Communicating Food Heritage in the Digital Age: A Study on the Multisensory and Participatory Design of the Guangxi Rice Noodles Museum

Abstract

Based on the critical underrepresentation of regional food heritage in conventional museum practices, this study proposes the design and theoretical underpinnings of the Guangxi Rice Noodles Museum, a hybrid digital-physical exhibition. The project aims to preserve and communicate the cultural significance of Guangxi rice noodles as both tangible and intangible heritage, fostering intergenerational transmission and critical reflection on its commercial value. Drawing on participatory museology and sensory studies, the methodology integrates immersive technologies—including markerless AR, VR cooking simulations, multilingual voice interaction, and motion-triggered scent devices—with community-driven content collection and inclusive design principles. The research results in a detailed, implementable framework comprising a structured content data model, user journey mapping, and functional specifications for interactive systems. It is concluded that this multisensory and participatory approach effectively transforms everyday food culture into an engaging heritage experience, bridging the gap between local knowledge and global audiences. The museum model demonstrates how digital curation can serve as a platform for cultural democratization, inclusivity, and sustainable heritage practice, positioning regional culinary traditions within broader discourses of identity and memory.