Understanding Users’ Behavior Intention of Serious Games for Intangible Cultural Heritage Based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response Model

Abstract

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) represents a major component of the global cultural heritage. It is confronted with challenges in its preservation and transmission. Unlike tangible cultural heritage, which has seen extensive research through serious games, ICH has not received similar attention. Despite the prevalent application of serious games in previous research on cultural heritage conservation, the focus has primarily been on ICH. However, their importance has been largely ignored in the scholarly investigation of ICH preservation. We propose a theoretical model that combines the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), with a survey of 551 gamers utilized for data collection. Our results indicate that the three stimuli of serious games (enjoyment, cultural identity, and aesthetic quality) significantly impact user perceptions. Furthermore, these perceptions (i.e., perceived usefulness, ease of use, entertainment, and empathy) all positively influence user behavioral intentions. This research increases the understanding of user engagement with serious games for ICH and offers valuable insights for designers and stakeholders in the development of these educational tools.

Keywords:

• Serious games
• intangible cultural heritage
• SOR model
• TAM model

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the teachers, students, and participants who contributed their time and suggestions to this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yiqun Bai

Yiqun Bai, Master of Art Design, Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Visual Communication Design of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts. Her research interests include traditional culture, brand design and visual innovation design.

Shan Wu

Shan Wu was born in Guizhou, China, in 1986. She is currently a lecturer at Jingchu University of Technology, China. Her research focuses on innovative design, theory of art and visual communication. She received her master’s degree in communication from Xiangtan University.

Ren Liu

Ren Liu was born in Liaoning, China, in 1981. He is currently an associate professor at Institute of Visual Communication Design, Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, Dalian, China. His research focuses on visual innovative design.

Feiyu Zheng

Feiyu Zheng is a Masters student in the Design Science at Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in the Institute of Visual Communication Design from Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts. Her research interests include brand innovative design and regional cultural.