Human-Centered Design Optimization of VR Museums for Bronze Wine Vessels: A Systematic AHP–QFD Approach
Source abstract
Abstract
While digital heritage preservation often prioritizes visual fidelity, it frequently overlooks cultural narratives and emotional resonance. This study proposes a systematic human-centered design (HCD) framework integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) to optimize Virtual Reality (VR) museums for ancient bronze vessels. By mapping 35 user requirements onto 25 technical parameters through the House of Quality (HOQ), the research identifies “Cultural Memory Inheritance,” “Artistic Expression,” and “Emotional Resonance” as the pivotal requirements. These findings suggest that technical specifications should serve as a foundation for narrative depth rather than as ultimate objectives. A synergistic strategy—comprising technical implementation, semantic translation, and effectiveness enhancement—is delineated to guide design priorities. Validated through a prototype VR system, this framework offers a replicable, data-driven methodology for cultural digitization, advocating for a value-oriented paradigm in immersive museum design grounded in authenticity and emotional engagement.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage · Color perception and design · Museums and Cultural Heritage
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Art and Design, Shanghai Dianji University, Shanghai 200240, China
Division of Arts, School of Art and Design, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Graduate School of Creative Industry Design, National Taiwan University of Arts, New Taipei City 220241, Taiwan
Funding
Shanghai Educational Science Research Project · China Arts and Crafts Association Project, Beijing · Sichuan Animation and Comic Research Center · Shanghai Key Course Construction Project “Animation Design” · Shanghai Dianji University Digital Intelligence Course Construction · Shanghai College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program
References (97)
Show source-provided references
1. UNESCO (2003). Charter on the Preservation of the Digital Heritage, UNESCO.
2. La Guardia, M., Koeva, M., and Lo Brutto, M. (2025). Digital Innovation for the Documentation, Management, and Fruition of Cultural Heritage. Heritage, 8.10.3390/heritage8080292 ↗
3. Lian, Y., and Xie, J. (2024). The Evolution of Digital Cultural Heritage Research: Identifying Key Trends, Hotspots, and Challenges through Bibliometric Analysis. Sustainability, 16.10.3390/su16167125 ↗
4. Cultural Heritage Preservation by Using Blockchain Technologies10.1186/s40494-021-00643-9 ↗
5. Digitalizing Cultural Heritage through Metaverse Applications: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies10.1186/s40494-024-01403-1 ↗
6. A Framework Study on the Use of Immersive XR Technologies in the Cultural Heritage Domain10.1016/j.culher.2023.06.001 ↗
7. Virtual Museums. Captured Reality and 3D Modeling10.1016/j.culher.2020.04.013 ↗
8. Sayaf, A., Alamri, M., Alqahtani, M., and Al-Rahmi, W. (2021). Information and Communications Technology Used in Higher Education: An Empirical Study on Digital Learning as Sustainability. Sustainability, 13.10.3390/su13137074 ↗
9. Understanding the Role of Digital Technologies in Education: A Review
10. He, Y., Zhao, H., Liu, L., and Xu, H. (2022). Brewing and Serving Alcoholic Beverages to Erlitou Elites of Prehistoric China: Residue Analysis of Ceramic Vessels. Front. Ecol. Evol., 10.10.3389/fevo.2022.845065 ↗
11. Lipid Residue Analysis of Chinese Ritual Bronzes: Methodological and Archaeological Implications10.1016/j.jas.2022.105684 ↗
