) is a peer-reviewed journal committed to advancing scholarship in the domains of Creative Arts, Visual Communication, Design Technology, and Humanities. With biannual publication cycles (April & October), IJAD provides a platform for the dissemination of high-quality research articles that explore both theoretical advancements and practical applications within the realm of art and design. IJAD serves as a nexus for researchers, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across diverse disciplinary boundaries. We welcome original research papers and state-of-the-art reviews that contribute to the evolving discourse in art and design. Furthermore, IJAD endeavors to promote a culture of scholarly writing and publication among academics, both within and beyond the Universiti Teknologi MARA community. By encouraging active engagement with the research process, we seek to elevate the visibility and impact of scholarly work in the field. Also available at GOOGLE SCHOLAR and ASCI. IJAD ensures global visibility and accessibility for published content, facilitating wider dissemination and engagement with the latest developments in art and design research.
Analysis of The Lines In Gongbi Flower-And-Bird Painting From An Artistic Perspective
Based on the theoretical foundation of the origin of art, this paper analyzes the perspectives on the origin of art in both Chinese and Western contexts, followed by an examination of the origin of lines in Gongbi painting. From an artistic perspective, it conducts an in-depth exploration of the expressive qualities of lines in Gongbi flower-and-bird painting. The paper first outlines the development of ancient Gongbi flower-and-bird painting and the application of lines within it, then analyzes the aesthetic value, emotional expression, and technical characteristics of lines in this genre, and finally discusses the future development of lines in Gongbi flower-and-bird painting. The aim is to elucidate the significant contributions of "lines" in China's Gongbi flower-and-bird painting.How do painters convey emotional expression through the use of lines in their paintings?
Copyright (c) 2026 Libin Yao*, Liza Marziana Mohammad Noh, Haslinda Abd Razak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Semiotic Transformation of Silk Fiber in Contemporary Soft Sculpture
Silk fiber has become an increasingly significant medium in contemporary soft sculpture due to its rich historical associations and distinctive sensory qualities. In current artistic practice, it is used not only as a material form but also as a carrier of cultural memory, emotional experience, and symbolic meaning. Grounded in Roland Barthes’ semiotic framework, this study adopts a qualitative case study approach combined with visual analysis to examine selected contemporary silk-based sculptures across different cultural contexts. It explores how silk fiber moves from sensory materiality to symbolic meaning and ultimately to mythic cultural narrative. The findings indicate that the softness, translucency, and pliability of silk fiber actively engage embodied perception and stimulate psychological projection, evoking themes of belonging, memory, displacement, and resilience. As these sensory experiences accumulate, silk fiber becomes integrated into socially constructed mythic structures, through which abstract ideas such as cultural transmission, healing, and collective identity are naturalized. In this process, soft sculptural works function not merely as spatial objects, but as mediating forms that connect individual experience with shared cultural imagination.By tracing the transformation of silk fiber from signifier to myth, this study contributes to material semiotics and contemporary sculpture studies by proposing a framework for understanding how soft materials generate cultural meaning. It also highlights the potential of silk fiber in constructing effective and culturally sustainable narratives within contemporary art.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yingfang Zhang, Sharmiza Abu Hassan*, Liza Marziana Mohammad Noh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Symbolic Meaning of Seloka Batik Motifs in the Development of Contemporary Batik Design
This study aims to explore the symbolic meaning of the Seloka Cilacap Batik motif and analyze its potential as a source for developing contemporary batik designs. The focus of the research is directed at the Parang Nusakambangan motif and the Biota Laut Pesisir motif as a representation of the cultural identity of the Cilacap coastal community. The study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive-interpretive method through observation, in-depth interviews, visual documentation, and literature studies. Data analysis was carried out using the Miles and Huberman interactive model supported by triangulation of sources and techniques to maintain data validity. The results show that the Parang Nusakambangan motif contains symbols of steadfastness, continuity, and fighting spirit inspired by the natural character of Nusakambangan Island, while the Biota Laut Pesisir motif represents the adaptive relationship between humans and the marine ecosystem. Visual forms in the form of diagonal patterns, coral textures, stylization of marine biota, and exploration of coastal colors serve as symbolic markers of local identity. This shows that the symbolic meaning of Seloka Batik can be creatively reinterpreted in the development of innovative contemporary batik designs rooted in local wisdom.
