A design innovation of batik centre exhibition: bridging sustainability for artisan community

Malaysia’s batik heritage, sustained by over 80,000 artisans, faces significant engagement decline due to outdated exhibition formats and weak technological integration. While cultural institutions attract millions annually, batik remains trapped in static displays, undercutting its appeal to younger, tech-oriented audiences. This research proposes a transformative design innovation for a Batik Centre Exhibition that balances immersive display technologies with sustainability principles and cultural authenticity. Adopting a qualitative comparative case method, the study analyses three Malaysian sites and four global precedents through thematic and content analysis. Findings inform a flexible exhibition framework featuring motion-activated AR storytelling booths, projection-mapped facades, and live community labs. This framework aims to reinvigorate cultural appreciation, democratize heritage access, and secure batik’s continuity in a digital, multicultural Malaysia. The research expands on the proposed framework by highlighting the need for interaction-driven experiences that go beyond visual appreciation. The inclusion of motion-activated AR storytelling booths provides dynamic narratives that connect users emotionally with the craft. Projection-mapped facades bring static surfaces to life, allowing batik patterns and stories to unfold across walls and objects in real-time. Live community labs act as collaborative spaces where artisans and visitors engage in batik-making activities, reinforcing intergenerational knowledge transfer. These components, informed by the comparative case analysis, reflect the potential of integrating culture, technology, and sustainability into a cohesive design strategy. By doing so, the Batik Centre Exhibition not only enhances visitor engagement but also supports broader goals of cultural preservation and innovation. This model presents a replicable blueprint for revitalizing heritage in contemporary contexts.