12. Li, S. (2011). Chinese Bronze Ware, Cambridge University Press.
13. Visual Narrative of Ethnic Identity: Preserving Chinese Culture through Traditional Hand-Drawn Batik Lasem10.33153/dewaruci.v20i1.6483 ↗
14. Construction of Digital Creation Development Model of Intangible Cultural Heritage Crafts in China10.1057/s41599-024-04331-4 ↗
15. Tao, T., and Park, H.W. (2025). The Structure of the Semantic Network Regarding “East Asian Cultural Capital” on Chinese Social Media Under the Framework of Cultural Development Policy. Information, 16.10.3390/info16080673 ↗
16. Mixed Reality (XR) Research and Practice: Exploring a New Paradigm in Education10.24135/pjtel.v3i1.104 ↗
17. Li, Z., Drew, M., and Liu, J. (2021). Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Progress in Information Systems, Springer.10.1007/978-3-030-62124-7_20 ↗
18. Reality Check: Basics of Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality10.1080/02763869.2017.1293987 ↗
19. Augmented, Mixed, and Virtual Reality-Based Head-Mounted Devices for Medical Education: Systematic Review10.2196/29080 ↗
20. Gamification of Virtual Museum Curation: A Case Study of Chinese Bronze Wares10.1186/s40494-024-01464-2 ↗
21. Škola, F., Rizvić, S., Cozza, M., Barbieri, L., Bruno, F., Skarlatos, D., and Liarokapis, F. (2020). Virtual Reality with 360-Video Storytelling in Cultural Heritage: Study of Presence, Engagement, and Immersion. Sensors, 20.10.3390/s20205851 ↗
22. From 3D reconstruction to virtual reality: A complete methodology for digital archaeological exhibition10.1016/j.culher.2009.02.006 ↗
23. Kantaros, A., Ganetsos, T., and Petrescu, F.I.T. (2023). Three-Dimensional Printing and 3D Scanning: Emerging Technologies Exhibiting High Potential in the Field of Cultural Heritage. Appl. Sci., 13.10.3390/app13084777 ↗
24. Kantaros, A., Douros, P., Soulis, E., Brachos, K., Ganetsos, T., Peppa, E., Manta, E., and Alysandratou, E. (2025). 3D Imaging and Additive Manufacturing for Original Artifact Preservation Purposes: A Case Study from the Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupolis. Heritage, 8.10.3390/heritage8020080 ↗
25. Soto-Martin, O., Fuentes-Porto, A., and Martin-Gutierrez, J. (2020). A Digital Reconstruction of a Historical Building and Virtual Reintegration of Mural Paintings to Create an Interactive and Immersive Experience in Virtual Reality. Appl. Sci., 10.10.3390/app10020597 ↗
26. An Integrated VR/AR Framework for User-Centric Interactive Experience of Cultural Heritage: The ArkaeVision Project
27. AI-Assisted Landscape Design Optimization and Innovation Research Based on AI Assistance10.37394/232018.2025.13.3 ↗
28. Evaluating Visitor Experience of Digital Interpretation and Presentation Technologies at Cultural Heritage Sites: A Case Study of the Old Town, Zuoying10.1186/s43238-020-00016-4 ↗
29. Abgaz, Y., Rocha Souza, R., Methuku, J., Koch, G., and Dorn, A. (2021). A Methodology for Semantic Enrichment of Cultural Heritage Images Using Artificial Intelligence Technologies. J. Imaging, 7.10.3390/jimaging7080121 ↗
30. Bayat, R., De Maio, E., Fiorenza, J., Migliorini, M., and Lamberti, F. (2024). Exploring Methodologies to Create a Unified VR User-Experience in the Field of Virtual Museum Experiences. Proceedings of the 2024 IEEE Gaming, Entertainment, and Media Conference (GEM), Turin, Italy, 5 June 2024, IEEE.10.1109/GEM61861.2024.10585452 ↗
31. VirtuNarrator: Crafting Museum Narratives via Spatial Layout in Creating Customized Virtual Museums10.1016/j.visinf.2025.100257 ↗
32. Identifying Key Factors Influencing Immersive Experiences in Virtual Reality Enhanced Museums10.1038/s41598-025-15628-y ↗
33. A Systematic Review of Virtual 3D Reconstructions of Cultural Heritage in Immersive Virtual Reality10.1007/s11042-024-18700-3 ↗
34. Boutsi, A.-M., Ioannidis, C., and Soile, S. (2019). An Integrated Approach to 3D Web Visualization of Cultural Heritage Heterogeneous Datasets. Remote Sens., 11.10.3390/rs11212508 ↗
35. Visualization of Cultural Heritage Collection Data: State of the Art and Future Challenges10.1109/TVCG.2018.2830759 ↗
36. Comes, R., Neamțu, C.G.D., Grec, C., Buna, Z.L., Găzdac, C., and Mateescu-Suciu, L. (2022). Digital Reconstruction of Fragmented Cultural Heritage Assets: The Case Study of the Dacian Embossed Disk from Piatra Roșie. Appl. Sci., 12.10.3390/app12168131 ↗
37. Cultural Relics Restoration Technology in Virtual Reality: Application of 3D Modeling and Rendering Algorithms in Cultural Relics Digitization10.61707/j205b632 ↗
38. Pagano, A., Palombini, A., Bozzelli, G., De Nino, M., Cerato, I., and Ricciardi, S. (2020). ArkaeVision VR Game: User Experience Research between Real and Virtual Paestum. Appl. Sci., 10.10.3390/app10093182 ↗
39. Comprehensive Systematic Review on Virtual Reality for Cultural Heritage Practices: Coherent Taxonomy and Motivations10.1007/s00530-021-00869-4 ↗