Copyright (c) 2026 Elisa Wardana*, Slamet Supriyadi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Gamified Augmented Reality Digital Storytelling for Malaysian Traditional Kuih Heritage Through Museum Experience Scale (MES)
This pilot study examines the validity of an AR gamified digital storytelling installation that is based on Malaysian traditional kuih to engage visitors with Malaysian traditional cultural heritage. Titled Kembara Jejak Warisan Kuih Muih, the interactive installation integrates gamification mechanics, digital storytelling, and AR visualisation to revitalise intangible cultural heritage through immersive, participatory experience design. This installation was exhibited at Interface: Where Visual Meets Poetry in GMBB Kuala Lumpur and was measured using the Museum Experience Scale, a valid multidimensional framework for assessing visitors' engagement and experiential responses. Fifteen visitors who repeatedly encountered the installation were purposively selected as the data sample. The results indicate that levels of engagement, emotional bonding, immersion, cultural learning and usability are high. The participants reported significant meaning-making through interaction and expressed great interest in revisiting such interactive heritage experiences. Findings indicate that gamified AR digital storytelling can be employed as an innovative way to communicate and perpetuate intangible cultural heritage within exhibition contexts. This pilot study explores issues of interactive heritage preservation, digital exhibition design, and experiential storytelling in Southeast Asian visual culture, marking the first move in these discussions. It also demonstrates the suitability of the Museum Experience Scale (MES) for evaluating hybrid interactive art and heritage installations. It provides a foundation for future large-scale studies on gamified AR heritage engagement.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hafizah Rosli*, Norfadilah Kamarudin, Badrul Isa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Illustrated visual storytelling for cultural sustainability: The Kelana Rempah Exhibition
Museums with limited collections often rely on creative visual strategies to maintain public engagement, especially among younger audiences. This study examines how illustrated visual storytelling can support sustainable cultural engagement in exhibition design. It focuses on the Kelana Rempah temporary exhibition at the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum in Palembang, Indonesia, exploring how illustration-based spatial narratives can make historical content more engaging and accessible. The exhibition was developed from an illustrated webtoon and translated into a series of thematic zones combining character-based visuals, narrative panels, and spatial arrangements. Visitors were invited to experience the atmosphere of Palembang during the Srivijaya era through a narrative journey designed to be clear, engaging, and relatable for school-aged audiences. The design process drew on visual narrative, experiential design, and participatory approaches, using mostly paper-based and modular materials. This research uses qualitative methods, including observation, design documentation, and reflective evaluation. The findings suggest that illustration can play a central role in shaping visitor experience, helping audiences engage with historical narratives in a more intuitive and meaningful way. The study also shows that illustration-based exhibition design can offer a flexible and resource-conscious approach to sustaining cultural engagement
Copyright (c) 2026 Diani Apsari, Sri Maharani Budi Haswati, Rahmiati Aulia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Material Narrative and Sustainable Visual Communication in Hand-Painted Silk Design
This paper examines hand-painted silk as a case study through which the possibility of sustainable visual communication is explored within contemporary design systems shaped by accelerated production, standardization and intensified consumption. Drawing on sustainability theory, circular economy discourse, the philosophy of craft, and material culture studies, the research analyzes how material agency, visible authorship, processual temporality, and limited reproducibility can reshape the communicative function of the textile surface. Methodologically, the study is grounded in a qualitative, practice-led case study, in which the author simultaneously acts as both researcher and practitioner in the creation of the analyzed works. This position enables an in-depth understanding of material dynamics and process-based constraints, while explicitly acknowledging the interpretative framework of the research. The analysis demonstrates that pigment diffusion, the integration of color into the fiber, and the impossibility of complete mechanical reproduction generate structural uniqueness that destabilizes the logic of replaceability characteristic of industrial fashion. In this model, sustainability does not emerge as an external declaration or certification label, but as an ontological property of the textile surface, inscribed within the very aesthetic formation of the object. At the same time, the paper critically examines the limitations of craft production, emphasizing that hand-painted silk does not represent a normatively superior material nor a universal solution to the ecological crisis, but rather a conceptual framework through which alternative communicative structures can be understood. The findings suggest that sustainable communication in design requires a cultural reorientation toward durability, relational value, and material presence, whereby the textile surface ceases to function as a branded interface and becomes an ethical and relational medium.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marica Maksimovic* https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Global trends and research hotspots of Augmented Reality Research in Tourism: A Bibliometric Review via VOSviewer
This study presents a bibliometric analysis of scholarly publications related to augmented reality (AR) in tourism, aiming to identify major research trends, key contributors, and the overall development of the field. Using Scopus as the primary database, relevant publications were systematically retrieved and screened following PRISMA guidelines to ensure transparency and rigor in the selection process. Bibliometric indicators such as annual publication output, leading authors, institutions, countries, and frequently used keywords were analyzed using Scopus built-in analytical tools. In addition, VOSviewer was employed to visualize co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence, and country collaboration patterns. The findings reveal a steady growth in publications over recent years, indicating increasing scholarly interest in the integration of AR within cultural tourism contexts. Prominent authors and institutions were identified, alongside recurring research themes focusing on visitor experience, engagement, and heritage interpretation. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a structured overview of research trends and by highlighting potential research gaps for future empirical and conceptual studies in AR-enhanced cultural tourism.
