Exploring Public Engagement with Interactive Murals in Urban Environments

Thesis Abstract

Urban public art has increasingly integrated interactive murals as a means to foster community engagement and enhance urban aesthetics. However, limited empirical research exists on how such murals influence public participation, perception, and social cohesion within city environments. This study aims to explore the factors that drive public engagement with interactive murals in urban spaces, specifically examining the roles of visual appeal, interactivity features, cultural relevance, and social context. The specific objectives include identifying the key elements that promote engagement, analyzing demographic and psychographic factors influencing participation, and assessing the impact of interactive murals on community identity and social interactions. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of public engagement dynamics. The target population comprises urban residents and visitors in a metropolitan city with a diverse demographic profile, with a total sample size of 400 participants for the quantitative component obtained through stratified random sampling, and 20 in-depth interviews conducted with artists, urban planners, and community leaders to contextualize quantitative findings. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires designed to measure engagement levels, perceived interactivity, aesthetic appeal, and cultural relevance, complemented by semi-structured interview guides. Validity and reliability are ensured through pilot testing of instruments, triangulation, and member checking. Data analysis involves descriptive statistics to profile respondents, correlation analysis to examine relationships among engagement variables, and multiple regression analysis to identify significant predictors of audience participation. Qualitative data are analyzed thematically using NVivo software to explore underlying motivations, perceptions, and contextual factors influencing engagement. The theoretical framework integrates the Uses and Gratifications Theory to understand user motivations and the Theory of Planned Behavior to analyze behavioral intentions related to interaction with murals. Preliminary expectations suggest that visually appealing and culturally resonant murals with interactive features will significantly increase public engagement and foster stronger community bonds. The study anticipates identifying demographic variables such as age, educational background, and length of residency as moderating factors. Findings are expected to demonstrate that murals serving as civic art and social catalysts enhance community identity and collective memory, corroborating previous theoretical models with contextual insights. This research intends to contribute to the body of knowledge by providing an empirical framework for designing and implementing interactive murals that maximize public participation and social benefits. It will offer actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban designers, and artists on leveraging interactivity to promote civic engagement and social cohesion. The main conclusion emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant, accessible, and aesthetically engaging murals in fostering active public participation within urban environments. The study advocates for integrated strategies that involve community input during the design process, continuous evaluation of engagement levels, and the development of policy frameworks supporting interactive public art initiatives. Future research directions include longitudinal studies to assess sustained engagement effects and comparative analyses across different urban contexts to generalize findings broadly.