40. The Impact of Multisensory Integration and Perceptual Load in Virtual Reality Settings on Performance, Workload and Presence10.1038/s41598-021-84196-8 ↗
41. Multimodality in VR: A Survey
42. Evaluating User Experience in Cultural Heritage through Virtual Reality Simulations10.4995/var.2024.22556 ↗
43. What Makes Immersive Virtual Reality the Ultimate Empathy Machine? Discerning the Underlying Mechanisms of Change10.1016/j.chb.2020.106431 ↗
44. Virtual Reality Supports Perspective Taking in Cultural Heritage Interpretation10.1016/j.chb.2023.107911 ↗
45. Embodied Cognition Model for Museum Gamification Cultural Heritage Communication a Grounded Theory Study10.1038/s40494-025-01821-9 ↗
46. Research on Digital Experience Game Design for Intangible Cultural Heritage Communication: Starting from the “Digital Scripture Cave” of Dunhuang Academy10.54097/ctmezv16 ↗
47. Bekele, M.K., and Champion, E. (2019). A Comparison of Immersive Realities and Interaction Methods: Cultural Learning in Virtual Heritage. Front. Robot. AI, 6.10.3389/frobt.2019.00091 ↗
48. Embodied Reconstruction of Digital Museum Applications: A New Paradigm for Cultural Communication Based on Perceptual Extension and Immersive Interaction10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-9-2025-1593-2025 ↗
49. Yu, Y., and Hu, W. (2025). Three-Dimensional Modeling and AI-Assisted Contextual Narratives in Digital Heritage Education: Course for Enhancing Design Skill, Cultural Awareness, and User Experience. Heritage, 8.10.3390/heritage8070280 ↗
50. Exploration on Interactive Narrative Application of Museum Digital Exhibition under the Background of Digital Transformation: A Case Study of Hubei Provincial Museum10.54097/whkgxq03 ↗
51. Art (Pre)History: Ritual, Narrative and Visual Culture in Neolithic and Bronze Age Europe10.1007/s10816-020-09471-w ↗
52. Archaeological Context and the Correlating Concept of Value10.11648/j.ijp.20251304.11 ↗
53. Poux, F., Valembois, Q., Mattes, C., Kobbelt, L., and Billen, R. (2020). Initial User-Centered Design of a Virtual Reality Heritage System: Applications for Digital Tourism. Remote Sens., 12.10.3390/rs12162583 ↗
54. Sangamuang, S., Wongwan, N., Intawong, K., Khanchai, S., and Puritat, K. (2025). Gamification in Virtual Reality Museums: Effects on Hedonic and Eudaimonic Experiences in Cultural Heritage Learning. Informatics, 12.10.3390/informatics12010027 ↗
55. Xu, H., Li, Y., and Tian, F. (2025). Contrasting Physical and Virtual Museum Experiences: A Study of Audience Behavior in Replica-Based Environments. Sensors, 25.10.3390/s25134046 ↗
56. Pisoni, G., Díaz-Rodríguez, N., Gijlers, H., and Tonolli, L. (2021). Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence for Designing Accessible Cultural Heritage. Appl. Sci., 11.10.3390/app11020870 ↗
57. Zidianakis, E., Partarakis, N., Ntoa, S., Dimopoulos, A., Kopidaki, S., Ntagianta, A., Ntafotis, E., Xhako, A., Pervolarakis, Z., and Kontaki, E. (2021). The Invisible Museum: A User-Centric Platform for Creating Virtual 3D Exhibitions with VR Support. Electronics, 10.10.3390/electronics10030363 ↗
58. What Drives Users to Adopt a Digital Museum? A Case of Virtual Exhibition Hall of National Costume Museum10.1177/21582440221082105 ↗
59. A Meta-Analytic Review on Incorporating Virtual and Augmented Reality in Museum Learning10.1016/j.edurev.2022.100454 ↗
60. Incorporating AR/VR-Assisted Learning into Informal Science Institutions: A Systematic Review10.1007/s10055-023-00789-w ↗
61. Enhancing Learning and Knowledge Retention of Abstract Physics Concepts with Virtual Reality10.1109/TVCG.2025.3616826 ↗
62. Chang, S., and Suh, J. (2025). The Impact of Digital Storytelling on Presence, Immersion, Enjoyment, and Continued Usage Intention in VR-Based Museum Exhibitions. Sensors, 25.10.3390/s25092914 ↗
63. Pietroni, E. (2019). Experience Design, Virtual Reality and Media Hybridization for the Digital Communication Inside Museums. Appl. Syst. Innov., 2.10.3390/asi2040035 ↗
64. Tourism Marketing in a Metaverse Context: The New Reality of European Museums on Meta
65. Roussou, M., and Katifori, A. (2018). Flow, Staging, Wayfinding, Personalization: Evaluating User Experience with Mobile Museum Narratives. Multimodal Technol. Interact., 2.10.3390/mti2020032 ↗
66. Daniela, L. (2020). Virtual Museums as Learning Agents. Sustainability, 12.10.3390/su12072698 ↗
67. Enhancing User Experience in Interactive Virtual Museums for Cultural Heritage Learning Through Extended Reality: The Case of Sanxingdui Bronzes10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3556938 ↗
68. Towards a Model of User Experience in Immersive Virtual Environments
69. User Experiences of Virtual Reality Technologies for Healthcare in Learning: An Integrative Review
70. The Analytic Hierarchy Process—What It Is and How It Is Used10.1016/0270-0255(87)90473-8 ↗
71. Akao, Y. (1990). Quality Function Deployment: Integrating Customer Requirements into Product Design, Productivity Press.