Copyright (c) 2026 Julia Dalina Jeffrey Yeoh, Noorlida Daud*, Mat Redhuan Samsudin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
User Interface Design Factors Influencing Perceived Usability in Digital Health Platforms
Digital health platforms have become a primary channel for delivering healthcare services, yet many mobile and web applications continue to exhibit usability issues that limit user growth and time-on-task. Given that user interface (UI) design quality fundamentally shapes perceptions, behaviours, and experience, this study identified the key UI attributes that drive perceived usability from a user-centred, design-oriented standpoint. A quantitative design was adopted, using a structured survey administered to users of mobile and web-based digital health applications. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the framework examined relationships between perceived usability and UI factors, including visual clarity, layout consistency, navigation structure, colour and typography, and feedback mechanisms. Descriptive statistics profiled respondents and usage patterns, while inferential analyses tested the significance of associations among constructs. Findings indicate that visual clarity, simple navigation, and interface consistency are the strongest predictors of perceived usability, while aesthetic appeal supports user confidence and reduces interaction difficulty. Timely feedback cues and readable typography further contributed, especially during common tasks such as appointment booking, teleconsultation, medication tracking, and viewing personal records. These results underscore the central role of UI design in shaping usability judgements in digital health contexts. Well-designed interfaces not only make functions easier to learn and execute, but also cultivate positive perceptions that enable sustained acceptance and adoption of digital health platforms. The study recommends that healthcare application designers and developers prioritise evidence-based, user-centred UI decisions and pursue innovative yet consistent interaction patterns to meet users’ expectations for effective, user-friendly digital health services.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rully Sumarlin*, I Wayan Swandi, I Nyoman Suardina, Andreas Rio Adriyanto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Triangulating Craft Knowledge: Surveys, Interviews and Artefact Analysis of Yunnan Folk Pottery
Although Yunnan folk pottery has a rich tradition of ethnic culture and skill, its evolution has diverged with modernisation. Some historic crafts, including Jianchuan Black and Jianshui Purple Pottery, have been revitalised via innovation, but others confront market contraction and transmission issues. Balancing handcraft preservation, market adaptation and technological innovation is essential for Yunnan folk pottery's sustainable development. This study uses a qualitative technique, principally case study methodology, with phenomenology and ethnographic methodologies. A multi-dimensional inquiry is conducted using questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews and artefact analysis. The study examines Shangri-La Black Pottery, Dali Tile Cat, Jianshui Purple Pottery and Baoshan Han Pottery, using 103 survey responses, 12 in-depth Practitioner interviews and over 100 pottery artefacts to evaluate craftsmanship and market adaptability. This study proposes the Triangulation Interaction Model to explore Yunnan folk pottery revitalisation methods. Research shows that practitioners' identities impact creativity and craftsmanship, market demand shapes product forms and technology improvements improve efficiency but also impact traditional craftsmanship transmission. Higher education practitioners and institutions have promoted craft innovation, while changing customer expectations have led to cultural originality and high-end personalisation in ceramics. These findings suggest ways for policy optimisation, market adaptation and digital transformation to sustain Yunnan traditional pottery in modern society and boost its global competitiveness and cultural influence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Verly Veto Vermol*, Yu Jiarui Yu, Salwa Ayob, Nik Nor Azidah Nik Aziz Nik Aziz, Lin Tianqing https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Fostering Sustainable Visual Art Ecosystems through Resale Royalty Rights
The sustainability of visual art ecosystems increasingly depends on mechanisms that recognise Artists’ creative work beyond the primary art market. In Malaysia, the absence of Resale Royalty Rights (RRR) has contributed to structural imbalances in the visual arts sector, where artists remain excluded from the economic value generated through secondary market transactions. This study examines RRR as a sustainability-oriented mechanism, positioning creative art and design communication as a mediating instrument that enables awareness, understanding, and acceptance of artists’ economic rights. Adopting a qualitative and conceptual research approach, the study draws on secondary data sources, including academic literature, policy and legal documents, and institutional publications related to the visual arts and copyright governance. Thematic analysis is employed to identify key linkages between sustainability, economic justice, and communicative practices within the visual art ecosystem. The findings suggest that while RRR has the potential to support economic, social, and institutional sustainability, its effectiveness is contingent upon how such rights are communicated and internalised by artists and stakeholders. The study contributes to cultural sustainability discourse by highlighting the role of creative art and design communication in bridging legal frameworks and sustainable practice, offering policy-relevant insights for the development of a more equitable visual art ecosystem in Malaysia. The study offers conceptual and policy-relevant insights for integrating artists’ economic rights and creative communication within sustainability-oriented cultural governance frameworks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hairulnisak Merman*, Ishak Ramli, Hamidi Abdul Hadi, Muhamad Helmi Muhamad Khir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Nuo Masks Reshaping Cultural Imagery in Physical Theatre: A Study of ‘Luocha Land’ by the National Theatre of China (2016)
