Designing and Evaluating a Digital Heritage Platform for Indigenous Cultural Practices

Thesis Abstract

The rapid decline of indigenous cultural practices and the erosion of traditional knowledge pose significant challenges to cultural preservation and transmission, particularly in the digital age where globalization and modernization threaten the continuity of indigenous identities. Addressing this concern, the study aims to design and evaluate a digital heritage platform that facilitates the documentation, dissemination, and engagement with indigenous cultural practices. The specific objectives are threefold first, to develop a culturally sensitive and user-friendly digital platform that captures various dimensions of indigenous customs, rituals, and oral histories; second, to assess the platform's usability, cultural authenticity, and engagement levels among indigenous community members; and third, to evaluate the platform's effectiveness in promoting cultural awareness and continuity among diverse user groups. Employing a mix-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches to comprehensively explore the design process, implementation, and impact of the digital platform. The population comprises indigenous community members, cultural practitioners, and digital technologists within a specific region known for its rich indigenous heritage, with a target sample size of 200 participants for quantitative surveys and 20 key informants for in-depth interviews. Stratified random sampling ensures representative participation across age groups, gender, and cultural subgroups. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires measuring perceived usability, cultural authenticity, and engagement; semi-structured interview guides to explore contextual insights; and usability testing protocols to observe platform interaction. Validity and reliability are established through pilot testing, expert validation, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8 for questionnaire scales. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis to identify predictors of engagement, and ANOVA to compare demographic groups, while qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis to extract recurrent themes related to cultural authenticity, user experience, and perceived impact. The study anticipates that the digital heritage platform will significantly enhance cultural accessibility and intergenerational transmission, evidenced by increased engagement scores and positive thematic feedback regarding cultural authenticity. It is expected that regression analysis will reveal age, education level, and digital literacy as predictors of platform engagement, while thematic analysis will identify key factors influencing perceived authenticity and user involvement. The findings will contribute to the body of knowledge by providing a validated framework for culturally sensitive digital heritage platforms, illustrating best practices in design and user engagement specific to indigenous contexts, and highlighting the potential of digital technology as a tool for cultural sustainability. The main conclusion emphasizes that a thoughtfully designed digital heritage platform can serve as an effective mechanism for preserving and promoting indigenous cultural practices, provided that cultural authenticity, community participation, and user-centered design principles are prioritized. Recommendations include fostering collaborative development involving indigenous communities, integrating multimedia elements to enrich cultural storytelling, and expanding access through mobile platforms and local digital initiatives. The study also advocates for policy frameworks supporting digital cultural preservation, capacity building for indigenous digital content creators, and further research on long-term impacts of digital dissemination on intergenerational cultural transmission. Overall, this research underscores the vital role of digital innovation in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and offers a replicable model adaptable to diverse indigenous settings worldwide.