Ting Han Chen
Adjunct Associate Professor
Yuan-Ze University, Taiwan
Play Design Lab

Traditional manufacturing factories transitioning into cultural attractions often face difficulties in providing consistent, high-quality guided tours, as these tours are labor-intensive and challenging to standardize. Digital technology presents a compelling solution through self-guided tours, yet many existing systems focus solely on website or information system design, failing to seamlessly integrate physical and digital experiences.

This study proposes a service design approach for a more user-centric digital tour system, exemplified by the author’s design for Rixing Type Foundry, a traditional Chinese lead type manufacturer turned museum. The system enhances visitor engagement by combining digital content—such as visual aids, audio guides, and contextual information—with physical exhibits, allowing visitors to use their mobile devices for self-guided tours.

Rather than replacing human guides, the project enhances their roles by integrating digital tools, allowing them to focus on more meaningful in-person interactions. By shifting detailed content delivery to digital videos, the system achieves a balance between automation and human engagement, preserving the educational and cultural value of the tours while enriching the visitor experience.

The system also tackles operational challenges such as inconsistent guide quality and managing visitor flow. By standardizing content through digital means, it reduces reliance on human resources for repetitive tasks, boosting operational efficiency while maintaining the cultural essence of traditional craftsmanship. This model offers a scalable solution for other manufacturing sites transitioning into cultural attractions, aligning with the broader trends of tourism and digital innovation.

This design research is presented at Design Incubation Colloquium 11.2: Annual CAA Conference 2025 (Hybrid) on Friday, February 14, 2025.