Traditional Chinese Nuo Masks are a core element of Nuo Opera, combining religious ritual and distinctive artistic expression. In contemporary China, the fusion of traditional and modern theatrical styles has become a significant trend. Luocha Land (2016), produced by the National Theatre of China and directed by Zhao Miao, integrates Nuo Masks with physical theatre to create an intercultural theatrical work. This study analyzes the specific ways in which Nuo Masks reconstruct cultural imagery in an intercultural context and examines their implications for the international dissemination of contemporary Chinese theatre. Drawing on theatrical semiotics as its theoretical framework, this study employs content analysis and semi-structured interviews to examine the visual characteristics, material properties, and interactive relationship between the Nuo Masks and actors’ body performances. The findings reveal that Nuo Masks have undergone a transformation from traditional ritual symbols to contemporary theatrical icons, reshaping three core cultural imageries: (1) as a physical symbol of cultural internalization, reflecting the coercive nature of acculturation; (2) as a visible medium of identity transformation, externalizing the process of identity change; and (3) as a channel for cross-cultural empathy, revealing universal emotions that transcend cultural differences. These insights offer effective pathways for the international dissemination of traditional Chinese theatrical art and contribute to the broader discourse on intercultural performance practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 churong xiao, Zulkafli Norzizi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Digital Inheritance of Shaanxi Qiang Embroidery
Information exchange and dissemination in the Internet era have surpassed any period in history. As the "root" of the Qiang people, southern Shaanxi has unique artistic characteristics in its embroidery. Under the background of the traditional cultural dissemination boom of the Silk Road of the "Belt and Road Initiative", this paper fully explores the value of the traditional embroidery art of the Qiang people in southern Shaanxi, analyzes the protection status of the traditional embroidery art of the Qiang people in southern Shaanxi, innovates the development, presentation and dissemination of the traditional embroidery art of the Qiang people in southern Shaanxi in a digital way, and proposes a digital protection and dissemination strategy for the traditional embroidery art of the Qiang people in southern Shaanxi. This will be a new idea for the regeneration of the traditional embroidery art of the Qiang people in southern Shaanxi, which can allow the traditional embroidery art of the Qiang people in southern Shaanxi to be regenerated and continued, and spread to the countries along the Belt and Road.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fangqin Zheng, Muhamad Fairus Kamaruzaman*, Rusmawati Ghazali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Visual Communication of Point-Line-Plane Elements in Sustainable Apparel Design: An Ergonomics-Informed Study
This study investigates how point, line, and plane configurations in clothing design influence visual perception related to ergonomic relevance. Rather than approaching ergonomics through physical wear testing, the research focuses on how structural and compositional elements are visually interpreted by viewers as indicators of comfort, stability, and bodily support. An image-based quantitative research design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire to evaluate perceptual responses to selected garment images representing varied configurations of point, line, and plane elements. A total of 384 valid responses were collected from participants aged 18-45, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods. The findings indicate that specific visual arrangements consistently direct attention toward structurally significant regions of the body, such as the waist and upper torso, and are associated with perceptions of balance, containment, and support. These perceptual tendencies suggest that visual structure plays a meaningful role in shaping ergonomic interpretation, even in the absence of physical interaction with the garment. By framing point, line, and plane as perceptual carriers rather than purely formal or decorative elements, the study contributes to an expanded understanding of ergonomics in apparel design as a visually mediated construct. The research offers a design‑oriented perspective that bridges visual composition and ergonomic awareness, providing a foundation for future studies integrating dynamic stimuli, embodied evaluation, cross‑cultural analysis, and sustainability‑informed design strategies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ziwei Zhu, Asliza Aris*, HASMA AHMAD https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Cold Night Batik as a Medium for Developing Modest Fashion Design Competence
A training course on batik motif creation using the cold wax technique at the Islamic Fashion Institute (IFI) in Bandung aims to address students' limited experience with conventional batik techniques, which are complex and inefficient. Batik, as an Indonesian cultural heritage and a UNESCO heritage since 2009, has important philosophical and socio-cultural values, as well as being a significant element in the development of local-based modest fashion and Islamic law. The training method uses a participatory and practical approach with a Design Thinking framework to provide technical skills and innovative creativity in batik motif making that is fast, environmentally friendly, and 50% more efficient. Results of the community service activities include enhanced participants' competencies in batik techniques, innovative motifs for modest fashion products with aesthetic and functional value, and the potential integration of batik materials into the IFI curriculum. This training contributes to cultural preservation and the development of a sustainable halal creative industry.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dede Ananta, Martien Roos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Evaluation of pictograms for safe medication disposal awareness campaign: A pilot study
