Virtual Reality and Interactive Experience Design for Intangible Cultural Heritage Yao Embroidery

The integration of intangible cultural heritage with digital technology enhances museum exhibitions by improving their experiential, immersive, and entertaining qualities. This study focuses on creating a virtual Yao embroidery design experience for the Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall of Yao Village in China’s Nanling Corridor. Utilizing VR technology, the exhibit allows visitors to engage with the Yao Ethnic Group’s cultural heritage interactively. Participants use VR equipment to assist a virtual Yao character in designing a dress for an upcoming event. The virtual guide explains the basics, history, and significance of Yao embroidery, then invites visitors to help complete a Pan Wang Yin pattern on an unfinished dress. Through simple VR handle operations, visitors can create embroidery patterns. Once the design is finished, the system generates a Yao dress based on the chosen patterns and displays it on the virtual character. Visitors can view the dress from all angles with the VR perspective. This interactive experience not only promotes Yao culture but also sparks interest and appreciation for traditional heritage. It offers a novel approach to preserving and innovating Yao embroidery techniques, making cultural education more engaging and accessible.