Enhancing Cultural Sustainability in Ethnographic Museums: A Multi-Dimensional Visitor Experience Framework Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Chao Ruan (), Suhui Qiu and Hang Yao
Additional contact information
Chao Ruan: Art and Design Institute, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Suhui Qiu: Art and Design Institute, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Hang Yao: Art and Design Institute, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-20

Abstract: This study examines how a visitor-centered approach enhances engagement, participation, and intangible heritage transmission to support cultural sustainability in ethnographic museums. We conducted online and on-site behavioral observations, questionnaire surveys, and in-depth interviews at the She Ethnic Minority Museum to identify gaps in current visitor experience design. We combined the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the Contextual Model of Learning (POE) and Emotional Experience Theory (EET) to develop a hierarchical evaluation model. The model comprises one goal layer, three criterion layers (Experience, Participation, Transmission), and twelve sub-criteria, each evaluated across People, Object, and Environment dimensions. Quantitative weighting revealed that participation exerts the greatest influence, followed by transmission and experience. Findings indicate that targeted interventions promoting active participation most effectively foster emotional resonance and heritage transmission, while strategies supporting intergenerational engagement and immersive experiences also play a significant role. We recommend prioritizing small-scale, low-cost participatory initiatives and integrating online and offline community engagement to establish a participatory chain where engagement leads to meaningful experiences and sustained cultural transmission. These insights offer practical guidance for museum practitioners and policymakers seeking to enhance visitor experiences and ensure the long-term preservation and vibrancy of ethnic minority cultural heritage.

Keywords: ethnic minority culture sustainability; museum of ethnic minority culture; museum visitors experiences; AHP (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/15/6915/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/15/6915/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6915-:d:1713192

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().