Improper disposal of unused and expired medications poses significant environmental and public health risks, yet awareness and appropriate disposal practices remain inadequate in Malaysia. Effective visual communication offers a sustainable approach to addressing this gap by simplifying complex medical information and improving long-term health literacy. Pharmaceutical pictograms, when designed to be simple, culturally relevant, and context- specific, can enhance message clarity, recall, and patient engagement. As low- cost and reusable educational tools, pictograms support sustainable health education by promoting informed behaviors and reducing medication-related environmental contamination. Consequently, pictogram-based educational strategies may improve public understanding and encourage responsible disposal of medication waste. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the comprehensibility of culturally localized pharmaceutical pictograms designed to promote safe medication disposal among the Malaysian population. A cross- sectional study was conducted using interviewer-administered online sessions across 14 states in Malaysia. Fourteen pictograms were evaluated among 50 participants. Comprehension was assessed before and after verbal and textual explanation, using ISO (≥66.7%) and ANSI (≥85%) standards. Demographic data were analyzed descriptively. Prior to explanation, 11 pictograms met ISO criteria and 10 met ANSI criteria. Following explanation, all pictograms met both standards. Pictograms incorporating culturally familiar symbols achieved higher recognition rates, while complex and multi-message pictograms were more prone to misinterpretation. Culturally responsive pictogram design, supported by multimodal communication, enhances comprehension of safe medication disposal practices and supports sustainable healthcare behaviors.
Copyright (c) 2026 Siti Nooraishah Hussin*, Hisyam Hamid, Noreen Husain, Zafirah Liyana Abdullah, Mohamed Razeef Abdul Razak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Rural Sustainability Challenges, Responses, and Tourism: A Systematic Review
Rural areas worldwide face persistent and interconnected challenges that threaten long-term sustainability. Although rural development is a strategic priority across countries at different stages of development, existing responses remain fragmented and uneven in effectiveness. This study conducts a systematic literature review to identify principal rural challenges and critically examine proposed measures, with particular attention to sustainability-oriented tourism. The review analyzes 192 articles indexed in ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar to map core challenges, and examines 223 key studies published over the past seven years to assess solutions. Thematic analysis identifies seven major challenge categories: economic, demographic, developmental, cultural, agricultural, cognitive, and ecological. Twelve types of interventions are identified in response. Tourism-related interventions—characterized by innovative themes, technologies, objectives, and conceptual frameworks—emerge as the most frequently proposed and wide-ranging, offering potential to address multiple challenges simultaneously. However, significant limitations persist. Both tourism-based and non-tourism-based measures often lack systematic integration, localized adaptation, and effective cross-sectoral coordination. Moreover, weak linkages between indigenous knowledge systems, cultural practices, and development strategies grounded in ethnoscience constrain their capacity to support sustainable rural transformation. This study argues that advancing rural sustainability requires a systemic tourism model grounded in local ethnoscientific knowledge and embedded within an integrated sustainability framework. By clarifying dominant challenges–solution patterns and identifying critical conceptual and practical gaps, the findings contribute to rural sustainability research and inform more resilient, context-sensitive rural development pathways worldwide in practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yiqiu Su, Suhardi Maulan*, May Ling Siow, Aini Jasmin Ghazalli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Mural Art Research: A Bibliometric Overview
This study explores the scholarly trajectory of mural research within the domains of public art, heritage, and urban studies, emphasizing its role in shaping identity, promoting community engagement, and contributing to sustainable regeneration. A bibliometric review was conducted on 345 Scopus-indexed publications spanning the years 1976 to 2025, with visualization techniques employed to examine publication output, collaboration networks, institutional contributions, and thematic structures. The results reveal a steady expansion of mural scholarship, with a significant rise in research activity after 2018. Leading contributions are concentrated in countries such as China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, reflecting diverse academic traditions and cultural contexts. Keyword mapping identifies eight major clusters, encompassing themes of heritage conservation, tourism development, education, social engagement, and digital innovation, thereby illustrating the broadening scope of mural studies in both traditional and contemporary discourse. Despite this growth, international collaboration remains relatively limited, highlighting the need for stronger interdisciplinary and cross-regional partnerships. By presenting the first large-scale mapping of mural scholarship, this study provides an overview of its historical development, current intellectual landscape, and potential directions for advancing sustainable cultural and urban initiatives. The findings establish a foundation for positioning mural research as a dynamic and impactful area of academic inquiry.