72. The Leading Edge in QFD: Past, Present and Future10.1108/02656710310453791 ↗
73. Multidisciplinary Criteria for the Quality of E-Learning Services Design10.1016/j.chb.2019.04.003 ↗
74. Integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process and Its Applications–A Literature Review10.1016/j.ejor.2007.01.004 ↗
75. Integrating AHP with QFD for Robot Selection under Requirement Perspective10.1080/00207540500137217 ↗
76. Experiencing Immersive Virtual Reality in Museums10.1016/j.im.2019.103229 ↗
77. Design of Digital Museum System Based on Optimized Virtual Reality Technology10.17762/ijcnis.v15i1.5885 ↗
78. Hall, S. (2019). Encoding—Decoding (1980). Crime and Media, Routledge.10.4324/9780367809195-6 ↗
79. Barthes, R. (1977). Elements of Semiology, Macmillan.
80. Jakobson, R. (1987). Language in Literature, Harvard University Press.
81. Norman, D. (2013). The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition, Basic Books.
82. Integrating Material and Digital: A New Way for Cultural Heritage10.1145/2486227.2486239 ↗
83. Personalized Saliency in Task-Oriented Semantic Communications: Image Transmission and Performance Analysis10.1109/JSAC.2022.3221990 ↗
84. Enhancing the Effectiveness of Consumer-Focused Health Information Technology Systems Through eHealth Literacy: A Framework for Understanding Users’ Needs10.2196/humanfactors.3696 ↗
85. A Study on Audience Perception of Aesthetic Experience in Dance Performance
86. Fang, W.-T., Sun, J.-H., and Liang, Q.-D. (2022). Reflections on the Battle against COVID-19: The Effects of Emotional Design Factors on the Communication of Audio-Visual Art. Front. Psychol., 13.10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1032808 ↗
87. The Trilogy of Mind: Cognition, Affection, and Conation10.1002/1520-6696(198004)16:2<107::AID-JHBS2300160202>3.0.CO;2-Y ↗
88. Aronson, E., Wilson, T.D., and Sommers, S.R. (2010). Social Psychology, Pearson Education.
89. Virtual Museums, a Survey and Some Issues for Consideration10.1016/j.culher.2009.03.003 ↗
90. Roussou, M., and Drettakis, G. (2003). Photorealism and Non-Photorealism in Virtual Heritage Representation. Proceedings of the First Eurographics Workshop on Graphics and Cultural Heritage, Eurographics Association.
91. Gao, Y., and Spence, C. (2025). Enhancing Presence, Immersion, and Interaction in Multisensory Experiences Through Touch and Haptic Feedback. Virtual Worlds, 4.10.3390/virtualworlds4010003 ↗
92. Knowledge-Based Data Enrichment for HBIM: Exploring High-Quality Models Using the Semantic-Web10.1016/j.culher.2017.05.004 ↗
93. Champion, E. (2016). Critical Gaming: Interactive History and Virtual Heritage, Routledge.10.4324/9781315574981 ↗
94. The Authenticity of the Museum Experience in the Digital Age: The Case of the Louvre10.1007/s10824-017-9309-x ↗
95. Assmann, J. (2011). Cultural Memory and Early Civilization: Writing, Remembrance, and Political Imagination, Cambridge University Press.10.1017/CBO9780511996306 ↗
96. Learning Cultural Heritage by Serious Games10.1016/j.culher.2013.04.004 ↗
97. Virtual Reality, Presence, and Attitude Change: Empirical Evidence from Tourism10.1016/j.tourman.2017.12.003 ↗