A Framework for Integrating Digital Technology in Traditional Textile Art Practice

Thesis Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed artistic practices across various disciplines, yet the integration of digital tools within traditional textile arts remains underexplored despite its potential to enhance creative expression, preserve cultural heritage, and expand market accessibility. This study addresses the persistent gap in frameworks guiding the effective incorporation of digital technologies into traditional textile art practices, emphasizing the need for a systematic approach that balances technological innovation with cultural authenticity. The primary aim is to develop and validate a comprehensive framework that facilitates the integration of digital tools into traditional textile art, thereby fostering sustainable innovation and cultural continuity among textile artisans. To achieve this, the research adopts a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design comprising qualitative and quantitative phases. The qualitative phase involves in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 30 experienced textile artisans, digital technologists, and art curators from weaving communities and textile design institutions, aimed at understanding current practices, perceptions, and challenges associated with digital integration. Thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo software is employed to identify core themes and patterns. Findings from this phase inform the development of an initial conceptual framework, which is subsequently subjected to quantitative validation through a survey administered to a broader population of 150 textile artists across diverse regions, sampled via stratified random sampling. The survey includes Likert-scale items and demographic variables, with data analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to test relationships among identified constructs, guided by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. Key expected findings include identification of the critical factors influencing digital adoption in textile art, such as technological accessibility, cultural perceived compatibility, skill levels, and institutional support. The SEM analysis is anticipated to reveal significant pathways through which these factors impact artisans’ willingness and capacity to incorporate digital tools, providing empirical validation for the proposed framework. The research also seeks to uncover the barriers, facilitators, and cultural considerations pertinent to digital integration, resulting in a contextually relevant, adaptable model tailored to the needs of traditional textile communities. This study contributes to knowledge by offering the first comprehensive, empirically validated framework specifically designed for integrating digital technology within traditional textile practices, grounded in theoretical insights and contextual realities. It advances understanding of the interplay between technological innovation and cultural preservation, providing a strategic blueprint for policymakers, educators, and artisans committed to sustainable artistic evolution. The main conclusion underscores the importance of a participatory, culturally sensitive approach to digital integration, emphasizing capacity building, infrastructural support, and ongoing mentorship programs. Recommended actions include the development of tailored training modules, policy guidelines for digital resource allocation, and collaborative platforms that promote knowledge exchange among textile artists, technologists, and cultural institutions. The study suggests further research to evaluate the framework’s application across different textile traditions and emerging digital technologies such as augmented reality and 3D printing, aiming to refine and expand its relevance. Overall, the findings shall serve as a critical reference point for strategic interventions that foster innovative yet culturally respectful digital adaptation in traditional textile artistry.