Copyright (c) 2026 Noorlida Daud, Mat Redhuan Samsudin*, Nor Hisham Md Saman, Noriza Mohd Saad, Sarman Mohamad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
A Quantitative Semiotic Study: AI Applications in Museum Cultural and Creative Design
At present, it is evident that there has been an increasing phenomenon of the interrelation of AI with cultural and creative product development in museums, and this is gradually becoming a new drive to progress in the sector. Regarding cultural and creative practice, the use of algorithms enables one to access traditional culture cues which can be used to make effective reconstruction of a creative sort. Most of the literature available about cultural and creative items linked to AI are mainly based on qualitative orientation, where quantitative information would be needed if they wanted to estimate objectively the rate of consumers acceptance of these culturally-oriented products. The study has been established using the Peircean triadic sign-object interpretant paradigm. After collecting 375 valid questionnaires, the researchers analyzed data in SPSS using frequency analysis, multiple response analysis, and cross-tabulation. Results reveal old challenges that prevent AI adoption, such as wrong perception of culture features or insufficient expressiveness emotions. To solve this, they proposed three-dimensional actions (technology incorporation), improvement of the design process and institutional control to achieve higher quality innovations with AI-driven cultural planning in the museum context.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mengni Zhang*, Azhari Md Hashim, Faryna Mohd Khalis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Evaluating Digital Interaction Design in WeChat Mini-Programs for Cross-Cultural Appreciation of Nanchang Porcelain Panel Paintings
The study aims to evaluate how digital interaction design within WeChat mini-programs can promote cross-cultural appreciation of Nanchang porcelain panel paintings, a distinctive form of Chinese intangible cultural heritage. It seeks to understand how interactive features enhance user engagement, cultural learning, and aesthetic appreciation while addressing preservation challenges. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study was conducted in Nanchang, China, involving 10 participants comprising foreign students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture their perceptions regarding Chinese porcelain panel painting. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns related to digital interaction, user experience, and cultural appreciation. The findings indicate that interactive features such as visual storytelling, interactive navigation, and gamification significantly enhanced users’ engagement, usability, and accessibility. Respondents emphasized that these 2D interactive elements deepened their appreciation of both the aesthetic and symbolic values of porcelain paintings. However, challenges such as technical limitations and risks of cultural oversimplification were also noted. The study contributes to cultural heritage preservation research by demonstrating the unique role of WeChat mini-programs in combining interactivity with social sharing. It offers practical implications for digital heritage education, preservation strategies, and future cross-cultural communication initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yali Xiao, Verly Veto Vermol* https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Perception on Colour and Typography Used in Local Sarawak Packaging
Colour and typography play a pivotal role in packaging design by capturing attention, reflecting brand identity, and conveying essential product information. These elements exert a stronger visual influence than many other factors, as they evoke emotions and shape consumer perceptions. Strategic application of colour and typography ensures product visibility, enhances brand recognition, and effectively communicates marketing messages, thereby influencing purchasing decisions. Prioritising these elements in packaging is vital for establishing brand presence and achieving market success. Although packaging design is becoming increasingly important in competitive markets, many local Sarawak products have yet to reflect this trend. This study evaluates consumer responses to newly designed packaging that focuses on typographic and colour elements for local Sarawak products. A qualitative approach was employed, using interviews to gain participant insights on ideal typefaces and colour schemes. These findings were validated through direct responses regarding design effectiveness. Incorporating indigenous colour palettes and typographic styles rooted in Sarawak's cultural and natural heritage can effectively express authenticity and product origin. Keywords: Colour, Local Sarawak Packaging, Packaging, Sarawak Product, Typography
Copyright (c) 2025 Nurul Amy Azura Hishamuddin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Animating Heritage: The Sidek Family in Roles in Cultural Branding and Retail Engagement
The Sidek family legacy in Malaysian badminton has transcended sports, evolving into a powerful cultural brand through its animated series, Anak-Anak Sidek. This study explores how the visual narrative of the Sidek brothers, rooted in perseverance, discipline, and national pride has been leveraged to shape cultural branding and consumer experiences across retail contexts, both online and offline. The biographical comic and the animation series of Anak-Anak Sidek has immortalized the family’s journey and is also seen as a strategic tool for identity formation, a symbol of national pride and fostering emotional connections with audiences. Drawing parallels to global franchises like Upin & Ipin and Boboiboy, the Sidek animation exemplifies how local art can drive commercial success, from merchandise and memorabilia to digital platforms. The popularity of the animation has spurred demand for Sidek-branded products, such as comics, apparel, and badminton equipment, sold in physical stores. The recent retrospective experiential marketing like exhibition at the Sultan Alam Shah Museum transformed the story into an immersive retail experience where visitors engaged with trophies, stamps and interactive displays which could enhance emotional connection to the brand. This study highlights the Sidek Family’s role in redefining national identity through visual arts and branding.
