2025/09/30 by Xiaohu, Liu, Tippichai, Atit, Gangyi Tan +1
Arts and Humanities · #Arts and Humanities #Education #Medicine and Health Sciences #Social and Behavioral Sciences
paper · doi:10.17605/osf.io/tbprk
This scoping review examines the current landscape of virtual reality (VR) applications in the preservation of embroidery as intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Using the JBI Scoping Review methodology and PRISMA-ScR framework, 721 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were retrieved from Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and CNKI, of which 44 studies were included after screening. Bibliometric and thematic analyses, conducted with VOSviewer and Excel, categorized the literature into three dimensions—technology, users, and sociocultural context—across 15 subthemes. Results show a marked increase in research since 2020, led primarily by Chinese scholars. Most studies emphasize immersive VR, 3D modeling, and multimodal interaction, while notable gaps remain in high-fidelity texture rendering, AI-assisted pattern generation, cross-platform deployment, and systematic user evaluation. Issues of copyright governance and cultural authenticity are also underexplored. To address these imbalances, this review introduces the STICH framework—Stitch fidelity, Tactile flow, Iconographic resonance, Co-creation, and Heritage outcomes—which provides a structured analytical lens for evaluating and advancing VR applications in embroidery ICH. The findings highlight pathways toward low-cost, high-fidelity systems, cross-cultural evaluation frameworks, and community-centered governance models. This study offers valuable insights for researchers, designers, and policymakers seeking to develop sustainable and inclusive digital strategies for cultural heritage preservation through VR. Keywords: Virtual Reality; Intangible Cultural Heritage; Embroidery; Digital Museum; Cultural Preservation; Scoping Review; Immersive Technologies; Interactive Design; VOSviewer; PRISMA-ScR