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Art and Design https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Understanding Cross-Cultural Variations in Organic Food Purchasing Within Retail Context: A Motivations-Barriers Framework
The global organic food market has expanded rapidly, surpassing USD 200 billion in 2023, yet adoption rates remain uneven across cultural contexts. While consumer motivations such as health consciousness, environmental concern, and ethical values drive demand, barriers including price sensitivity and skepticism toward certification continue to inhibit widespread adoption. Existing studies often examine these drivers in isolation or within single-country settings, limiting cross-cultural generalizability. This conceptual paper develops the Culture-Motivation-Barrier (CMB) framework, integrating Hofstede’s cultural dimensions with the Theory of Planned Behaviour to explain how cultural values moderate the salience of motivations and barriers in shaping organic food purchasing. The framework highlights how individualism and collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation influence consumer decision pathways, while also acknowledging the role of economic moderators such as price sensitivity. From a retailing perspective, the framework underscores the importance of tailoring product labelling, in-store communication, and certification strategies to align with cultural expectations. Theoretically, this work bridges cultural psychology and sustainable consumption, advancing understanding of cross-national differences in consumer behavior. Practically, it offers actionable insights for marketers, retailers, and policymakers to design culturally responsive strategies that foster sustainable food consumption and contribute to global sustainability goals.
The Impact of Buddhist Thought on the Ideology of Jin Dynasty Painting in China
This study investigates the transformative influence of Buddhist philosophy on the ideological structure of painting during the Jin Dynasty (265–420 CE) in China. Employing a qualitative methodology that combines iconographic analysis, historical contextualization, and descriptive interpretation, the research focuses on representative artworks to explore how Buddhist metaphysical principles reshaped visual expression. The study reveals that core Buddhist concepts—such as śūnyatā (emptiness), karma (causality), and transcendence—significantly influenced the shift from representational accuracy to philosophical symbolism. Visual strategies such as negative space, abstract brushwork, and cyclical composition emerged as aesthetic responses to Buddhist cosmology. Furthermore, the findings suggest that Buddhist ideology reframed the painter’s role as a spiritual mediator, elevating painting from decorative function to contemplative practice. This redefinition paralleled broader socio-cultural transitions, including the syncretism of Buddhist and indigenous qi-based worldviews during a politically fragmented era. Methodologically, the research bridges the disciplines of art history, religious studies, and visual semiotics, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of how ideology is encoded within aesthetic forms. The study ultimately argues that the ideological transformation of Jin Dynasty painting under Buddhist influence laid critical groundwork for the development of Chinese art’s introspective and symbolic dimensions, which would later mature in subsequent dynasties. By situating visual culture within its philosophical and historical framework, the paper offers a deeper appreciation of Buddhism’s enduring role in shaping Chinese artistic identity.
Aesthetic Persuasion: How Artistic Packaging and Visual Storytelling Drive Cosmetic Brand Choices
In the intensely competitive cosmetics market, brands must transcend mere functionality to engage consumers through sensory and emotional appeal. This study investigates how artistic packaging and visual storytelling serve as mechanisms of aesthetic persuasion that shape cosmetic brand choice, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a conceptual foundation. It is theorized that these aesthetic cues influence attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, which in turn affect purchase intention. To empirically validate the proposed framework, this study will employ a quantitative research design involving an online survey of 200 cosmetic consumers. Measurement items will be adapted from established scales in prior literature, ensuring content validity. Data will be analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships and assess the model’s predictive power. The findings are expected to provide theoretical contributions by extending TPB to aesthetic persuasion contexts and practical implications for cosmetic marketers aiming to leverage artistic branding strategies to influence consumer choice.
Enhancing User Engagement with Ergonomic E-Waste Recycling Bins in Retail Environments
Electronic waste (e-waste) disposal remains a significant environmental challenge in Malaysia, particularly within urban retail environments. This study aims to understand the factors that influence consumers’ intentions to recycle e-waste, focusing on Generation Y. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the research examines how attitudes, perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, influencer credibility, and ergonomic design impact recycling intentions. An online survey will be collected from 200 respondents via purposive sampling, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) will be used for analysis. The findings are expected to show that positive attitudes, perceived ease of recycling, strong social norms, and credible influencer attributes significantly increase the intention to recycle e-waste. Ergonomic design features are also anticipated to enhance perceived behavioural control. The study concludes that promoting awareness, improving design, and leveraging social influence can effectively increase e-waste recycling participation. The contribution of this research lies in providing actionable insights for retailers and policymakers to develop effective strategies that boost recycling efforts and support sustainable waste management in Malaysia.
Smart Retail, Smarter Decisions: Conceptualizing the Antecedents of Consumer Intention to Use Intelligent Retail Systems
Smart retail technologies are reshaping the retail landscape by integrating advanced digital innovations such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and automation into consumer shopping experiences. These intelligent systems, which include features like automated checkouts, AI-driven product recommendations, and smart shopping carts, promise to enhance operational efficiency and deliver personalized, seamless customer interactions. However, despite their potential, consumer intention to adopt such technologies varies significantly across different markets and cultural contexts. This conceptual paper investigates the underlying antecedents influencing consumer intention to use intelligent retail systems by synthesizing insights from established technology adoption theories including the Technology Acceptance Model, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, and hedonic motivation theory. Through a systematic review of 93 recent studies on smart retail technologies, this study identifies various influential factors such as trust, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, animacy, emotional engagement, and motivational drivers. The paper also highlights global trends in smart retail adoption while emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities in emerging markets such as Malaysia. By proposing a comprehensive conceptual framework, this study offers theoretical and practical insights for designing consumer-centric intelligent retail solutions that foster greater acceptance and sustainable engagement.
Virtual Art Applications in Promoting Local Entrepreneurial Products on Shopee Malaysia
Virtual art has emerged as a transformative force in the evolving landscape of digital retail, particularly within e-commerce platforms such as Shopee Malaysia. This review critically examines the role of virtual art encompassing digital illustrations, augmented visuals, motion graphics, and immersive design elements in promoting products by local entrepreneurs. It highlights how these creative tools enhance brand storytelling, strengthen consumer trust, and foster emotional engagement, especially for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) operating with limited marketing resources. Drawing upon interdisciplinary literature, the paper explores the ways in which Malaysian sellers utilize virtual aesthetics to embed cultural identity and product value in highly competitive digital marketplaces. In addition, it addresses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including limited design literacy, financial constraints, and low awareness of the strategic potential of visual content. The review concludes by identifying future opportunities for capacity building, platform support, and collaborative innovation to democratize the use of virtual art in local entrepreneurship.
Visual arts and retail share a profound connection through their focus on aesthetics, emotional resonance, and storytelling. As retail transforms, visual creativity becomes increasingly central to building brand identity, capturing consumer attention, and delivering immersive experiences. In the digital space, high-quality imagery including photography, video content, and graphic design helps brands forge emotional bonds with audiences. Social media, user-generated content, and influencer marketing amplify this visual strategy, enhancing visibility and reinforcing brand recognition. Since digital channels now function as storefronts, cohesive visual presentation is key to a strong online presence. In physical retail environments, creative visual merchandising, immersive design, and interactive technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) enhance the shopper experience, increase engagement, and elevate customer satisfaction. Premium retailers leverage artistic window displays, thematic layouts, and tech-driven installations to stand out. By blending aesthetics, psychological insights, and spatial design, visual arts continue to redefine the shopping journey. Businesses that embrace artistic elements in their branding and customer interactions can build loyalty, differentiate themselves, and drive lasting success.
Mappacci Ritual Objects and Symbolism in Sarawak’s Bugis Wedding Tradition
The Bugis tribe in Sarawak practices mappabotting, a marriage ritual that holds considerable importance within their cultural framework. Nevertheless, certain individuals within the Bugis community have ceased their involvement in these rituals because of the transition towards Sarawak Malay culture. This study analyses the various objects utilised in the mappacci wedding ceremony, such as pillows, sarongs, banana leaves, jackfruit leaves, candles, henna leaves, metal, rice, water, coconut oil, betel leaves, and cigarettes. The research employs a qualitative approach, incorporating direct interviews with informed Bugis participants and observations of the ceremony. This approach incorporates secondary sources to collect pertinent information related to Carl G. Jung's theory, especially in relation to archetypes and symbolic objects. Academicians, researchers, curators, and museum departments can leverage this research to gain deeper insights into the mappacci ritual objects and the symbolism inherent in Bugis wedding traditions in Sarawak.
Conceptual Framework for Chinese Lacquer Painting Styles in the Context of Social Media
In the context of the rapid development of digital media, the perception pathways of traditional art are gradually changing. Chinese lacquer painting, as a unique medium that integrates contemporary art and traditional craftsmanship, possesses diverse artistic styles. However, the audience's perception and understanding of it remain quite limited. Therefore, this study focuses on the conceptual framework of the visual characteristics of lacquer painting styles. The framework is constructed by systematically reviewing relevant academic literature both domestically and internationally. The study extracts the key dimensions of lacquer painting style through a literature review, including artistic style, thematic content, and regional characteristics. Construct the conceptual framework of "how stylistic features influence visual perception." These dimensions are further integrated into a three-layer structure, serving as the theoretical foundation for subsequent empirical analysis and communication strategy formulation. This study aims to reveal how emerging adults in China form perception responses to lacquer painting styles through visual contact. It also provides conceptual support for the future interpretation of Chinese lacquer painting styles and public aesthetic education.